Simon Ships Out
How one brave, stray cat became a worldwide hero
Simon Ships Out by Jacky Donovan. Uniquely quirky look at HMS Amethyst true story told thru humorous voice of Able Seacat Simon the ship's cat. Simon Ships Out: How one brave, stray cat became a worldwide hero is a warm hearted and humorous look at a horrific war incident which most people today are unaware of. Able Seacat Simon was, at the time of the Yangtze Incident, a worldwide hero and photos of Able Seacat Simon appeared in the worldwide media, on television, Pathe News and even eventually Able Seacat Simon's obituary was posted in Time Magazine.
Simon Ships Out: How one brave, stray cat became a worldwide hero is narrated by Able Seacat Simon himself and is a witty, heartwarming tale of an exceptionally brave and wonderful cat.
Able Seacat Simon was, and still is, the only cat ever to have won the PDSA Dickin Medal, awarded to animals for bravery in war situations. It has currently been won by 65 animals - horses, dogs and pigeons - but Able Seacat Simon remains the only cat to have been honoured with it. His memoir Simon Ships Out: How one brave, stray cat became a worldwide hero is enticingly told and published in time for a significant anniversary of the Yangtze Incident in which Able Seacat Simon was involved.
The Simon Ships Out: How one brave, stray cat became a worldwide hero by Jacky Donovan is available in both kindle and paperback format. It is suitable for adults and children. Simon Ships Out: How one brave, stray cat became a worldwide hero makes a perfect present for catlovers and animal lovers. It will entertain anybody who enjoys an exciting, adventurous, humorous and emotional tale of one exceptional cat's ability to be a hero and a source of great compassion to the crew of HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident.
I hope you enjoy Able Seacat Simon's story and recommend it to all cat lovers and animal lovers.
What readers are saying about me
Delightfully clever book
Such a clever way to bring a true story to life. I loved cat Simon's innnocent language at the start, his funny observations about things that people do and the clever way his way of talking became more adult after his funny episode with a female cat which was very well handled. Ships dog Peggy was a delightfully posh contrast and they made a great pair of central characters. The book had me in tears at several points, laughing at others and holding my breath at times as things got tense. Perfect balance between action, humor, drama, tension, emotion, horror and trauma. The footnotes added clarification and ensured you didnt forget that while it seemed as if it was fiction it was in fact a true story of one cats extreme bravery and compassion to man. Reminded me of Streetcat Bob and the impact he had on a homeless mans life.
Simon cat VC
Brave Simon - story well told
Clever glimpse into life onboard of a ship
Refreshing to read an uplifting book in these days of gloom and doom. The author totally captures a cat's mannerisms and succeeds in putting herself in the cat's paws to tell the entire story through Simon the cat's eyes. Very cleverly done with great balance between laughter and tears, fact and presumably fiction. Such a touching story of the importance of animals at times of stress and hardship. Recommend to anyone who likes animals.
Fantastic book to drive away winter blues!!
Brill! Saw it advertised on twitter and loved the cover. Looked fun and friendly and really wanted to know how the dog, rat and dice fitted in with the story. All was revealed by Simon the cat who told nearly all the story cept for when he was ill. (Won't do a spoiler!) It managed to be entertaining, educational, motivational and incredibly sad. Clever the way all those elements fit together. Takes storytelling talent to make such a neat story. I read in one sitting. Really wanted to know what happened next. Something I will read again for sure.
