THE CATS' MUSEUM

A fanciful children’s tale about felines inhabiting the famed Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

In 1729, Catherine the Great hears mice in the basement of her beloved Hermitage Museum, which holds a vast art collection. The next day, she finds three “interesting-looking cats” outside. She lures them into the museum’s basement, where they chase away the rodents. Eventually, the building’s cat population grows to 74, all enjoying “royal food, plenty of fresh water, a good brushing once a week, and…a health check” by a veterinarian each month. Yearly, Catherine would make sure the hardworking cats received a “grand feast,” including caviar, fish, milk, and Camembert cheese. Afterward, the cats sneak into the gallery (where they’re not allowed to go) for their own personal celebration. Later, the other cats watch as felines Anastasia and Bertrand perform an “intricate pas de deux” while dressed in finery. Other cats dance the troika and the kazachok, described as “the Russian Squat-and-Kick Dance.” The following morning, the museum’s cleaning lady finds a “tiny costume” and puzzles over its origins. Falleti directly speaks to her young readers with her narration, which makes the story interactive: “But we know the secret, don’t we? Let’s not tell.” An informative final sidebar shares facts about the “Day of the Hermitage Cats” celebration, which began in 2005. Fomina’s full-color, painterly illustrations will delight young readers with their sometimes-anthropomorphic cats that are by turns full of whimsy, cleverness, and elegance. The images all support the events of Falleti’s text beautifully. Overall, the book is sure to delight youngsters and inspire them to learn more about the Hermitage cats.

An eventful and well-illustrated historical fantasy for young readers.