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Synopsis
Puzzled by a world of confrontation, competition, and aggression, Horatio the cat seeks a way to cultivate harmony.
School Library Journal
This book is a typical example of a work in which the whole is much less than the sum of its parts. Oliver, a young British boy, finds a lost kitten and names it Horatio. Despite his callous father's objections, Oliver takes Horatio on their tour boat to Greenwich, and he is mistreated by the children on the cruise. Once in Greenwich, Oliver treats Horatio to a tour of the city, explaining the Greenwich meridian and mean time. But alas, the only ``mean'' Horatio knows is a lack of kindness. As soon as they arrive back in London, Horatio jumps ship, runs to Big Ben, and stops ``mean'' time. His unusual act receives immediate international attention, and people the world over are inspired to create a kinder, gentler place. Oliver wakens to find it was all a dream, but once he tells others about it they vow to take the message to heart. The convoluted plot has no focus or flow. The peace/cooperation theme is obvious and heavy-handed. Factual information about English historical sites also seems like an awkward add-on rather than an integrated part of the narrative. Watercolor illustrations are of uneven quality. Horatio is predictably adorable, and some city scenes are quite effective. Other scenes are nondescript. Portrayals of human figures are amateurish at best. Appended historical information, suggested activities, and discussion questions may earn this title a place in some peace units, but this literary hodgepodge doesn't belong in most library collections. --Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI