Whittington (novel)

"Whittington" (ISBN 0-375-82864-8) is a 2005 book by Alan Armstrong. The book tells the story of a cat "the color of old metal", Whittington, who is looking for a place to live. He, along his journey, find Ben, 10, a boy with dyslexia who is trying to learn how to read, Ben's sister, and a barn full of animals, most of whom no one wanted.

Whittington, reminded of "his boy" who also had reading problems, tells the tale of Dick Whittington, a London boy whom the cat was named after, to all those in the barn, including the Rats. He helps keep peace in the barn by making a pact with the rats. He helps the boy with his reading and helps raise kittens brought to the barn. He is best friends with The Lady, an abnormally colored duck who had her wings clipped so she cant fly. He tells the story of Dick Whittington who went to sea as a trader in spices, plants, cotton, silks and all that the "west" did not have. Toward the end, the Cat takes responsibility for two kittens.

Awards

*Newbery Honor winner as well as an ALA Notable Book for Children.