Pussy Black-Face
Mary, "and how old are you?" "I'm ten," replied Della, "but I feel like a grown-up." Mary giggled. "You act like one too! I can't wait to explore more of the farm." Della nodded enthusiastically. "Let's go see the cows again! I want to feed them." As they chatted, I settled down beside Mary, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the gentle sway of the hammock. The peacefulness of the farm was a stark contrast to the chaos of the city, and I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn't experienced before. After a while, the girls decided to venture back to the barn. We made our way through the lush grass, the scent of wildflowers filling the air. The barn was bustling with activity; Denno was busy organizing the tools, and the cows were mooing softly, waiting for their afternoon feeding. Della rushed ahead, her excitement palpable. "Come on, Mary! Let's see if we can find the calves!" she called out, her voice ringing with joy. Mary followed closely, and I trotted behind, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. Inside the barn, we found the calves playing in their pen, their playful antics bringing smiles to our faces. Della squealed with delight as she reached out to pet one of the calves, her small hands gently stroking its soft fur. "They're so cute!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with happiness. As the afternoon wore on, we explored every nook and cranny of the farm. We visited the vegetable garden, where rows of vibrant greens and colorful vegetables thrived under the sun. Mary and Della helped Denno pick some fresh carrots and radishes, their laughter echoing through the fields. Later, we returned to the house, where Mrs. Gleason had prepared a delicious snack of fresh bread and butter, accompanied by sweet apple cider. We gathered around the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter, the warmth of the family atmosphere enveloping us. As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the landscape, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this new life in Maine. The worries of the city seemed like a distant memory, replaced by the simple joys of farm life. That evening, as I curled up on the soft feather bed beside Mary, I reflected on the day's adventures. I had made new friends, explored the beauty of the countryside, and found a sense of peace that I had longed for. I knew that this summer in Maine would be filled with more discoveries and cherished moments, and I couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring.
By Marshall Saunders · First published 1898 · Genre: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 20 chapters · 66,001 words
First lines
My name is Pussy Black-Face, and I am a naughty young kitten. I wish I were good like my mother. She is the best cat that I ever saw. I try to be like her, and sometimes I succeed, but most times I don't.
My mother's disposition is really lovely, but then she has a weak back. It seems to me that if I had a weak back I should be good, too, but when there is a spring in my spine that makes me want to jump all the time, and something curled up in my paws that makes me want to seize things, what can I do? How can I be good?
What this Textopian page supports
Pussy Black-Face is listed on Textopian as a novel by Marshall Saunders, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Marshall Saunders
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 66,001 words
- Structure: 20 chapters, 1,673 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Pussy Black-Face by Marshall Saunders
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Pussy Black-Face?
- How does this novel by Marshall Saunders fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Sir Rat by Oliver Herford
- The Strange Companion by Hilaire Belloc
- The Old Dispensation by Edith Nesbit
- A Shilling Of Halfpence by Mary Louisa Molesworth
- The Beginning Of The Armadillos by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Fiction — The book is a work of fiction, presenting a narrative that explores themes and characters created by the author.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic depth suggest a focus on character development and social commentary.
- Social Commentary — The book addresses societal issues and critiques cultural norms, reflecting on the human condition.
- Historical Fiction — If the narrative is set in a specific historical context, it may provide insights into the era's social dynamics.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Children's Literature · Animal Fiction · Friendship · Adventure · Humor · Coming of Age · Family · Pets · Responsibility · Growing Up
Contents
- By the Fire
- A Cat's Refuge
- A Surprising Change
- I Visit my Family
- The Cat on the Common
- My First Fight
- A New Sensation
- Serena Astonishes Us
- On the Train
- We Reach the Country
- Maine, Lovely Maine
- My Headstrong Sister
- Pigs, Cows and Chickens
- My Sister Gives a Lecture
- The Mole-Hunt
- The Return of the Children
- The Mischievous Guinea-Hen
- The Owl and the Chickens
- The Close of the Summer
- In the City Again