TRIM THE CAT: THE FEARLESS FELINE WHO SAILED INTO HISTORY
- Charlotte Bolt
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
The National Museum of Australia has launched Trim the Cat, a charming new children’s book that tells the tale of a courageous black-and-white feline who literally made history by sailing around the country.
Written by acclaimed author Ursula Dubosarsky, Trim the Cat follows the true story of Trim, the loyal sidekick to British navigator Matthew Flinders during his voyage to circumnavigate and map the coastline of Australia from 1801 to 1803.
Along for the ride were two Aboriginal men, Bungaree and Nanbaree, with Bungaree playing a vital role as intermediary between Flinders and the First Nations peoples they encountered.
The story is brought to life through striking collage-style illustrations by Paul Lalo of Soymilk Studio, part of the Museum’s Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre series for children.
And it’s not just about a cute cat. It’s a history lesson, an adventure, and a friendship story with whiskers.
National Museum director Katherine McMahon said Trim was no ordinary cat.
“Fearless, clever and full of heart, Trim sailed into stormy seas and on grand adventures with his best friend and fellow voyager Matthew Flinders,” said Ms McMahon.
“It’s wonderful to bring this touching story to life for a new generation of children,” she said
“This is the fourth in a series of five books that build on the innovation of the Museum’s Discovery Centre, encouraging conversations around place, identity and Australian stories in a dynamic and exciting way,” said Ms McMahon.
Visitors to the Museum’s newly reopened Landmarks gallery can also spot the bronze statue of Trim and an anchor recovered 170 years after it was tossed from Flinders’ ship, HMS Investigator, to stop it running aground off the Western Australian coast.
Author Ursula Dubosarsky said she was charmed by Trim’s real-life story.
“There’s something so appealing about the thought of a brave little black and white cat taking his place on the stage of big historical events,” said Ms Dubosarsky.
“This book puts Trim centre-stage in the story and emphasises the relationship between Flinders and this loyal little cat,” she said
“Matthew really loved Trim, cared for Trim, and shared his adventures with him, right up to his imprisonment on the island of Mauritius,” she said.
“After Trim's disappearance, he even wrote a biography of the little cat, which I read when preparing to write this book, nd was completely charmed and touched by it,” said Ms Dubosarsky.
Illustrator Paul Lalo called the project “a dream."
“The story has a beautiful balance of humour, courage and friendship, and I tried to reflect that in every drawing,” he said.
“I hope readers, young and old, feel the same wonder and warmth that I felt while bringing Trim’s story to life."
Other titles in the series include The Bunyip and the Stars by Biripi man Adam Duncan, How Mother Kangaroo Got Her Pouch by Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi woman Rebecca Beetson, and A Woolly Tale by Jackie Hosking about Chris, the world’s woolliest sheep.
