Gobbolino, the Witch's Cat facts for kids
Gobbolino, The Witch's Cat is a popular children's book written by Ursula Moray Williams. It was first published in 1942 by George G. Harrap, and the author herself drew the pictures for it. The book has been printed many times since then, sometimes with new illustrations. A special 70th anniversary edition, still with Williams's original drawings, was released as part of the Puffin Modern Classics series. You might also find shorter versions of the story, sometimes called "Gobbolino the kitchen cat."
In 1984, a sequel called The Further Adventures of Gobbolino and the Little Wooden Horse was published. This book continued the stories of both Gobbolino and another character from Williams's earlier book, Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse (1938).
The name 'Gobbolino' comes from an Italian word that means "little hunchback."
Contents
The Story of Gobbolino: A Cat's Big Adventure
Gobbolino is a special little black kitten born in a witch's cave. This cave is high up on a place called Hurricane Mountain. Unlike other witch's cats, Gobbolino has bright blue eyes and one white paw. His twin sister, Sootica, is a typical witch's cat with pure black fur and green eyes. She is excited to learn how to be a witch's cat.
But Gobbolino has a different dream. He wants to be a simple kitchen cat. He wishes for a loving human family to call his own. Gobbolino tries to fit in at the witch's cave, but he just can't do any of the tasks his mistress gives him. No other witch in the area wants him as an assistant either. So, he is left all alone.
At first, Gobbolino is very sad. But soon, he realizes this is his chance! He can now go after his true dream. He starts a big adventure to find what his heart truly desires.
Gobbolino's Journey to Find a Home
Gobbolino tries to be a normal kitchen cat in many different places.
- First, he tries living on a farm.
- Then, he goes to an orphanage.
- After that, he lives at the mayor's house.
But his magic always seems to cause trouble, even when he tries to be good.
He even becomes a show cat for a while. However, the other cats get jealous. They tell everyone that he is really a witch's cat. Next, he works as a ship's cat for a short time. He uses his magic to save the ship from a witch. This makes the sailors suspicious, so he returns to land.
A sick princess adopts him, but when she gets better, she leaves for boarding school without him. Gobbolino then joins a Punch and Judy puppet show. He pretends to be 'Toby the Dog.' But a witch in the audience sees through his disguise. She reveals that he is a witch's cat.
A kind knight finds Gobbolino and gives him as a gift to a lady. Gobbolino tries to help the knight win the lady's heart. But he only causes more problems. He leaves and is adopted by a woodcutter. Sadly, the woodcutter's great-granddaughter sells him to a pedlar-woman for a new dress.
Finding His True Place
Finally, Gobbolino starts to accept his magical powers. He becomes the pedlar-woman's helper. But he has a good heart and doesn't want to hurt anyone. This means he fails at every task she gives him. The pedlar-woman leaves him with his sister, Sootica, and her mistress. Again, he can't complete his tasks.
The witch puts a spell on Gobbolino. This spell takes away all his magical powers. His fur even fades to an ordinary tabby color. He finds his way back to the farm where his journey first began. His old friends are happy to welcome him back. And at last, Gobbolino becomes the farm's beloved kitchen cat, just as he always wished.
Songs and Books About Gobbolino
The story of Gobbolino was turned into a children's song by G. C. Westcott. This song became very popular in primary school music classes in Australia and New Zealand. It appeared in the 1978 edition of Sing. This was a music program by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. It included radio shows, recordings, and a yearly collection of songs. The Gobbolino song has three verses and a chorus.
Different Editions of the Book
You can find Gobbolino, The Witch's Cat in different versions:
