Princess Trinka and Basil

Cats in Love

Children - Animals
58 Pages
Reviewed on 05/02/2015
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Princess Trinka and Basil: Cats in Love is a children’s animal story written by Carolee Wells Henney and illustrated by Heather Ewing Klose. Princess Trinka is a lovely red cat with almond-shaped eyes who has attracted the attention of all the tom-cats in her kingdom. They all want to marry her, and the poor princess is having trouble sleeping at night because of their evening serenades. Her counselors suggest that she leave the kingdom to get some peace and quiet. Trinka goes out in the forest and has a lovely time playing with the other animals and creatures that she meets. While she’s playing with a butterfly, Basil, a tom who lives with his human companion nearby, sees her and is enraptured by her grace and beauty. He quietly watches her, but Trinka is startled when she sees him and runs away.

Carolee Wells Henney’s children’s animal story, Princess Trinka and Basil: Cats in Love, is a delightful fairy tale complete with a lovely princess who falls in love with a beautiful voice. Henney explains in the beginning of her book that Heather Ewing Klose’s drawings were printed in black and white to keep costs down, but also, to allow young readers to color in each panel, which I think is a brilliant idea. These illustrations are marvelous! They are highly detailed pen and ink drawings that work beautifully with the story. I especially enjoyed the panels which show Basil and Trinka in the forest. This book is suitable for reading aloud to younger children, but would also be perfect for young readers to try on their own. Princess Trinka and Basil: Cats in Love will thrill cat-lovers and anyone else who sees magic in fairy tales. It’s highly recommended.

Robert Ahanes

Princess Trinka and her fairytale love story is manifested in Carolee Wells Henney’s book, Princess Trinka and Basil: Cats in Love, which includes simple black and white yet charming illustrations. Henney’s book narrates the story of a much admired cat princess with large, golden, almond-shaped eyes, who is frustrated by male cats she’s not interested in. She gathers her counselors in order to find a solution to the problem. Wise counselors recommend she leave the kingdom for a while in the hope that everything will settle down. Princess Trinka leaves her kingdom without knowing that this journey will inspire Basil’s heart and love. He lives with his kind and understanding human lady. Princess Trinka falls in love with Basil, but he runs away before she knows who was singing to the moon. She holds a cat singing contest, hoping to find the right cat to marry.

Even though Carolee Wells Henney’s children's book, Princess Trinka and Basil, seems appropriate for children, it’s fascinating for their parents and adults in general. It’s the story of love, friendship, and trust. The black and white illustrations are not only pleasing for the reader, but bring the story to life, making it even more interesting. It has a more simple language and plot compared to other “happily ever after” fairytales we have ever read. However, reading this book is highly recommended for children as well as parents and adults since there’s a mystery behind this easy-to-read story that everyone should explore individually.