“...Whether you come to this book as an English major or as a cat lover, you will agree the first line of 'The Cheshire Cheese Cat' is pure genius...This joint effort from Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright, illustrated charmingly by Barry Moser, might be best appreciated as a read-aloud. It is sure to spark dialogue about loyalty and bullying...and Anglophiles young and old will appreciate the tale of Maldwyn, an injured raven hiding out at the Cheese and plotting his return to this rightful role guarding the Tower of London...” ―The New York Times

“...Readers with great expectations will find them fully satisfied by this tongue-in-cheek romp through a historic public House that is the very opposite of Bleak.” ―Kirkus, * STARRED REVIEW *

“...This book...tells a delightful story of cats, mice, cheese, ravens, and Charles Dickens, all set in Victorian London...” ―As the Crowe Flies blog

“...The fast-moving plot is a masterwork of intricate detail that will keep readers enthralled, and the characters are well-rounded and believable. Language is a highlight of the novel; words both elegant and colorful fill the pages...Combined with Moser's precise pencil sketches of personality-filled characters, the book is a success in every way. It should be a first purchase for libraries interested in bringing young readers to the marvels of Dickens via the back - or, should I say tavern - door.” ―School Library Journal, * STARRED REVIEW *

“...Moser's graphite illustrations are realistic and wonderfully emotive, especially in combination with the novel's fresh dialogue, typographical flights of fancy, and wordplay. Expertly realized characters and effervescent storytelling make this story of unlikely friendship, royal ravens, and 'the finest cheese in London' a delight.” ―Publishers Weekly, * STARRED REVIEW *

“...This is a true collaboration. One that mixes history, animals, mystery, and literary references in abundance. Kids of all ages, genders, and stripes will take to the book. It also happens to make for a handsome read-aloud. Recommend it to any child looking for just a good read. It is, precisely, that.” ―School Library Journal online, Fuse Eight blog

“There are many wonderful facets to this book, and they all combine to make this a truly exceptional tale...Not only are the many characters, including the famed Charles Dickens, beautifully described in words, they are lovingly and capably illustrated by Moser (not Mouser) in black and white...This is a wonderful read-aloud for classrooms from fourth grade through middle school. It would also be a great gift for any animal lover.” ―Examiner

“...This story is sure to become a favorite of both children and adults! Like fine cheese, it will only get better with age. It's definitely appropriate to have "Great Expectations" of this gem!” ―Cat Chat blog

“...I'm not a huge animal story fan. It seems that they tend to be tearful, overly emotive, and generally tragic. That is not the case here. Instead readers will cheer on the heroes, worry for their safety, and find themselves in the midst of a grand adventure in Elizabethan England. Highly recommended, this book is one delicious read with a pleasing mix of sweet and savory.” ―Waking Brain Cells blog

“...Here, Deedy and Wright have captured a delightful historical setting for an unlikely friendship between alley cat Skilley and a highly educated mouse, Pip...Dickens aficionados will enjoy references to his work-in-progress 'A Tale of Two Cities' as well as a visit from Queen Victoria herself.” ―Gazette

“...These well-developed characters skitter and tussle throughout the 16th century pub...The authors' collaboration sparkles. Their novel's rich in dialogue and plot. Dramatic illustrations by Barry Moser capture every nuance. The smooth flow and short chapters make this a perfect read aloud...” ―Seattle Times

“...This amazing tale is powdered with Dickens references that will delight readers in the know, but don't detract from the story for those who aren't. Occasional drawings deepen the storyline...An introductory cast of characters and a four-page glossary at the end make 'The Cheshire Cheese Cat' accessible for the youngest of readers. This novel should become a read-aloud classic for families and classrooms...” ―The Wichita Eagle

“...a clever romp, certainly, a delightful fast-paced read, yes, a charming tweak on historical fiction, surely, but also...more. This is simply a lovely, near-perfectly rendered work, with surprising depth at its core, marvelously illustrated by the great Barry Moser.” ―James Preller blog

“...'The Cheshire Cheese Cat' is a fun read at any age, but quite the pick for cat lovers with a crossover into historical fiction.” ―Midwest Book Review

“I love this book...This is a wonderful family read-aloud full of adventure, friendship, literary surprises, and descriptions of the finest Cheshire Cheese in all of London!” ―Mockingbird Books blog

“...A must read for anyone who loves friendship, history, intrigue and a little skullduggery. Wonderful characters...an instant classic.” ―Seymour Library blog

“You would be hard-pressed to find a recent children's book as beautiful as this one...Both the story and artwork are integrated from start to finish in every way.” ―St. Albans Lower School Library blog

“...wonderfully entertaining for readers of all ages, with charming illustrations...The story is accessible without being condescending, and frequently uses phrases or words that are quite advanced...The Cheshire Cheese Cat blends history, mysteries, animals, and literary references together wonderfully, and I recommend this read to children of all ages, genders, and interests. It is simply a good read with a little something for everyone.” ―Associated Content

“...Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright concocted this howler of a tale about a well-educated mouse named Pip and his feline, cheese-loving ally, Skilley...Adults and children alike will find something to love about this playful romp, featuring cameos by Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray, and Queen Victoria - all beautifully illustrated by Barry Moser...” ―Atlanta Magazine

“This sweet story is one of our favorite new fall reads!” ―Little Shop of Stories blog

“...This is a great rollicking adventure, as natural-born enemies play against type, and everyone's secrets come to light...Children will lap up this tale of friendship and adventure, and adults will be entertained by the plentiful allusions to Dickens and his characters. Barry Moser's charming illustrations of the main characters combined with the commanding storytelling voice make this a charming read-aloud for the entire family.” ―Shelf Awareness

“...the story of a beautiful friendship between a cat, a mouse, a writer who's stuck, and a raven that's trapped. Everything comes to a head when Queen Victoria comes to the inn in search of her raven. As Charles Dickens's 200th birthday draws near, this is a great way to introduce your young reader to another side of the writer.” ―Twenty by Jenny newsletter

“Parent lit geeks take note: In a different spin on the classics, The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale is a Dickensian labyrinth of a story following a cheese loving cat and his mouse friend Pip.” ―Parents' Choice blog

“...The Cheshire Cheese Cat, which also features illustrations by the formidable Barry Moser, is perfect in tone and spirit for young chapter-book readers, with enough adventure and plot twists to keep interest levels high without ever veering into anything truly upsetting or scary. It also may serve as an introduction to the work of Dickens himself, whose books are among the most accessible of adult classics to literary-minded kids...” ―You Know, For Kids blog

“...any reader will devour this story of how an alley cat named Skilley moves into a popular London inn, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, and develops a highly unlikely friendship with a mouse name Pip...In short, punchy chapters, authors Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright tell a rollicking tale of friendship and skullduggery. Another bonus: Barry Moser's expressive line drawings, which are scattered throughout the book.” ―Scripps News

“This one's a purrfectly fun story for young readers.” ―Anderson's Book Shop online

“...This delightful tale by Deedy and Wright portrays a tavern mouser who crafts a clever deal with the tavern mice. In exchange for practicing catch-and-release to fool the pub owners, he gets the mice to bring him cheese, his food of preference. Demons and intrigue spice up the lively dialogue in this charmer. It's perfect for reading aloud.” ―The Sacramento Bee online

“...Solid messages about friendship, loyalty, and being true to oneself are nevertheless effectively conveyed, and readers will likely enjoy the primary animal story, while historical fiction fans will appreciate the Victorian atmosphere. Moser's softly shaded graphite illustrations, appearing in vignette spot art throughout, offer personable portraits, especially strong in their depictions of the animal characters.” ―Center of the Bulletin for Children's Books

“Alley cat Skilley finagles his way off the tough streets of London and into a life as a mouser at a local inn where he strikes up an unlikely alliance with the resident mouse and befriends Dickens. A zany scheme and high jinks ensue. Dickensian references pepper this playful, clever tale illustrated with pencil drawings.” ―School Library Journal online

“From the start 'The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale' borrows from Charles Dickens to pull young readers into a story about an unlikely friendship between a cat and a mouse who share the secrets of an English pub...Readers new to Dickens will enjoy the twists in this lively tale, while those who've read the writer's works will enjoy its Dickensian setting and spirit.” ―The Chicago Sun-Times

“...You don't need to know the reference to enjoy it and my students certainly did. A grand romp with a heart and delightful writing.” ―Educating Alice blog

“I loved this one. I just LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it...a fun, charming children's book. It's such an enjoyable read...” ―Becky's Book Reviews blog

“...This book hooked me from the beginning, bringing a smile to my face with its playful puns, true friendships, and wonderful writing...Throughout, Barry Moser's illustrations add to the fun, drawing readers into the characters and their situations...” ―Great Kid Books blog

“I really enjoyed this book...a very unique and creative book with many endearing characters and much action...Carmen and Randall make a great team...I strongly encourage you to add this book to your home library!” ―Family Literacy blog