Trim Saves the Day

February 1, 2024
Trim Helps Out (2023) gave the seafaring kitten a chance for (accidental) heroism, but he still wants a steady role on the ship. This third book in the series finds Trim again at sea with Captain Flinders (based on British explorer Matthew Flinders, who sailed around Australia with his own cat). The ever helpful feline wants to lend a hand. But his well-meaning attempts exasperate his fellow animals, as well as the cook, the artist, the gardener, and even the captain. Trim paws the biscuit dough, knocks over the flower that the ship's artist is sketching, and scatters the gardener's dirt. And his relentless mewing annoys the ship's dog, Penny. Even Princess Bea the rat, napping in the hold, finds Trim's mews irritating. But when a discouraged Trim goes off to bathe himself--quietly--he becomes surprisingly awash: A huge water cask has sprung a leak. Now Trim discovers that his screechy cries can be an unexpected asset: Ear-splitting YOWLS bring "all hands on deck." Trim realizes that purring is his steady job, but yowls are good for an emergency. Cartoon-style line and color illustrations faithfully depict a 19th-century ship and a cat's hilarious antics. Adorable Trim makes a winning, relatable protagonist as he attempts to find a place for himself on the ship. Human faces are generally not depicted, though Captain Flinders is light-skinned, and the artist is brown-skinned. More seaworthy fun with this endearing feline hero. (historical note) (Early chapter book. 7-10)

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March 1, 2024

Gr 1-3-In her first series of early chapter books, Hopkinson gives children a taste of adventure as well as life on the high seas through the character of Trim-a lively black cat who has joined a ship's crew. The five-chapter story is based on the real adventures of British Captain Flinders, who sailed with his beloved cat while charting the coast of Australia from 1801 to 1803. As in previous titles, Hopkinson shows how everyone on a ship, from the human crew to the animal passengers, must work together. This time, Trim wants to be helpful but ends up being the opposite. He gets water everywhere while trying to help mop the deck, and he knocks over the plant specimen that the ship's artist is drawing. Finally, Trim does help by yowling when he notices water leaking from the ship's cask. The leak is fixed, and the crew's supply of freshwater is assured. Trim is content knowing he solved a "really big problem." The story's charm is enhanced by colorful illustrations that capture Trim's playful spirit and period details, from the captain's hat to the ship's rigging. VERDICT Hopkinson reminds readers that setting out on an adventure with good friends is the best way to experience our wondrous world. Recommended for chapter book collections.-Sally James

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