Marshmallow Pie The Cat Superstar

Clara Vulliamy's Marshmallow Pie The Cat Superstar is a funny story for 5 year olds, told by a big fluffy cat who's quite sure he's a superstar already.

What happens

His full name is Marshmallow Marmaduke Vanilla-Bean Sugar-Pie Fluffington-Fitz-Noodle. He is NOT happy when people shorten it. Everyone calls him Pie anyway.

Pie lives in a tiny top-floor flat in the city with Amelia and her dad. He likes the easy life. Sunbathing on the balcony, eating only the yellow Shrimp Crunchies and dangling his tail to drive Buster in the flat below completely crazy.

Then Amelia comes home with a leaflet. An animal acting agency is holding auditions, and she's sure Pie could be a HUGE star.

Pie is not so keen on the hard work bit. He won't jump through a hoop. He won't do a high five for a tiny piece of ham. He'd much rather knock the shampoo off the side of the bath.

Reading it feels like Pie is talking straight to you. He invites you in, tells you to keep his secrets and then asks why you're still there! Little ones will love being told about his secret stash behind the sofa (odd socks, a bus pass, Dad's glasses case).

He's very sure of his own dignity, even when he's reversing into a takeaway bag and his bottom is sticking out of the other end. Who could keep a straight face?

There's a sweet story underneath too. Amelia is shy and hates everyone looking at her, but she believes in Pie completely. When things go wrong at the audition it's Amelia who's upset, and grumpy old Pie is the one who notices.

It's a lovely one for sharing or for a newly confident reader. The jokes are aimed squarely at kids who know exactly what cats are really like.

What to read next

If a bossy pet talking straight to you is their thing, try Pugly Bakes a Cake. Pugly is a pug with BIG ideas who's decided to win a TV baking competition, whatever Clem the cat has to say about it.