The Boy and the Farm Cat

Henry lives on a farm with a big red barn, a muddy pond and a field of tall corn. One sunny morning he notices a small, lean tabby cat near the barn door, with mottled grey-and-white fur, a ragged ear with a notch on its tip, a thin scar above one eye and a worn leather collar holding a tiny brass bell. Grandpa explains that the cat is called Pip, a good barn cat who is shy and slow to trust people. Henry longs to be her friend, so he decides to be patient and to learn where Pip likes to hide and what makes her feel safe.

Rather than chasing her, Henry sits quietly on the barn floor with still, open hands and speaks in a soft, calm voice. He helps feed Pip each evening, sets the bowl near the barn door and sits a little closer day after day without crowding her. This gentle tale by Jane MEADOW shows how trust can grow slowly, and it can be read on Kids Tale Book.