A Wee Cat with a Big Heart
A Review of The Moggie Thit Meowed Too Much
This review is part of our ongoing series of in-house reviews, showcasing how passionate we are about the books we publish.
Emma Grae’s The Moggie Thit Meowed Too Much, illustrated by Bob Dewar and published by Luath Press, is a touching wee tale that lingers long after you’ve closed the cover. At its heart, it’s about grief, love and the quiet ways we hold on to those we’ve lost.
When young Skye’s granny dies, she inherits her granny’s noisy, opinionated cat, Lottie, a moggie that simply meows too much. From the start, Grae captures that mix of affection and irritation any cat owner will recognise, yet what gives the story its emotional weight is how the relationship between Skye and Lottie becomes a way for Skye to navigate her loss.
Written entirely in Scots, the book feels authentic and intimate, rooted in the rhythms and sounds of everyday Scottish speech. The language might take a little adjusting for readers unfamiliar with Scots, but it’s never alienating. Instead, it feels warm and musical, adding depth and identity to the story. Grae’s choice to write in Scots is a statement of cultural pride and a celebration of language that invites both children and adults to listen closely and take pleasure in the words.
The emotional honesty of the book is what makes it special. Grae doesn’t shy away from showing that grief can be messy and confusing, especially for a child. Skye misses her granny fiercely, and the cat becomes a living reminder of both her love and her loss. Yet, through caring for Lottie, Skye begins to heal.
Bob Dewar’s illustrations complement the text perfectly. His drawings bring warmth and personality to both Skye and her loud wee moggie. The artwork keeps the story accessible to younger readers while adding layers of emotion for older ones.
The Moggie Thit Meowed Too Much is a celebration of language, resilience and the bond between people and the animals that carry us through hard times. It’s a small book with a big heart... much like the moggie herself.
