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Orlando the Marmalade Cat #13
Orlando, The Marmalade Cat: The Frisky Housewife
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages
First published January 1, 1956
About the author
Kathleen Hale
62 books11 followersKathleen Hale was born in Broughton, Salford, Lancashire and was brought up in a suburb of Manchester. Her childhood was far from idyllic: her father died when she was very young and she was forced to endure long periods of separation from her mother. This, along with the frustrations of an unexpressed artistic talent, produced a rebellious reaction in the young girl's naturally ebullient nature. However, her talent as an artist was recognised at school by a sympathetic headmistress at Manchester High School for Girls and she went on to attend art courses in Manchester and at the University College, Reading.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
In 1917, Kathleen moved to London to make a life for herself as an artist. She worked for some time as Augustus John's secretary whilst developing a wide circle of friends in the artistic community, such as Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. During the 1920s she earned a living as an illustrator, accepting commissions for book jackets as well as selling her own drawings.
She married Douglas McClean, a young doctor working in medical research. They settled in Hertfordshire where they could bring up their two young sons and entertain their friends. She created Orlando and his world to entertain her children at bedtime. Orlando The Marmalade Cat 'with eyes like twin gooseberries' was one of the classic children's book characters of the 1940s and 1950s. The stories are known for their quirky wit and extravagant illustrations. They combine adventure with friendship and family life. As the creator of Orlando, Kathleen was awarded the OBE in 1976.
Kathleen Hale died on 26 January 2000 at 101 years of age.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
In 1917, Kathleen moved to London to make a life for herself as an artist. She worked for some time as Augustus John's secretary whilst developing a wide circle of friends in the artistic community, such as Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. During the 1920s she earned a living as an illustrator, accepting commissions for book jackets as well as selling her own drawings.
She married Douglas McClean, a young doctor working in medical research. They settled in Hertfordshire where they could bring up their two young sons and entertain their friends. She created Orlando and his world to entertain her children at bedtime. Orlando The Marmalade Cat 'with eyes like twin gooseberries' was one of the classic children's book characters of the 1940s and 1950s. The stories are known for their quirky wit and extravagant illustrations. They combine adventure with friendship and family life. As the creator of Orlando, Kathleen was awarded the OBE in 1976.
Kathleen Hale died on 26 January 2000 at 101 years of age.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 8, 2019
Another beautifully illustrated Orlando book, largely in that winning colour combination of orange and turquoise. Unable to find what they want in the shops Orlando and his family decide to start up a shop of their own. When the problem of staff arises a procession of stray cats walking past with placards saying they will work for food and a home, solves the problem. After food and rest has been provided for the strays they set about making a shop based on a system of bartering and all cat workers being equal. In true Kathleen Hale style it all gets a bit 'far out' towards the end but the illustrations are a five star rating alone. Really lovely book.
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May 10, 2015Why: We love the Orlando books, which are all out of print. I love the title of this one though and while Orlando Goes To the Moon is the most sought-after title in the series, this is the one I want the most.
April 10, 2019
The first ever Orlando I read, and the only one I ever owned, this has a special place in my reading history. Rich illustrations and that curious mix of social comment and comedy of manners is a really attractive read for a cat-watcher like me.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews