| John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat |
Jenny Wagner, illustrated by Ron Brooks
Penguin
ISBN:0-14-050306-4
This is a well-loved picture book that has truly withstood the test of time. Rose lives alone with her dog, John Brown. The two are inseparable and John Brown clearly loves Rose, watching after her and keeping her company throughout her days and nights. As Rose tells him, 'We're all right, John Brown. Just the two of us, you and me.'
Then one night Rose sees a cat in the garden. John Brown refuses to look out of the window or to acknowledge the cat's existence. Once Rose is asleep he goes into the garden and tells the midnight cat to go away and leave them alone as he is all that Rose needs.
But Rose develops a fondness for their new visitor. Each night, while John Brown is not looking, she puts out a saucer of milk for the cat. And each night, while Rose is not looking, John Brown tips it out, determined that nothing will spoil his partnership with Rose.
Then one day Rose takes to her bed and tells John Brown that she will probably never be able to get up again. Worried for his friend, John Brown swallows his pride and his fears and asks Rose if she would feel better if the midnight cat were allowed in. Rose is delighted and the three of them go on to live in peaceful harmony.
Many children will relate to John Brown and his need to retain his special place in Rose's life. It will especially ring true for those with younger siblings who may be scared that their position in the family will be usurped. The positive relationship forged between Rose, John Brown and the cat in which they all have their roles and positions leaves a positive message that, like John Brown, these children need have no fears. John Brown's affection and devotion to Rose are also worthwhile traits to encourage in children.
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