The Candle and the Cat

by Mary Finley Leonard

"The Candle and the Cat" by Mary F. Leonard is a heartwarming tale of Caro, a young girl who spreads love and kindness through simple gestures. The story follows Caro's interactions with her family, Walter Grayson, and Trolley the cat, emphasizing themes of friendship, empathy, and the impact of small acts of kindness. As Caro navigates challenges and learns valuable lessons, readers are reminded of the significance of compassion in fostering meaningful relationships. The narrative culminates in a touching Christmas party that reunites old friends and showcases the power of love and forgiveness.

88 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1901

Reviews

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little evening time read from Gutenberg, the eternal "sweet little girl changes the lives of embittered adults" trope with a shared cat attached. It's interesting that the "angel in the house" is usually a little girl; the only little boy I've ever read of who charmed adults into changing their lives was Burnett's Little Lord Fauntleroy, but even he was feminized by the author, with his velvet and lace and long curly blond hair. Poor old Marjorie deserved more page time, IMO.
I found it odd that Caro's parents are first supposedly travelling somewhere together (where is never stipulated) and yet at Christmas Mummy comes to stay with Grandpa (her father) while Daddy goes to visit someone else.
Sentimental and soupy, yes, but an undemanding "story story" after a string of lacklustre choices.

[Rut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww I have never heard of this author before. But now I want to read more by her. I loved this one. I like its simplicity with which she balances the enchanting vision of the children in the story with the depth and complexity of the pain of the adults around them. Without many words, the author makes both things possible, on one hand you remember what it was like to be a child and believe in the possibility of working out every problem, while she also makes you identify or imagine at least the unexpected struggles of adult life and how their burden shadows our days sometimes, inescapably it seems, until your remember to look for the light and to be the light.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet little children's story about Caro and her temporary home.