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The Christmas Day Kitten
"Christmas can never go by without my remembering a certain little cat."
So begins The Christmas Day Kitten, another true story from James Herriot's rich experience as a country vet. As always, the tale includes a vivid group of characters on two legs and four: Mrs. Pickering and her three stately Basset hounds, James himself, and Debbie, the self-possesed stray cat who makes a special contribution to Christmas at the Pickering house. This is one of James Herriot's own favorite stories, and it is sure to be one of yours.
So begins The Christmas Day Kitten, another true story from James Herriot's rich experience as a country vet. As always, the tale includes a vivid group of characters on two legs and four: Mrs. Pickering and her three stately Basset hounds, James himself, and Debbie, the self-possesed stray cat who makes a special contribution to Christmas at the Pickering house. This is one of James Herriot's own favorite stories, and it is sure to be one of yours.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
About the author
James Herriot
266 books3,549 followersJames Herriot is the pen name of James Alfred Wight, OBE, FRCVS also known as Alf Wight, an English veterinary surgeon and writer. Wight is best known for his semi-autobiographical stories, often referred to collectively as All Creatures Great and Small, a title used in some editions and in film and television adaptations.
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 4, 2026
Animals recognize and remember the comforts large and small that provided contentment and peace over the years. So when Debbie knows of another in need of such comforts themselves, she brings them forth to bask in the same pleasures of home, and experience the same love from family that she herself experienced. A bittersweet but touching read with both love and loss present.
December 23, 2019
"Christmas can never go by without my remembering a certain little cat. I first saw her when I called to see one of Mrs. Pickering's much loved Basset hounds."
A children's Christmas story by James Herriot with illustrations by Ruth Brown that set the quaint, charming scene of this story of the gift of a life that arrives along with loss.
March 11, 2023
Read this book to my kids when they were young. I loved it enough to keep it, even after all these years!
February 4, 2018
This book was a Christmas gift from my sister one year when i was little (sometime in the 80s). I loved it and still do. It's one of my favorites from childhood and the hardcover copy my sister gave me so many years ago is still on my bookshelf today 💖💖💖
October 23, 2019
5 stars.
I remember taking this to school, when I was about 8 years old, for show and tell. This was a favourite of mine. The story is beautiful and the illustrations are just absolutely gorgeous. This is one of those comfort books that you want to read while outside it's raining and you are curled up on the couch with a blanket and pillow all cozy.
UPDATE: So I decided to read this. It's just as sweet as I remember but what surprised me is that I realised this was one of those books, that as a child, because of all I had been through in my life
already up to the time I was able to read this, my brain had blocked the sadness in this story. While it ends happily, there is a deep sadness to it. I always knew there was something about this that my brain wouldn't allow me to understand. I guess now, around 25 years later, I read this, in some strange way, for the very first time. The sweetness was there but the sadness was too. I was able to take it all in. The cloud around this has lifted and I still think it is a beautiful story.
But right now, I'm definitely in a strong need of something NOT sad to read.
I remember taking this to school, when I was about 8 years old, for show and tell. This was a favourite of mine. The story is beautiful and the illustrations are just absolutely gorgeous. This is one of those comfort books that you want to read while outside it's raining and you are curled up on the couch with a blanket and pillow all cozy.
UPDATE: So I decided to read this. It's just as sweet as I remember but what surprised me is that I realised this was one of those books, that as a child, because of all I had been through in my life
already up to the time I was able to read this, my brain had blocked the sadness in this story. While it ends happily, there is a deep sadness to it. I always knew there was something about this that my brain wouldn't allow me to understand. I guess now, around 25 years later, I read this, in some strange way, for the very first time. The sweetness was there but the sadness was too. I was able to take it all in. The cloud around this has lifted and I still think it is a beautiful story.
But right now, I'm definitely in a strong need of something NOT sad to read.
December 13, 2025
The story of Debbie the stray cat who brings Mrs. Pickering the (and I am quoting) best Christmas present she has ever had appears in chapter nine of Yorkshire veterinarian James Herriot's omnibus All Things Wise and Wonderful, has always been a favourite episode of All Things Wise and Wonderful for me, but that I have never read the picture book based on said story, that I have never read the 1986 The Christmas Day Kitten, slightly adapted by Herriot and with accompanying artwork by Ruth Brown.
And in the poignant but ultimately heartwarming story of The Christmas Day Kitten, James Herriot shows himself attending in his capacity as veterinarian Mrs. Pickering's three coddled basset hounds at their home and there encountering Debbie, a very shy stray cat who regularly comes to the house to be fed by Mrs. Pickering but generally stays only briefly, although sometimes, like when Herriot (but of course in reality Alfred Wight) first notices Debbie, the cat sits in front of the fireplace for a while as though allowing herself a rare and warm treat. However and sadly, one snow-filled Christmas day, Mrs. Pickering apologetically phones James Herriot to come and help, since Debbie has come to the house carrying a tiny black kitten but is in terrible shape. And in fact, Debbie is dying, there is nothing Herriot can do for her in The Christmas Day Kitten (and even though I bien sûr knew this was coming since I have read and reread All Things Wise and Wonderful and especially chapter nine numerous times, I still started without guilt blubbering a bit) but that Debbie's kitten is adopted by Mrs. Pickering, is named Buster, is hilariously shown in The Christmas Day Kitten as being the antithesis of his shy mother, as becoming a feline retriever who fetches thrown balls with boundless enthusiasm and joy (while the three basset hounds sit and snore in front of the fireplace), that Buster is considered by Mrs. Pickering a loving and lovely Christmas present from Debbie (who obviously knew she was dying and took her kitten to Mrs. Pickering's home).
James Herriot's narration for The Christmas Day Kitten is straightforward, with the depicted events often showing their own sense of dramatics, and that while pathos is of course ever-present, Herriot provides this without exaggerated emotionality and that his text for The Christmas Day Kitten is also nicely balanced by and tempered with both humour and yuletide spirit, just like is the case regarding this story in All things Wise and Wonderful for that matter, that even though I teared up reading The Christmas Day Kitten (see above) I was also at the same time hugely smiling and also rather laughing out loud when Buster turns out to be a cat who fetches. And yes, Ruth Brown's colourful illustrations for The Christmas Day Kitten, they do an absolutely lovely job both reflecting and also visually expanding on James Herriot's words, with Bown's paintings delightfully drawing our eyes right into the Yorkshire landscape, the cozy hearth of the Pickering residence and that her realistic depictions of animals and humans for The Christmas Day Kitten are absolutely and marvellously a total visual feast (and that the combination of text and images makes The Christmas Day Kitten solidly five stars and as such also highly and warmly recommended).
And in the poignant but ultimately heartwarming story of The Christmas Day Kitten, James Herriot shows himself attending in his capacity as veterinarian Mrs. Pickering's three coddled basset hounds at their home and there encountering Debbie, a very shy stray cat who regularly comes to the house to be fed by Mrs. Pickering but generally stays only briefly, although sometimes, like when Herriot (but of course in reality Alfred Wight) first notices Debbie, the cat sits in front of the fireplace for a while as though allowing herself a rare and warm treat. However and sadly, one snow-filled Christmas day, Mrs. Pickering apologetically phones James Herriot to come and help, since Debbie has come to the house carrying a tiny black kitten but is in terrible shape. And in fact, Debbie is dying, there is nothing Herriot can do for her in The Christmas Day Kitten (and even though I bien sûr knew this was coming since I have read and reread All Things Wise and Wonderful and especially chapter nine numerous times, I still started without guilt blubbering a bit) but that Debbie's kitten is adopted by Mrs. Pickering, is named Buster, is hilariously shown in The Christmas Day Kitten as being the antithesis of his shy mother, as becoming a feline retriever who fetches thrown balls with boundless enthusiasm and joy (while the three basset hounds sit and snore in front of the fireplace), that Buster is considered by Mrs. Pickering a loving and lovely Christmas present from Debbie (who obviously knew she was dying and took her kitten to Mrs. Pickering's home).
James Herriot's narration for The Christmas Day Kitten is straightforward, with the depicted events often showing their own sense of dramatics, and that while pathos is of course ever-present, Herriot provides this without exaggerated emotionality and that his text for The Christmas Day Kitten is also nicely balanced by and tempered with both humour and yuletide spirit, just like is the case regarding this story in All things Wise and Wonderful for that matter, that even though I teared up reading The Christmas Day Kitten (see above) I was also at the same time hugely smiling and also rather laughing out loud when Buster turns out to be a cat who fetches. And yes, Ruth Brown's colourful illustrations for The Christmas Day Kitten, they do an absolutely lovely job both reflecting and also visually expanding on James Herriot's words, with Bown's paintings delightfully drawing our eyes right into the Yorkshire landscape, the cozy hearth of the Pickering residence and that her realistic depictions of animals and humans for The Christmas Day Kitten are absolutely and marvellously a total visual feast (and that the combination of text and images makes The Christmas Day Kitten solidly five stars and as such also highly and warmly recommended).
December 21, 2009
I haven't read any of Herroit's work yet so I can't compare to his famous novels but this is a nice, old-fashioned story about the dear country vet who happens to help out with a stray cat who visits a village lady around the holidays. Ruth Brown's illustrations are warm and wonderful.
SPOILER ALERT:
This may not be the best story for all readers since the original cat passes away on Christmas day, although she brings her new kitten to the hearth of the lady whose home she often visited and the kitten grows up big and strong, bringing lots of joy to the lady, making him the "best Christmas present ever." Still, it's quite a sniffle alert when the mommy cat passes.
SPOILER ALERT:
This may not be the best story for all readers since the original cat passes away on Christmas day, although she brings her new kitten to the hearth of the lady whose home she often visited and the kitten grows up big and strong, bringing lots of joy to the lady, making him the "best Christmas present ever." Still, it's quite a sniffle alert when the mommy cat passes.
December 14, 2025
The lovely cover, Ruth Brown’s illustrations and author James Herriot (yes, that James Herriot) give off an air of a beloved picture book from the 1930s, 1940s or 1950s. Yet, The Christmas Day Kitten was first published in 1986. Never mind! This picture delivers a charming story and a warm, nostalgic glow that’s perfect for any time of the year.
Thank you, Manybooks, for recommending this charming book that’s sweet but never twee.
Thank you, Manybooks, for recommending this charming book that’s sweet but never twee.
December 23, 2018
From the pen of James Herriot, author of a series of famous and much-loved memoirs for adult readers, detailing his life as a country veterianarian in Yorkshire, comes this poignant but ultimately heartwarming tale for children. It occurs in the home of Mrs. Pickering, a client of Herriot's, who had three basset hounds, and who regularly fed a shy stray cat named Debbie. This feline visitor would come into her home, stand briefly before the fire, and then depart again. Then one snowy Christmas day, in terrible shape, she came back to die, bringing her kitten with her. Debbie's death was terribly sad, but it brought Buster the retriever-cat into Mrs. Pickering's life - the best Christmas present she ever had...
One of a number of picture-books from Herriot, The Christmas Day Kitten has always been one of my favorites. I've read all five of his memoirs, and a number of his children's stories, and I never fail to be moved by their wonderful sense of humanity, and love for "all creatures great and small," or to be entertained and engrossed by the marvelous voice of the narrator. Herriot was undoubtedly an excellent veterinarian, but he was also a talented writer. I had tears in my eyes, as I reread Debbie and Buster's tale, even though I knew what was coming when I started it. The artwork by Ruth Brown, a celebrated British picture-book illustrator whose other titles include A Dark, Dark Tale and Gracie the Lighthouse Cat, is absolutely beautiful, capturing the feline charm of Debbie and Buster and the droopy appeal of the basset hounds. My favorite scene might have been the one in which Debbie disappears across a green Yorkshire field, but they are all beautiful. Highly recommended, to all James Herriot fans, and to anyone looking for poignant animal stories for children that address both the joy and sorrow they bring to the people in their lives.
One of a number of picture-books from Herriot, The Christmas Day Kitten has always been one of my favorites. I've read all five of his memoirs, and a number of his children's stories, and I never fail to be moved by their wonderful sense of humanity, and love for "all creatures great and small," or to be entertained and engrossed by the marvelous voice of the narrator. Herriot was undoubtedly an excellent veterinarian, but he was also a talented writer. I had tears in my eyes, as I reread Debbie and Buster's tale, even though I knew what was coming when I started it. The artwork by Ruth Brown, a celebrated British picture-book illustrator whose other titles include A Dark, Dark Tale and Gracie the Lighthouse Cat, is absolutely beautiful, capturing the feline charm of Debbie and Buster and the droopy appeal of the basset hounds. My favorite scene might have been the one in which Debbie disappears across a green Yorkshire field, but they are all beautiful. Highly recommended, to all James Herriot fans, and to anyone looking for poignant animal stories for children that address both the joy and sorrow they bring to the people in their lives.
October 3, 2025
I just loved these quaint stories from a British country vet when I was a child! Keep an eye out for all of his illustrated stories and add them to your children's library!
In honor of his birthday,I made this reel!
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In honor of his birthday,I made this reel!
Ages: 4 - 8
Content Considerations: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
October 10, 2016
This is touching read-out-loud story about a stray cat dubbed Debbie. There is a sad twist to this tale which was not understood by my four year old. The story ends on a happy Christmas note with a dash of remembered grief. It has the feeling of a true story.
December 31, 2017
Please choose me!!!What animal loving child wouldn't want to read a Christmas book about animals? What adult wouldn't. If I had a child I would give them books on nature and animals, unless they only wanted electronics, and then I would send them outside like my mother did me. Of course, some children don't have rivers, streams, or even the woods to play in. We have lost so much.
This is a sweet book by James Herriot about a mother cat that has a kitten. The pictures in the book are as wonderful as the story. It will remain on my bookcase until next Christmas and the year after and after.
January 3, 2017
Charming children's picture book about a stray mother cat who brings her tiny kitten to a country house where she'd been stopping intermittently for food and warmth. When mama cat dies, the lady of the house decides to keep the kitten. Longtime country veterinarian, James Herriot brings us this true story as only he can. It's touching and beautifully illustrated.
December 9, 2012
Unlike my sister Ellen, who could read as soon as her eyes opened, I am dyslexic and could not read without assistance until I was about 10. The great thing about that disadvantage was that my parents and siblings read to me constantly. I have so many wonderful memories of being read to as a child. One of my favourite children’s holiday books was “The Christmas Day Kitten” by James Harriot. Heartwarming and wonderful. If you have an animal loving child (or adult!) on your holiday list this year, I recommend anything by James Harriot, but especially “The Christmas Day Kitten”! -Kathy
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May 9, 2009
Be careful reading this to kids unless you've read it first. It's a good story but you've got to know your audience and their relationship to and experience with cats.
December 20, 2011
One of my childhood favorites, I still tear up every time I read this story to my kids.
November 25, 2023
"Christmas can never go by without my remembering a certain little cat."
And so, the story begins of a stray cat who wanders into the life of an elderly woman and gives her,
"The best Christmas present I've ever had."
A bitter-sweet story that will deeply touch the heart of all animal lovers, no matter the age.
Oh, and the illustrations are frame worthy, especially the ones of the bassets.
Highly recommended for both the young and the young at heart!
And so, the story begins of a stray cat who wanders into the life of an elderly woman and gives her,
"The best Christmas present I've ever had."
A bitter-sweet story that will deeply touch the heart of all animal lovers, no matter the age.
Oh, and the illustrations are frame worthy, especially the ones of the bassets.
Highly recommended for both the young and the young at heart!
March 8, 2019
Special Christmas gift from a cat. 2.5 stars.
December 4, 2020
4 stars & 4/10 hearts. Awwww, how heartwarming! This story brings tears to my eyes every time. Debbie is so, so sweet... and Bouncer sounds so fun! ;) It's a delightful Christmas story. <33
Read
December 19, 2024So warm and cozy (also the copy I read was from Roland Park 🥹)
December 15, 2014
A really lovely, sweet and true story for Christmas time. This book was written by a vet and this was a real story from his life as a vet.
There once was a woman called Mrs. Pickering who had three basset hounds she loved, and a little cat visitor she called Debbie who would stop by to eat at her house and visit the fire, but never stayed, she would come inside for a while and then disappear for days. One Christmas day the little cat shows up very ill and the vet (James Herriot) is called in, Debbie came through the cold snow with her baby kitten knowing she was dying, so she could leave her kitten with the kind woman who had always fed her. Mrs. Pickering keeps and raises the kitten who grows into a playful, mischievous little cat named Buster who brings comfort to Mrs. Pickering over her sadness of watching little Debbie pass away. Mrs. Pickering calls Buster the best Christmas present ever.
The story is woefully under known, it's such a good sweet story, although it is a bit sad, the part where Debbie dies may upset young children, but it has a heartwarming quality you don't see in many children's books today.
There once was a woman called Mrs. Pickering who had three basset hounds she loved, and a little cat visitor she called Debbie who would stop by to eat at her house and visit the fire, but never stayed, she would come inside for a while and then disappear for days. One Christmas day the little cat shows up very ill and the vet (James Herriot) is called in, Debbie came through the cold snow with her baby kitten knowing she was dying, so she could leave her kitten with the kind woman who had always fed her. Mrs. Pickering keeps and raises the kitten who grows into a playful, mischievous little cat named Buster who brings comfort to Mrs. Pickering over her sadness of watching little Debbie pass away. Mrs. Pickering calls Buster the best Christmas present ever.
The story is woefully under known, it's such a good sweet story, although it is a bit sad, the part where Debbie dies may upset young children, but it has a heartwarming quality you don't see in many children's books today.
March 22, 2016
03/16: We own and love. We read this one yearly at Christmas. The boys read it to Midnight this year. He seemed nonplussed, but well, you know cats.
Back Cover:
"Christmas can never go by without my remembering a certain little cat." So begins "The Christmas Day Kitten," another true story from James Herriot's rich experience as a country vet. As always, the tale includes a vivid group of characters on two legs and four: Mrs. Pickering and her three stately basset hounds, James himself, and Debbie, the self-possessed stray cat who makes a special contribution to Christmas at the Pickering house. This is one of James Herriot's own favorite stories, and it is sure to be one of yours.
Back Cover:
"Christmas can never go by without my remembering a certain little cat." So begins "The Christmas Day Kitten," another true story from James Herriot's rich experience as a country vet. As always, the tale includes a vivid group of characters on two legs and four: Mrs. Pickering and her three stately basset hounds, James himself, and Debbie, the self-possessed stray cat who makes a special contribution to Christmas at the Pickering house. This is one of James Herriot's own favorite stories, and it is sure to be one of yours.
June 28, 2014
Even though this is a child's book, I would recommend it to adults as an easy read that will usually bring a tear to your eye and a warm feeling in your heart. If you enjoy animal books or just ones where the lesson of compassion and caring for others is there then you will enjoy Mr Herriot's books.
This one finds a stray cat coming to visit with a lady. She doesn't want much and doesn't want to be petted. But one day she comes and the lady has to call the vet in on Christmas Day the cat had learnt that the house was her save place and she brought her only baby to the lady... the rest read the story and find out yourself. Very touching moving story.
This one finds a stray cat coming to visit with a lady. She doesn't want much and doesn't want to be petted. But one day she comes and the lady has to call the vet in on Christmas Day the cat had learnt that the house was her save place and she brought her only baby to the lady... the rest read the story and find out yourself. Very touching moving story.
January 2, 2013
The tale is a bit bittersweet, but sweet it is! This one will warm your heart. Harriot has a compilation of children's stories out there that we got from the library once and this one was in it (although we've since purchased this story separately) - I need to find that compilation again as it was quite wonderful. Maybe I should give his adult versions a go again; I read them when I was a teenager but never really got into them...
December 21, 2025
what a lovely, but also a bit sad story. I got tears in my eyes when Debbie had died, but the rest of the story with Buster was so charming. I also loved the pictures. Thanks to Open Library.org I could read this little wonder. Thanks Manybooks for your recommendation.
December 26, 2020
Cute Christmas story and great illustrations. I read it to 3 of our Grands in Christmas Day!
December 25, 2020
Such a cute picture book about compassion and trust between a human and a cat.
January 27, 2021
I am currently watching All Creatures Great and Small on PBS so decided I would listen again to the audio of the book. I like to read Christmas fiction around the holiday and this caught my eye. I found this too sad and certainly for a child and it wasn't particularly a Christmas story just set at that time of year.
December 27, 2019
You really can’t go wrong with a James Herriot book....
December 16, 2011
Kate found this one on my childhood bookshelf. I believe this is her very first James Herriot story, an author who is one of the landmark storytellers of my childhood. We both loved the story of Debbie, the stray cat who doesn't accept a home for herself, but brings her new kitten to the safest place she knows when she can't take care of him anymore. The story starts out sad, but Buster is so full of life and fun that it's still a great Christmas story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews