Daydreams are escapes from the humdrum of daily life. Many people will dream of being a famous actor, sports star or politician. If people don’t daydream for hours on end, these fantasies can help be a refreshing pause. The problem begins when people daydream too much and don’t find enjoyment in normal things.
Many years ago, the famous American writer James Thurber wrote a funny story known as "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." A movie was later made from the story with the irrepressible Danny Kaye starring as Walter Mitty. Jean Hicks has written an animal version of this popular story with a cat as the protagonist. She entitles this charming story. "The Secret Life of Walter Kitty."
As the tale begins we see the corpulent Walter Kitty sleeping in a tree. He longs for adventure, but unfortunately is treated as a lap cat by his owner, Mrs. Biddle. Every time she calls out "Here Walter, here kitty, kitty" his spirit rebels. Her insipid call taunts him as he desires to be a brave and famous cat. He even gives himself a new name; Fang.
This is the cat that he wants to be: A fearless feline, fighting dangerous foes as he lives in a hyper-packed world of danger. He imagines attacking all the mice in the neighborhood and gloats over their supposed cries for help. He is truly a fearsome animal.
Then, awakened once again from his fantasy, Mrs. Biddle calls out, "Breakfast." Well, eating is better than starving, even if you are a superhero, so Walter lumbers over to the house. Mr. Biddle sternly tells his wife that she is spoiling the cat. Walter condescends to Mr. Biddle’s presence, knowing that Mrs. Biddle wants him in the home.
The cat simply cannot figure out why both Biddles have such difficulty seeing all the benefits he brings to the home. For example, Walter always licks the plates after supper, thereby cleaning them. He also sweeps shelves for Mrs. Biddle. Is it his fault that objects keep falling off the stupid shelves? Of course not! But instead of thanking the cat for his thoughtfulness, she orders him sharply out of the house.
The husband is no better. A neat freak, Mr. Biddle is always doing the laundry and making the bed. Walter tries to help him by jumping up on the clothes hanging on the clothesline to help take out the wrinkles. He then runs into the bedroom and twists all the bed covers to help arrange them. Again, does he get any thanks for this? Absolutely none! With this kind of rejection the only thing to do is lay down, take a nap and daydream. Upon closing his eyes a new world of adventures begin. Once again, Fang is born.
What does Walter do in his daydreams? Does he become a heroic figure? Why does he dream of hanging on to the Empire State Building and fighting off biplanes? What courage and bravery does Walter begin to show? What finally happens to Fang? To find out, go to the library and check out this delightful book, "The Secret Life of Walter Kitty," by Barbara Hicks.
This book is a funny spoof on the original story by James Thurber. I encourage you to read both of these humorous tales. They will keep you laughing and smiling as you witness the thrilling adventures of daydreamers. Enjoy!
