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Bambino and Mr. Twain
LOST
Mark Twain's Cat
After the death of his beloved wife, Samuel Clemens—known to his fans as Mark Twain—holed himself up in his house, too sad to face the outside world. His constant companion in his grief was Bambino, his daughter Clara’s cat. Despite the pleas of his daughter Jean and the well wishes of his friends and admirers, Sam could not find joy in life. His only peace was in the moments he spent with the curious cat.
Then one day Bambino got out of the house to chase a squirrel and didn’t come back. Distraught, Sam placed an ad in the newspaper offering a reward for Bambino’s return. Many people with many cats came to his door. The world wanted to cheer up Mark Twain. No cat but Bambino could console the great writer, however.
Rich, luminous illustrations highlight this friendship of a man and his cat in a time of great sorrow and through his healing. Nothing compares to the solace of a pet.
Mark Twain's Cat
After the death of his beloved wife, Samuel Clemens—known to his fans as Mark Twain—holed himself up in his house, too sad to face the outside world. His constant companion in his grief was Bambino, his daughter Clara’s cat. Despite the pleas of his daughter Jean and the well wishes of his friends and admirers, Sam could not find joy in life. His only peace was in the moments he spent with the curious cat.
Then one day Bambino got out of the house to chase a squirrel and didn’t come back. Distraught, Sam placed an ad in the newspaper offering a reward for Bambino’s return. Many people with many cats came to his door. The world wanted to cheer up Mark Twain. No cat but Bambino could console the great writer, however.
Rich, luminous illustrations highlight this friendship of a man and his cat in a time of great sorrow and through his healing. Nothing compares to the solace of a pet.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 23, 2019
Devastated by the recent death of his wife, Livy, and by the subsequent mental breakdown of his oldest daughter, Clara, Samuel Clemens - better known as Mark Twain, famous author and bon vivant - withdraws into himself in this poignant picture-book biography, refusing to leave his Fifth Avenue home, and sinking deeper and deeper into depression. Only Bambino, the coal-black cat entrusted to his care when Clara was admitted to a clinic, brings him any comfort. When Bambino disappears out a window one day and does not return, the reclusive author must once again deal with the outside world, as he searches for his lost feline. Placing an advertisement in the papers, and offering a reward, Twain is overwhelmed by the response he receives, discovering in the process that the public truly have a place for him in their hearts, and that by worrying about someone else, he is taken out of his own trouble.
Bambino and Mr. Twain is just a delightful book, with a heartwarming true story from author P.I. Maltbie, whose other picture-book biographies include Picasso and Minou and Claude Monet: The Painter Who Stopped the Trains , and lovely illustrations from Daniel Miyares. As a cat-lover, I enjoyed everything about this book, from the charmingly decorated endpapers to the informative afterword that provided additional details about Twain and Bambino. A moving portrait of grief, it also offers a glimpse of one of America's most celebrated authors. Recommended to all young cat lovers, to children who enjoy biography, and to Mark Twain fans. It can be paired with The Extraordinary Mark Twain , another picture-book which highlights the author's relationship with his daughter Susy.
Bambino and Mr. Twain is just a delightful book, with a heartwarming true story from author P.I. Maltbie, whose other picture-book biographies include Picasso and Minou and Claude Monet: The Painter Who Stopped the Trains , and lovely illustrations from Daniel Miyares. As a cat-lover, I enjoyed everything about this book, from the charmingly decorated endpapers to the informative afterword that provided additional details about Twain and Bambino. A moving portrait of grief, it also offers a glimpse of one of America's most celebrated authors. Recommended to all young cat lovers, to children who enjoy biography, and to Mark Twain fans. It can be paired with The Extraordinary Mark Twain , another picture-book which highlights the author's relationship with his daughter Susy.
April 25, 2012
In 1904, after losing his beloved wife, Mark Twain shut his door on the public life he had led. Instead, he stayed indoors spending much of his time alone except for his daughter’s cat, Bambino. The two of them grew closer as they played billiards together, shared ice cream for his birthday, and stayed together in a bed crowded with books and papers. One day, after spotting a squirrel outside the window, Bambino leapt out and disappeared. Twain put an ad in the paper and many people came with cats and kittens just to meet the famous author. But none of the cats were Bambino. Three days later, Bambino appeared on the doorstep as if nothing had happened. Mark Twain took inspiration from his small companion, and started being part of public life again.
Read the rest of my review on my blog, Waking Brain Cells.
Read the rest of my review on my blog, Waking Brain Cells.
March 15, 2021
When it comes to famous people and their cats there are plenty of stories out there for the searching reader. In this particular case the story of Mark Twain and his daughter's cat was actually a new story, which up until now I had never heard of. As such I would have hoped to have found a thrilling and inspiring story but instead it was quite mediocre.
The main change I would have chosen for this particular book would have been with the note found in the back. These paragraphs did include important information about events prior to those found within the book and in my honest opinion I wish that part had been an introduction to the actual plot since otherwise the story felt like it was abruptly started in the midst. Although later points implied to these prior events those without any knowledge would have just guessed that Twain was just deeply depressed along with his family.
The actual story itself was told in a much more bland style while to me there just didn't seem as much emotion as this particular story should have required in its telling. As such the depth is surely missing and the story just becomes one of those basically a story of a depressed famous man whose spoiled cat helps him to re-find his place in life.
Bambino was kind of portrayed as a bit of a scrawny cat and there were definitely some times when the coloring of this puss was quite questionable. In the book's plot and also in the notes it stated Bambino was a complete black cat. But there were times when he was portrayed with some white on his chest or with a white belly such as when he took off after the squirrel.
Strangely enough most of the pictures I could find of Twain and a cat within an image search displayed him with a tabby cat. Upon further research, though, the man had a love for cat with around 19 for himself and a passion that had him renting them in destination spots while paying for their upkeep until these rental cats passed to the Rainbow Gate. Much more interesting information that was not included.
Although it wasn't the best book about Twain it does make for a nice little introduction read for those parents who are still open-minded about Classic authors. And as such it can also be a good introductory read to explain deep loss to young readers who are ready to learn about such subjects as well as how it can affect family members differently.
The main change I would have chosen for this particular book would have been with the note found in the back. These paragraphs did include important information about events prior to those found within the book and in my honest opinion I wish that part had been an introduction to the actual plot since otherwise the story felt like it was abruptly started in the midst. Although later points implied to these prior events those without any knowledge would have just guessed that Twain was just deeply depressed along with his family.
The actual story itself was told in a much more bland style while to me there just didn't seem as much emotion as this particular story should have required in its telling. As such the depth is surely missing and the story just becomes one of those basically a story of a depressed famous man whose spoiled cat helps him to re-find his place in life.
Bambino was kind of portrayed as a bit of a scrawny cat and there were definitely some times when the coloring of this puss was quite questionable. In the book's plot and also in the notes it stated Bambino was a complete black cat. But there were times when he was portrayed with some white on his chest or with a white belly such as when he took off after the squirrel.
Strangely enough most of the pictures I could find of Twain and a cat within an image search displayed him with a tabby cat. Upon further research, though, the man had a love for cat with around 19 for himself and a passion that had him renting them in destination spots while paying for their upkeep until these rental cats passed to the Rainbow Gate. Much more interesting information that was not included.
Although it wasn't the best book about Twain it does make for a nice little introduction read for those parents who are still open-minded about Classic authors. And as such it can also be a good introductory read to explain deep loss to young readers who are ready to learn about such subjects as well as how it can affect family members differently.
January 27, 2012
A charming story about how his daughter's cat revives the spirit of a depressed and grieving Samuel Clemens. Includes author's note and bibliography.
August 13, 2018
We bought this book from the Mark Twain Home and Museum in Connecticut in 2018. The special exhibit at that time was about Mark Twain's love of animals and the many things he wrote about them. We loved reading about his love for cats and about all the interesting ways he included cats and other animals in his writing. We always love finding a book about our travels that includes a cat somehow and this fit the bill.
The story is a little depressing, though. The cat is described as a friend/comforter to Twain after his wife dies and his daughter goes to live in a sanitarium (and can't keep the cat with her). Through much of the book, Twain is melancholic, disinterested in life and moody, spending much of his time with the cat. Eventually the cat gets out and Twain offers a reward for his return which captures the interest of many who come to his house during the search. The cat returns and Twain eventually re-enters society, supposedly having been bolstered by the kindness of the people who wanted to help him when he lost Bambino and the realization that there was more to life than shutting himself away from the world.
The writing is just ok. There's just something about it that I didn't like - it felt like it was trying to be biographical and cute at the same time and not succeeding. Some of the scenes just didn't really seem worth including and left me wondering which scenes were true to life and which were imagined. The illustrations, also, are not very compelling. They are digitally done but have a faux mixed media style - too angular and messy for my taste although I liked the colors/tones.
Overall, it's a decent story but it's kind of a downer, the moral isn't very strong and it's just not that fun to read. It will help us remember Twain's fondness for cats (he had well over a dozen of them all with interesting, often comical, names) and the difficulties he faced in life.
The story is a little depressing, though. The cat is described as a friend/comforter to Twain after his wife dies and his daughter goes to live in a sanitarium (and can't keep the cat with her). Through much of the book, Twain is melancholic, disinterested in life and moody, spending much of his time with the cat. Eventually the cat gets out and Twain offers a reward for his return which captures the interest of many who come to his house during the search. The cat returns and Twain eventually re-enters society, supposedly having been bolstered by the kindness of the people who wanted to help him when he lost Bambino and the realization that there was more to life than shutting himself away from the world.
The writing is just ok. There's just something about it that I didn't like - it felt like it was trying to be biographical and cute at the same time and not succeeding. Some of the scenes just didn't really seem worth including and left me wondering which scenes were true to life and which were imagined. The illustrations, also, are not very compelling. They are digitally done but have a faux mixed media style - too angular and messy for my taste although I liked the colors/tones.
Overall, it's a decent story but it's kind of a downer, the moral isn't very strong and it's just not that fun to read. It will help us remember Twain's fondness for cats (he had well over a dozen of them all with interesting, often comical, names) and the difficulties he faced in life.
July 6, 2019
"Bambino and Mr. Twain" by P.I. Maltbie tells the interesting story of the famous author, Mark Twain, and his daughter's cat, Bambino. The story begins with a reporter wanting to see Mr. Twain. His housekeeper explains that Mr. Twain cannot be disturbed. Mr. Twain, Sam, in the story is grieving the death of his wife, Livy. One day Sam celebrates his birthday. His daughter, Jean, continues his wife's tradition of lighting a single candle. The author stated, "The girls and I decided you should have a single candle on your cake so you'll never grow old," Livy had said. The story changes when Bambino goes missing. Sam puts an advertisement in the local newspaper for his daughter's missing cat. Four days later, Bambino returns and an announcement was placed in all of the newspapers discussing Bambinos's returned. With Bambino returned, Sam decides to return the public world he loved and he had several white suits made. He wore these white suits as his trademark and to remind himself of happier days when his entire was family. I really enjoyed this book. I was able to learn more about Samuel Clemens life from the author's note at the end of the book. Daniel Miyares did a fantastic job with illustrating this book. I enjoyed seeing the details and colors in each illustration. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has read and enjoyed books by Mark Twain.
February 25, 2023
You never think of Mark Twain/Samuel Clemens as living with heartbreak & grief. He always seemed on - personable, comic, lively. But he is someone who dealt with sadness, having lost his beloved wife, & in this book, Twain deals with that grief in an all-too-human way. This book is a good reminder that Mark Twain was human like the rest of us & within the book, he gets a reminder to come out of that post-grief shell.
This book was very well done.
This book was very well done.
June 12, 2024
This story is for everyone who knows that cats are amazing four footed friends. Based on the life of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) after his wife Olivia passed away. He thought his life should have been over and he retreated from the world. Bambino comes to the rescue, more or less, as you will find out if you spend a short time reading this interesting picture book.
January 6, 2023
Nice illustrations, especially of the cat in motion.
If you're getting this for a child (as opposed to Twain fan or cat-lover) be aware that death and grief are the main subject, not cats per se, and be prepared to talk about those themes.
If you're getting this for a child (as opposed to Twain fan or cat-lover) be aware that death and grief are the main subject, not cats per se, and be prepared to talk about those themes.
February 27, 2025
Bambino and Mr Twain
By p.i. Maltese
Daniel miyares
A beautiful story of loss and recovery. Of understanding and love. Remarkable that this story is not widely known. It shows the nature of inspiration.. love.. grief.. and life.
By p.i. Maltese
Daniel miyares
A beautiful story of loss and recovery. Of understanding and love. Remarkable that this story is not widely known. It shows the nature of inspiration.. love.. grief.. and life.
August 8, 2026
visited mark twain's house in hartford and missed my black cat. so this kind of hit different and i feel a new kinship to sam, along with living in missouri, loving travel, and similar world views from experiences.
everyone needs a bambino in their life <3
everyone needs a bambino in their life <3
August 30, 2018
Love this book!
March 15, 2020
Loved it cats are awesome
April 10, 2020
The kids were laughing at me because I cried through half of it.
September 1, 2020
“Everyone wants to meet witty Mark Twain,” the man said.
“But tell me, Bambino, would they want to meet sad, old Samuel Clements?”
“But tell me, Bambino, would they want to meet sad, old Samuel Clements?”
January 20, 2026
This book reads like a biography but is historical fiction. Nice sentiment about a pet helping with depression but it's kind of depressing as a picture book.
January 24, 2012
Author P.I. Maltbie returns to the theme of famous individuals and their pets--a subject she visited in her 2008 book Picasso and Minou--in her newest picture book. In this story, we meet Samuel Clemens, otherwise known as Mark Twain, a sad old man who has lost his beloved wife, Livy, and is living like a recluse in his house on 5th Avenue in New York City. His daughter's cat, Bambino, keeps him company as he spends more and more time in bed, refusing to accept invitations from people he's convinced will be expecting to meet the witty author Mark Twain, rather than a grumpy old man.
But when Bambino jumps out the window into the busy city, in pursuit of a squirrel, the celebrated author offers a reward for his return. Soon people from all over the city appear with cats and kittens of every description for Mr. Twain, even offering to lend him their own pets. Reporters came too, to write about Twain's missing pet. Will the "prodigal cat" return?
This is a delightful picture book for elementary school students. Since children generally love animals, they will easily identify with how the cat Bambino enriches Twain's life, and how when he goes missing it mobilizes the author's fans. An author's note at the end of the book provides further details on Twain and his household, including Bambino. The author also provides a brief bibliography of books about Mark Twain. Suggestions of further reading for young people would have been valuable as well (the titles offered seem to all be for adults).
Illustrator Daniel Miyares, in his second illustrated book for young people, uses mixed media and digital techniques to create striking illustrations for this tale. The images are stylized in a manner which makes them appear like collage or papercutting, and the muted colors with the glowing lighting provide a nostalgic quality to the pictures.
This book would be nicely paired with another picture book on Mark Twain published last year, The Extraordinary Mark Twain, According to Suzy, by Barbara Kerley (Scholastic, 2010).
But when Bambino jumps out the window into the busy city, in pursuit of a squirrel, the celebrated author offers a reward for his return. Soon people from all over the city appear with cats and kittens of every description for Mr. Twain, even offering to lend him their own pets. Reporters came too, to write about Twain's missing pet. Will the "prodigal cat" return?
This is a delightful picture book for elementary school students. Since children generally love animals, they will easily identify with how the cat Bambino enriches Twain's life, and how when he goes missing it mobilizes the author's fans. An author's note at the end of the book provides further details on Twain and his household, including Bambino. The author also provides a brief bibliography of books about Mark Twain. Suggestions of further reading for young people would have been valuable as well (the titles offered seem to all be for adults).
Illustrator Daniel Miyares, in his second illustrated book for young people, uses mixed media and digital techniques to create striking illustrations for this tale. The images are stylized in a manner which makes them appear like collage or papercutting, and the muted colors with the glowing lighting provide a nostalgic quality to the pictures.
This book would be nicely paired with another picture book on Mark Twain published last year, The Extraordinary Mark Twain, According to Suzy, by Barbara Kerley (Scholastic, 2010).
July 19, 2016
Story of a sorrowful time in Samuel Clement's, best known by his pen name Mark Twain, life when he is grieving the loss of his beloved wife Livy. Finding only small comfortyfrom his cat Bambino his days are long and lonely ones. One day Bambino leaps out a window and Mr. Clements seeks aid in finding his furry friend. The community comes together to try and help their favorite author with many many cats of all shapes, sizes and colors. Their kindness and the return of Bambino makes Mr. Clements realize he needs to start living and writing again.
May 29, 2012
In 1904 Sam Clemens leads a reclusive life in New York City after the death of his wife, who was also his editor, until his cat Bambino influences him to re-join society. Includes brief notes on the life and work of Samuel Langhorne Clemens who was known to the world by his pen name, Mark Twain.
Historical fiction - Picture book.
Subjects
Twain, Mark, 1835-1910 -- Juvenile fiction.
Authors, American -- Juvenile fiction.
Cats -- Juvenile diction.
New York (N.Y.) -- History -- 1898-1951 -- Juvenile fiction.
Historical fiction - Picture book.
Subjects
Twain, Mark, 1835-1910 -- Juvenile fiction.
Authors, American -- Juvenile fiction.
Cats -- Juvenile diction.
New York (N.Y.) -- History -- 1898-1951 -- Juvenile fiction.
Read
February 5, 2013Author P.I. Maltbie returns to the theme of famous individuals and their pets--a subject she visited in her 2008 book Picasso and Minou--in her newest picture book. In this story, we meet Samuel Clemens, otherwise known as Mark Twain, a sad old man who has lost his beloved wife, Livy, and is living like a recluse in his house on 5th Avenue in New York City. His daughter's cat, Bambino, keeps him company as he spends more and more time in bed, refusing to accept invitations from people he's convinced will be expecting to meet the witty author Mark Twain, rather than a grumpy old man.
August 17, 2013
A cute story about how his cat's brief escape from home was the catalyst for getting Mark Twain out of his depression over the death of his wife. (A little speculative, but the cat's escape and subsequent arrivals of fans offering cats to console him really did happen.) Nice illustrations and appropriate language for a picture book; the housekeeper's dislike for the cat adds humor. Not really a biography but more an illustrated moment from the famous author's life. Brief bibliography and author's note at the end, which references the real-life incident.
July 16, 2012
Anyone who loves cats will love this book. Anyone interested in a glimpse into Mark Twain's life will enjoy this book. I loved the feelings portrayed in the book in regards to Mark Twain losing his wife... I had this as a read aloud with my son and he was confused at first about whether this was really a biography or a story... We agreed in the end it was a story with a loads of information about Mark Twain. Touching, wonderful book.
September 23, 2012
Based on actual events in the life of Samuel Clemens (mark Twain) following the death of his wife, this story describes how he withdrew into isolation and despair, spending his time mainly with his daughters cat, Bambino. With the passage of two seasons and an incident in which the cat runs away, he rediscovers the many things in the outside worlds that have value and interest to him and he reclaims his life. (Bambino returns.) Back matter provides excellent research details.
November 21, 2016
I can't say why but I've always loved Mark Twain. Everything he did seemed to be wonderful. I think it stems from this movie I saw back in the 90's called Mark Twain and Me. I wish they'd put that on DVD.
I appreciated this book bringing out a dark time in Mr. Twains life and the gritty truth of the loss he was feeling. I will admit I cried openly while reading this book.
Thank you author for this small glimpse into a great man's life.
I appreciated this book bringing out a dark time in Mr. Twains life and the gritty truth of the loss he was feeling. I will admit I cried openly while reading this book.
Thank you author for this small glimpse into a great man's life.
March 30, 2012
After his wife's death, Samuel Clemens becomes despondent and withdraws from his public life altogether. Only when his daughter's cat, who has become his constant companion about the house, goes missing does the author find the will to venture out into the world again.
It's a very sweet story showing the power of our love for furry creatures and supposed to be true.
It's a very sweet story showing the power of our love for furry creatures and supposed to be true.
July 27, 2014
This is a cute little book, and the illustrations are very well done. I'm not sure how much to expect the story to appeal to its intended audience, though, compared to the adults who might be choosing books for them. It's based on a true story of when Twain(Clemens)'s cat disappeared briefly during the time he was mourning the death of his wife, and had gone into seclusion.
August 18, 2015
This brief story captures a pivotal event in Samuel Clemens' later life, and illustrator Daniel Miyares imaginatively captures not only the contributing events but the feeling they evoked for Clemens, his younger daughter and housekeeper, and their surrounding neighbors. Miyares gets the 5 stars for his somewhat impressionistic style and skill in creating the visual world this story is told in.
August 9, 2022
I'm glad I read this book before giving it away to my niece (who loves cats)--the prominent story of the death of Livy Clemens might be a little much for a six-year-old, but the reading level and content is probably fine for one of my older nieces. It's a really well-done book and gives a nuanced picture of one of our great writers.
July 1, 2012
A look inside the life of a grieving Samuel Clemens, AKA Mark Twain, and how his daughter's cat Bambino helped him to live again after the death of his wife.
I loved the story and enjoyed the illustrations though they seemed a bit cartoonish/Disney Movie-sih for the likes of Mark Twain.
I loved the story and enjoyed the illustrations though they seemed a bit cartoonish/Disney Movie-sih for the likes of Mark Twain.
August 5, 2014
This story is interesting because it tells you how Mark Twain began wearing white suits all the time. On the cover of the book is a picture of him wearing a white suit. It makes me think of Colonel Sanders of KFC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews