Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. This week, I am reviewing Stephanie Calmenson’s novelisation of Tom and Jerry: The Movie.
Tom and Jerry: The Movie was published in 1993 by Scholastic and is 64 pages long.
The Plot
The story follows Tom and Jerry as the mischievous duo team up to save a young girl named Robyn from her evil aunt and her lawyer, who are after her inheritance.
Characters
Tom
Tom is one of the main protagonists in the story. He is a mischievous and cunning cat who loves to chase and catch mice, particularly his arch-nemesis, Jerry. However, having been made homeless, Tom and Jerry must rely on one another to survive, though, at first, Tom is reluctant.
Eventually, we learn that Tom has a soft side as he and Jerry befriend a young girl named Robyn and try to protect her from danger.
Jerry
Jerry, the other main protagonist, constantly outsmarts Tom and avoids capture with his quick wit and cunning. Unlike Tom, Jerry is shown as having a more compassionate side from the beginning, wanting them to stick together right from the start.
Robyn Starling
Robyn is the main human character in the story. She is a nine-year-old girl who, after being orphaned, is taken in by a guardian, Aunt Figg, who is trying to steal the inheritance left by her father for herself. Robyn is brave and resourceful in trying to escape her aunt and find her lost father. She also forms a bond with Tom and Jerry, who help her on her journey.
Aunt Pristine Figg
Aunt Figg is Robyn’s cruel and greedy guardian who only cares about her own interests. She is the story’s main antagonist and will do whatever it takes to get her hands on Robyn’s inheritance.
Lickboot
Lickboot is Aunt Figg’s lawyer and henchman, who we learn is a snivelling coward and is constantly afraid of Aunt Figg.
Ferdinand
Ferdinand is Aunt Figg’s fat, lazy dog who mostly moves around on a skateboard. When Tom and Jerry first come to the Starlings’ mansion, Ferdinand dislikes them immediately.
Dr Applecheek
Dr Applecheek is an awful human character who captures cats, dogs and birds to sell or breed. It is to him Aunt Figg has Tom and Jerry carted off when they first arrive and try to ruin her plans.
Puggsy and Frankie DaFlea
Puggsy and Frankie DaFlea are a dog and his flea, two best friends, who meet Tom and Jerry when they initially find themselves homeless. Unfortunately, while attempting to teach Tom and Jerry the ways of the streets, they are ultimately captured by Dr Applecheek’s goons.
Writing Style
Calmenson’s fun and zippy writing style is perfect for young readers. The short chapters and paragraphs are great for short reading bursts and make great stopping points for bedtime readers like myself.
The book is a delightful read, and Calmenson’s ability to capture the humour and charm of the screen version made it easy to breeze through it in one sitting (after all, it is only fifty pages of actual story with a few pages made up of pictures from the film).
Although there isn’t anything new in terms of plot, Calmenson does manage to capture the witty banter between Tom and Jerry as they become friends rather than enemies, and their relationship is just as enjoyable on the page as it is on the screen.
From their iconic chase scenes to their hilarious mishaps, she encapsulates the spirit of Tom and Jerry on these pages in a way that will have both children and adults laughing out loud. Her writing is engaging and full of energy, making it easy to imagine the chaos unfolding before your eyes as you turn each page.
In addition to its humour, the story also offers the same heartfelt message about the importance of friendship and standing up for what is right as the film. Through Tom and Jerry’s unlikely alliance, they teach Robyn valuable lessons about trust, loyalty, and the power of teamwork and camaraderie.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Stephanie Calmenson’s novelisation of Tom and Jerry: The Movie is a charming and entertaining read that captures the essence of the beloved animated film. Fans of the franchise will thoroughly enjoy revisiting the adventures of this cat and mouse team, while newcomers will quickly fall in love with the lovable and mischievous duo.
The book is a perfect stepping stone for children who may be ready to branch out from picture books to longer-form stories; it’s short and entertaining, and the characters are familiar to most children, so it’s easy to jump right in.
I am giving Tom and Jerry: The Movie a solid 7/10.
Have you read this one? Are you a fan of the film? What did you think?
Thank you, as ever, for stopping by to read my review. It means the world.
Until next time,
George
© 2024 GLT
Categories: Book Reviews, Reading
GEORGE L THOMAS 
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