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Mog the Forgetful Cat #13
Mog and the Granny
Book by Kerr, Judith
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
2 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Judith Kerr
118 books381 followersJudith Kerr was a German-born British writer and illustrator who has created both enduring picture books such as the Mog series and The Tiger Who Came To Tea and acclaimed novels for older children such as the autobiographical When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit which give a child's-eye view of the Second World War.
Kerr was born in Berlin but left Germany with her parents and her brother, Michael, in 1933, soon after the Nazis first came to power. They were forced to leave as her father, noted drama critic, journalist and screenwriter Alfred Kerr, had openly criticised the Nazis,who burned his books shortly after the family had fled Germany. They travelled first to Switzerland and then on into France, before finally settling in Britain, where Kerr has lived ever since. She subsequently became a naturalised British citizen.
Kerr was born in Berlin but left Germany with her parents and her brother, Michael, in 1933, soon after the Nazis first came to power. They were forced to leave as her father, noted drama critic, journalist and screenwriter Alfred Kerr, had openly criticised the Nazis,who burned his books shortly after the family had fled Germany. They travelled first to Switzerland and then on into France, before finally settling in Britain, where Kerr has lived ever since. She subsequently became a naturalised British citizen.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 5, 2023
Read this the other night when I went over to babysit for my grandson. I gave him a set of six Mogg books for his birthday but have only been able to read a couple so far.
When I have come over to visit, he usually prefers me to a play with him. What can I say? Anyway, this is a fun story about Mogg being left with Granny and her cat, Tibbles, who Mogg is not exactly crazy about. 😼 The feelings are mutual. 🙀 They are cats after all! I think it's amazing they get along as well as they do! Mogg's real family has gone away on vacation to America, so the threesome has to figure out how to get along together for a little while.
Granny seems somewhat oblivious to how Mogg feels, being the outsider, but she's not a bad ole' gal. Mogg is just homesick. They have some adventures and get to know each other better over the course of their time together.
It is a cute cute story and one I hope to read again when I go back to babysit, along with the other five Mogg books. Thanks again Hilary for recommending this series!
When I have come over to visit, he usually prefers me to a play with him. What can I say? Anyway, this is a fun story about Mogg being left with Granny and her cat, Tibbles, who Mogg is not exactly crazy about. 😼 The feelings are mutual. 🙀 They are cats after all! I think it's amazing they get along as well as they do! Mogg's real family has gone away on vacation to America, so the threesome has to figure out how to get along together for a little while.
Granny seems somewhat oblivious to how Mogg feels, being the outsider, but she's not a bad ole' gal. Mogg is just homesick. They have some adventures and get to know each other better over the course of their time together.
It is a cute cute story and one I hope to read again when I go back to babysit, along with the other five Mogg books. Thanks again Hilary for recommending this series!
November 30, 2018
When the Thomas family goes to America for the summer holidays, Mog is sent to stay with Granny and her cat Tibbles. Although Mog "didn't like things to be exciting. She liked them to be the same," she finds that staying with Granny isn't so bad. She's well-cared for, and she and Tibbles usually get along. But when a frightening day-dream involving Debbie being kidnapped by some 'bird-people' precipitates the alarmed feline into the centre of Granny's tea party, causing catastrophe, the clumsy Mog is disheartened. Then she gets a vision of the Thomases returning, and sets off to welcome them home, only to find herself chased up a tree by a local dog. How will she get down, and will it happen in time for her to welcome her family...?
Judith Kerr's thirteenth title devoted to the adventures of that adorably befuddled kitty whose story began in Mog the Forgetful Cat (1970), Mog and the Granny contained a number of themes to be found in earlier entries in the series. Mog's penchant for (unintentionally) causing trouble, and then withdrawing in hurt and confusion can be seen here, as can her proclivity towards unusual dream imagery featuring threatening bird-like creatures. The 'bird-people,' who are really 'Red Indians' participating in a show that the Thomases are enjoying over in America, reminded me of the 'mousedogbirds' that our feline heroine encountered in Mog in the Dark . The association was interesting, although I think the reader is meant to understand that the images that Mog sees in this case are visions of actual events, rather than just dreams. As a fan of the series, I wish I could say that I enjoyed this one, but I was troubled by the scenes involving Native Americans here, much as I was in Mog’s Amazing Birthday Caper . Not only is there quite a bit of cultural confusion - men in full stereotypical Plains regalia, standing outside tipis, while totem poles(!) appear in the background - but the entire sequence seems to rest on the perception of Native peoples as tourist attractions and curiosities, rather than as real human beings. Symbols and myths, rather than residents of the present-day world. Although children's books in the USA and Canada still sometimes contain this kind of depiction of indigenous peoples, I think it is becoming less common. In the UK and other parts of Europe, on the other hand, the exotification of the native peoples of the western hemisphere continues, and there seems to be little awareness of why this might be problematic. Sadly, this is not one of the Mog books I recommend, and I can understand why it hasn't been published in the states...
Judith Kerr's thirteenth title devoted to the adventures of that adorably befuddled kitty whose story began in Mog the Forgetful Cat (1970), Mog and the Granny contained a number of themes to be found in earlier entries in the series. Mog's penchant for (unintentionally) causing trouble, and then withdrawing in hurt and confusion can be seen here, as can her proclivity towards unusual dream imagery featuring threatening bird-like creatures. The 'bird-people,' who are really 'Red Indians' participating in a show that the Thomases are enjoying over in America, reminded me of the 'mousedogbirds' that our feline heroine encountered in Mog in the Dark . The association was interesting, although I think the reader is meant to understand that the images that Mog sees in this case are visions of actual events, rather than just dreams. As a fan of the series, I wish I could say that I enjoyed this one, but I was troubled by the scenes involving Native Americans here, much as I was in Mog’s Amazing Birthday Caper . Not only is there quite a bit of cultural confusion - men in full stereotypical Plains regalia, standing outside tipis, while totem poles(!) appear in the background - but the entire sequence seems to rest on the perception of Native peoples as tourist attractions and curiosities, rather than as real human beings. Symbols and myths, rather than residents of the present-day world. Although children's books in the USA and Canada still sometimes contain this kind of depiction of indigenous peoples, I think it is becoming less common. In the UK and other parts of Europe, on the other hand, the exotification of the native peoples of the western hemisphere continues, and there seems to be little awareness of why this might be problematic. Sadly, this is not one of the Mog books I recommend, and I can understand why it hasn't been published in the states...
March 28, 2019
Another good entry in the Mog books. The main story is very enjoyable, as poor Mog is sent to "the granny" while Debbie and family are on holiday in the US.
There is some weird stuff about Mog having psychic abilities, including a very dated bit about "Red Indians", but Mog's overall aversion to change and his interactions with Tibbles (the granny's cat) are great fun. My toddler daughter definitely enjoys this one.
There is some weird stuff about Mog having psychic abilities, including a very dated bit about "Red Indians", but Mog's overall aversion to change and his interactions with Tibbles (the granny's cat) are great fun. My toddler daughter definitely enjoys this one.
April 15, 2018
Mog is a very lovable character, all she wants is to be at home with her family. This is something we can all relate to. The book combines a simple yet descriptive text with several fun illustrations telling the bulk of the story. You could almost tell the story without any words at all. The words though are easy enough for all children to read and in just the right quantity to tell the story and provide enough background. The illustrations show a wide range of emotions displayed by the characters. Sadness, fear and excitement are just some of the those featured.
The book is particularly suitable for key stage 1 children due to the simple language and short text sections found. They will also love the fun illustrations which will make everyone smile. The themes the book describes include, adapting to different situations, the importance of family life, and the bonds of friendship. They are not particularly subtle themes and can all be easily understood from the pictures alone; which is ideal for a younger reader.
The book is a great with simply helping children who are learning to read. However, the themes of the book would also be very easy to fit into a variety of lessons. Whether it be about families, pets or even making friends. I think the only slight downfall is the lack of an introduction to the characters, this is because the book is part of a series, so by reading them all in order this becomes a non-issue. However, when reading as a stand-alone book, a bit more introduction would be nice.
I see this book as ideal in helping younger children learn to read, ensuring they enjoy the story, are able to read without too much difficulty, and appreciate the fun illustrations which are very easy to relate back to their own experiences.
The book is particularly suitable for key stage 1 children due to the simple language and short text sections found. They will also love the fun illustrations which will make everyone smile. The themes the book describes include, adapting to different situations, the importance of family life, and the bonds of friendship. They are not particularly subtle themes and can all be easily understood from the pictures alone; which is ideal for a younger reader.
The book is a great with simply helping children who are learning to read. However, the themes of the book would also be very easy to fit into a variety of lessons. Whether it be about families, pets or even making friends. I think the only slight downfall is the lack of an introduction to the characters, this is because the book is part of a series, so by reading them all in order this becomes a non-issue. However, when reading as a stand-alone book, a bit more introduction would be nice.
I see this book as ideal in helping younger children learn to read, ensuring they enjoy the story, are able to read without too much difficulty, and appreciate the fun illustrations which are very easy to relate back to their own experiences.
April 13, 2025
"We're going to America where the skyscrapers are.
We're not going by train but on an aeroplane.
We'll see all the sights, and it will be very surprising
because they have their days when we have our nights!"
Yesterday we hit the jackpot of Mog! We have always kept an eye out for Judith Kerr, especially this series of Mog the Forgetful Cat books. You may know her better from the children's classic The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
This book sees Mog staying with grandma when their family goes on holiday. Unknown to Mog, gran has a cat of her own and much hijinx is had by the pair.
This felt much more like the usual style of this series of books. Cute and charming with a few laughs along the way. 3 1/2 stars.
We're not going by train but on an aeroplane.
We'll see all the sights, and it will be very surprising
because they have their days when we have our nights!"
Yesterday we hit the jackpot of Mog! We have always kept an eye out for Judith Kerr, especially this series of Mog the Forgetful Cat books. You may know her better from the children's classic The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
This book sees Mog staying with grandma when their family goes on holiday. Unknown to Mog, gran has a cat of her own and much hijinx is had by the pair.
This felt much more like the usual style of this series of books. Cute and charming with a few laughs along the way. 3 1/2 stars.
May 26, 2018
Another of my granddaughter's current favourites - Mog stays with a catsitter while her family visits the United States. Mog doesn't like things to be exciting - she wants them to remain the same. Needless to say, she doesn't get her wish...
May 30, 2019
Badly needs an update in vernacular regarding Native Americans and the difference between actual Native American culture and tourist catering Wild West shows. Much could possibly be saved by changing the term " a special Red Indian show" to "a special Wild West show".
February 25, 2019
Another Mog book. I didn't find it amazing.
February 11, 2020
Recommended by many parents with 2 year olds, my daughter likes to leaf through the book but it is not one she will select to be read to her
August 10, 2023
As I always believed, cats can travel the astral plane and see their people when not with them. Mog I love you.
June 8, 2024
Lovely, we enjoyed Mog’s lack of enthusiasm but not sure about Native American portrayal
November 26, 2025
that was lovely. <3
April 30, 2012
In which Mog (the forgetful cat) develops psychic abilities, that's all I'll say.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews