Tyson's Tale

Love this! On my watchlist! Thanks for your support on Rotten Rotty :)

You've certainly captured the mind of a cat in your writing. I think kids who are animal lovers will get a kick out of this perspective.

Hello, Anne.
Children’s literature is something I haven’t read in ages, so don’t know how helpful my comment would be.
Good, strong narration (with plenty of showing). Not enough dialogue (for my taste).
I’m backing the writing. Good luck.
Dan

Very much enjoyed your cats! You are obviously very familiar with their habits, both good and bad! Have shelved and starred you. I would be most obliged if you could cast an eye over any or all or my books, Meadow Farm, Jessie's Journey Home and Round and Round the Nursery. I am so glad that stories such as yours still exist! I write for my future grandchildren (only one so far and he's only four months old!) because I simply can't find what want in the bookshops any more!
Good luck with your book!

Dee x

Thank you, Anne, for uploading this charming work here. Poor Albert. I must read more of this. I only got up to Sooty and must run to work. WLd.
I'm so weary of weeding through wizards and vampires, I've taken up an interest in children's books since joining the site. This is very nicely written. I'll comment more when I can come back.
Cheers!
John B Campbell (Walk to Paradise Garden)

Thank you, Anne, for uploading this charming work here. Poor Albert. I must read more of this. I only got up to Sooty and must run to work. WLd.
I'm so weary of weeding through wizards and vampires, I've taken up an interest in children's books since joining the site. This is very nicely written. I'll comment more when I can come back.
Cheers!
John B Campbell (Walk to Paradise Garden)

This is a nice read for young ones and lots of learning going on too. Good writing and an easy flowing read, which should delight all the kids and their parents!

In the queue for my shelf ;)

Mick

Tyson's Tale -
Chapter 1: The suspense created in the second paragraph is good stuff. Children will be frighten the Blackbird is going to be lunch and then relieved and delighted it got away. You toy with the reader's emotions in the same way as a cat would play with a mouse. Clever.
Chapter 2: Poor old Albert, neglected by his owners and bullied by Tyson, one can only hope the tide will change.
Nitpick: 'ingratiate' this choice might prove difficult for a child unless, of course, a parent is reading and can explain the meaning.
Chapter 3: Sooty's heritage nicely contrasted with his present situation and his seeming timidity.
Chapter 4: 'The Girls' - Siamese cats (defenders of the down-trodden?) Nicely described and very much aware of Albert's plight.
Nitpick: 'retaliatory' again another word younger readers will probably stumble over.
Chapter 5: Tyson and the frog - by now children will be rooting for Tyson's comeuppance to happen soon.
Short, snappy, bite-sized chapters portraying a community of cats who, quite rightly, have such different personalities, which children will relate to and enjoy. A fun read.

Nanty - Chrys!

Arwyn wanted more of your story, so I read him chapter 7 tonight. He enjoyed this chapter, and liked Goldie. I also liked the inclusion of why cats are able to clean themselves better than dogs. You not only taught something to Arwyn, I also learned something new, as I didn't know about the differences between cats' and dogs' tongues.

Out of all your characters Tyson is still his favourite and he wants more of him, so I will read on. Merry Christmas - Marita.

I read chapters 4 to 6 tonight to my son (he's 8), and he continued to enjoy it. Out of the three chapters he liked chapter 5 the best. He thought it was funny how you described Tyson falling into the water, and The Girls laughing at him. He also liked the frog mistaking Tyson's tale for a worm. He wants me to continue reading your story, so I will comment on the next three chapters after another bedtime sitting. Thanks, Marita.

Hi, Anne. After reading another cat book for children on Authonomy my little boy, Arwyn, wanted me to find more cat stories. Then you brought to my attention yours, so I tested it out on him tonight. After a few paragraphs I asked him what he thought and he was most enthusiastic for me to continue. He laughed at Tyson when he got the bird in "one gulp," and he also laughed at the line: This cat had everything except charm.

He liked Albert and was quite miffed that Tyson wouldn't share his food with him. Arwyn said that: "I don't know why he is so mean," referring to Tyson picking on Albert. When you have a kid saying this you can see he believes in the characters.

He was really getting into the story so I read him chapter 3, and he liked Sooty. Because Sooty was there to catch mice Arwyn started talking about Tom and Jerry, his favourite cartoon. Once I finished this chapter he wanted more, and was annoyed that I said he will get it tomorrow night. Because of this he started begging for one more, but mean old mum told him he will just have to wait. So, looks like "Tyson's Tale" will be his bedtime story for the next week or two. I will leave you another comment after I read him some more.

Well done. All the best, Marita.

Tyson is a wise and manipulative cat. Your story from a cats eye veiw is wondefully endeering. I am pleased to be able to revist the feline world and give it some shinning stars
Sue
Knowing Liam Riley

I thought I would just take a read at the first chapter to see what it was like , just finished the 6th and would love to continue but time is pressing. However I will come back and read more. A thoroughly enjoyable read but I must admit I'm a bit worride about Albert and annoyed at Tyson. A great piece of work and onew which I reccomend with pleasure.

Colt
Billy

A purrfect tail!

Seriously a great book that entertains, educates and gives out positive messages to young children. The cover is cheerful and eye catching, and the content delightful. I backed this before and have pleasure in backing it again.

Ww Lisa

Lots of fun reading but teaching too in this delightful storybook.
Cats have such individual characters so it isn't difficult to place each of your felines with their name.
This would make a perfect present and if perhaps, illustrated, would be even more charming. Well written, it's not difficult to back this and wish it well.
Margaret.

A very nice little tale and one I think would delight the children and whoever is reading it to them. It isn't all pretty, pretty and holds morals which could be subtly taught by the reader to the child. I do think you should watch out for repetition. Once you have described a character's situation, as in Albert's poor, un loved conditions, then try not to mention it again.
I think some children will recognise the school bully in Tyson and the bullied in Albert, so apart from learning about nature, neglect and animal care they will see how it feels to be the victim.
And, so for me, it ticks all the boxes as a young persons book and I would like to give it space on my shelf when I do my next backing . Thank you for your lovely comment and backing for mine. love Mary

Thank you Ron. I have changed victim to bird and it is now clear. These little adjustments are things which make Authonomy a useful tool

Hi Anne,

A nice kids' tale and on the whole very well written but there are a few odd places where it can be improved. In the first chapter, for example, you have a line reading ' the last sight of the unfortunate victim', which is okay except that at this point you have two potential victims, the blackbird and the worm, and this statement could refer to either.

Just small things like this need to be cleared up, then I think you have a publishable story, providing, and as it's a children's book, Im assuminhg it will be illustrated.

Ron

Hi Anne,

A nice kids' tale and on the whole very well written but there are a few odd places where it can be improved. In the first chapter, for example, you have a line reading ' the last sight of the unfortunate victim', which is okay except that at this point you have two potential victims, the blackbird and the worm, and this statement could refer to either.

Just small things like this need to be cleared up, then I think you have a publishable story, providing, and as it's a children's book, Im assuminhg it will be illustrated.

Ron

This is absolutely charming and I think children will love it!
Backed, with pleasure!
Best wishes
Suzy
Raven / Forever Fredless

Anne -

Tyson's Tale - A lovely and humorous tale, with clear and succinct writing children will devour. Tyson is great opponent, and Albert will have children care for him in no time.

Backed with pleasure, Pia (Course of Mirrors)

A nice story - anything with cats has got to be good. I noticed a few typos in terms of punctuation and grammar which could do with some attention to help this on its way.

J.S.Watts
A DARKER MOON

A delightful tail (Tee hee) which I thoroughly enjoyed. Happy to back. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

Tyson, Albert, Sooty
Suzi and Suki
Goldie and Henry
frogs
and Puss
some nice
some mice
and this is more than a delight
TYSON'S tail and travails
make for a learning TALE

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School

I have just finished reading to the end of 7 (Goldie) and I absolutely love this book! I am really sorry that time is -as usual - short and I will have to leave this until tomorrow You really know your cats - each and every one of them was so well drawn that I felt I knew them intimately. This really is a purrfect animal study, that I'm sure will appeal to adults as well as children. Backed, next time I update my shelf.

I love stories about cats, and this one is wonderful! Best of luck, LJ, Tao of Love and Software

You know cats! This is a gorgeous book that kids and adults will love. I want Albert to come and visit my house, I'll look after him. Easy to read and instantly endearing, I wish you all the best with it.
Kami x

HELLO ANNE ' TYSON'S TALES'

i think i'm getting hooked on this genre of book, having just read freckles the fawn and now some of yours i'm finding animal books very enjoyable indeed,
this one is beautifully written and will be on childrens bookshelves everywhere.
i like the way it is written with great verve and style and its so engaging i want to and will read more
backed with pleasure
TOM BYE ' FROM HUGS TO KISSES'
please read mine and if you like it perhaps you might oblige by comment and backing thanks

A charming story. I like the way you explored each cat as an individual. (It is only people who don't know animals that think they are not as individualistic as humans are.) There were a few typos, Ch 2, 'some times; should be 'sometimes,' and 'tale twitching' should be 'tail.' No doubt there are more, but I only read a few chapters. Backed, Marj.

You are totally fantastic, Anne! :) How can I ever thank you enough for backing my memoir book? :)
God bless you. :) Love, Susie :)

I.d certainly read this to the grandchildren while I enjoy the writing for myself. Am already desperate to help Albert and dying for something to upset Tson's world, so the hook worked. My only caveat is that the language seems to be a bit too grown up for the age range presumably aimed at - but, so what, they've got to learn the words sometime. Backed with pleasure Jaye Hill

Hi Anne, there are many animal lovers out there who will take to reading your book.
It is well written thats for sure with plenty of humour.
I think there is a market for this kind of book and certainly back it. SHELVED

kind regards,

Neville (The Secrets Of The Forest - 'The Time Zone')

A funny and well observed tale of cats. Just the thing to share with children.
Polly
STONES.

Absolutely delightful :D

Anne Riley: Tyson’s Tale

Hi Anne,
What a lovely story bringing out human characteristics in cats! This is a rather charming story, one that is imbibed with colors that a young child could relate to. The story is simply admirable, well crafted and full of life with a selfish cat that guards his terrain, a cat which will do anything for food and with two Siamese cat sisters longing to hatch some scheme against the obnoxious Tyson; and the manner in which you traverse through the story thinking like a “cat” only shows the love you have for these animals. It isn’t an easy thing to do, and I am quite sure this story will surely sound an interest to any child as it would do to any adult looking for a casual book to read.

Shelved with pleasure!

Romilla
Forgetting Sally

Tyson, Albert and Scooty. As the servant of two cats, I adore this. The best feline characterisation I have read in quite a while. You have an obvious empathy for cats, and you can write too. Backed with pleasure. In case you can't tell, I love this and my daughter would too.

Well threaded between chapters/pieces which means any editing down by a publishing house will be easier to do. The style is very accessible and conversational and the material is descriptive enough for an illustrator to work with without possibly feeling restricted to too fine a detail.

And the tales (tails?) are also fun to read aloud as well - which makes them successful in a very competitive market.

Read with pleasure and backed accordingly. Best of luck!

I didn't think I would be but I am totally sucked in! Very easy reading and a real pull at the heart strings for an animal lover. Have you read 'Flush' I can't remember who wrote it but it's a novel with the main character the dog belonging to Elizabeth Barrett Browning?
Backed - on behalf of my cat Cleo.

Lorraine

Dear Anne
Still love that cat... What a good book. I started reading this some time ago and just wanted to let you know, now finished. I have already commented and backed your book a while ago, but cannot see the backing anywhere. So i am taking the time to back it again because I believe your book is WORTH IT

BEST OF LUCK
Denise

Anne this is a beautiful children's book, great story line, good writing, and plenty of action.
Backed with pleasure, and all the very best with this one.
Helen
The Last Dren

Hi Anne,

Thought that Tyson's Tale had a lot of potential, however because young readers would identify closely with Albert rather than the bully, perhaps it should be Albert's tale. You have the makings of a good book for young readers with lots of action and hopefully a happy ending when the villian Tyson gets his Comeuppance. I did find some of the cat's thoughts were too human. All in all very well done and I wish you good luck with your book.
N.E. Hilton The Spell

Dear Anne
going back over the backings I have done I cannot see yours, yet I know i did back it and comment. I am doing it again, because this, like some others I have found are worth it. And by lthe way I just love the book cover. It is one that would jump off the shelf and grab me in fact it did the second time around
BACKED for sure by me
I do hope you can cross over to my genre and review my book, please comment ( this assists me in honing my skill) and if you feel, back it.
Thanks and BEST OF LUCK WITH YOUR BOOK
Denise
The Letter

Dear Anne, I love most of all "Smoky" because I had a cat names "Smoky" when I was growing up - we found him poisoned & I still haven't gotten over it - he was the most wonderful cat in the world. :) I used to raise manx kittens & give them away when my kids were growing up. :) Now I'm in a condo, so now cats. Your story is wonderful. Hope you write more. :) Your pitch is excellent, so set the hook for me to read your book. :) When you use short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, it makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing your book. :) Could you please take a moment to back my TWO memoir books? Thanks. :) Love, Susie :)

I too love animals and think this tale is adorable. Giving animals personalities is charming. I like that you have two cats with opposite circumstances. I have read the first two chapters and wonder what will happen to Albert and if Tyson will ever be humbled.

In chapter 2 (paragraph one) when you describe Albert practicing his skills, I believe practice may have a typo. I have a student in class that would adore this book. He loves cats. I am happy to back your book.

What a delightful tale.

Best wishes

Sarah Louise

Thank you for your comment.

Jedda:

This story is well crafted. We get a peering into the eyes of Tyson, a spoiled, selfish, bullying cat in Chapter 1. In Chapter 2, we meet Albert, a has been--but wanna be loved cat who is more often than not starved for affection. I found Albert sympathetic as he appears to be the underdog, and what better pleasure than seeing the underdog prevail.

I was, however, thrown off with the very last statement in Chapter 2. "'Needs must when the devils drives," he thought to himself." At the end of a chapter, I personally feel, the writer should always leave a question, or circumstance that the reader is DYING to know the outcome to, something that will make him/her want to turn those pages. I don't believe the last statement, mentioned above meets that test.

Ida L. (Silent Storm)

Jedda:

This story is well crafted. We get a peering into the eyes of Tyson, a spoiled, selfish, bullying cat in Chapter 1. In Chapter 2, we meet Albert, a has been--but wanna be loved cat who is more often than not starved for affection. I found Albert sympathetic as he appears to be the underdog, and what better pleasure than seeing the underdog prevail.

I was, however, thrown off with the very last statement in Chapter 2. "'Needs must when the devils drives," he thought to himself." At the end of a chapter, I personally feel, the writer should always leave a question, or circumstance that the reader is DYING to know the outcome to, something that will make him/her want to turn those pages. I don't believe the last statement, mentioned above meets that test.

Ida L. (Silent Storm)

What a nice story; so different from a lot of other books. I like how you build the cat characters as if they were human. Honestly, this is not a story I would normally enjoy but I did enjoy this.

Felt bad for Albert, being ignored by his family after so many years. Great children's book.

Happily Backed
Denise

I am already in love with the characters and the entire book!

What a beautiful expression of Anne's love for our four legged friends!

It is a delight, a page turner - a book that could be your best friend if you don't have a pet of your own.

My complements.

Backed with utmost pleasure.

Johanna Kern
Master and the Green-Eyed Hope

Anne,
Tyson's Tale is a heartwarming and delightful story. This will appeal to all kids be they 5 or 65 and is very well written.
Cats forming a community, now there is an interesting idea, I like all the things about life that you bring into the story: what is true friendship, diversity and what it can add to our lives, when to help and when to look for a way to teach someone a lesson. I love the personalities of the characters Albert, Sooty and especially Tyson.
I hope this does well, its a lovely story.
Njoy *moods and expressions*

A pleasant read to start off my evenings entertainment. Happy to back - I am sure my class would enjoy reading it too. Pete