RDP #72 – CAT
Old English catt, catte, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch kat and German Katze ; reinforced in Middle English by forms from late Latin cattus .
I’ve lived my 71 years quite happily without a pet cat. Never really wanted one.
However, I have been fascinated with the regal, gorgeous tiger since I was a little girl. I remember reading a Golden Book titled Little Black Sambo, which I suppose would be considered politically incorrect these days. As I recall, the story took place in Africa, but I have to question that memory. My research indicates that there are no native tigers in Africa, although you may see one in a zoo or perhaps even a wildlife preserve. You are more likely to see Bengal tigers in Asia, or the Siberian tiger in–well –Siberia. There’s not a lot of difference between them. The Siberian has thicker fur, but otherwise they’re quite similar.
Anyway, back to my story. This is the cover I remember:
Upon further research, the story did take place in India, not Africa. Sambo had been warned many times to avoid the tigers, but he was a curious sort and decided to find out for himself. Along the way, a tiger chases him around and around a tree until the tiger finally morphs into a stack of golden pancakes covered in dark syrup.
Goofy, right? But I loved the story. I have no idea what ever happened to my book. I’m sure it was lost or tossed in one of our many moves.
A quick read through my search results informs me that the story is now about a boy named Sam, and the tigers he meets are friendly sorts of cats. Not much excitement there.
I think the first live tigers I saw were in the Como Park Zoo in Minneapolis. They were HUGE! I didn’t realize how gigantic they are. I remember watching them for a very long time.
I’m thinking that if they did populate Africa, the lion would get bumped as the King of the Jungle 🙂
Just Writing! 