Inspired by the true story of a beloved cat born at sea, Trim the Cat is a delightful new children's book launched by the National Museum of Australia.
Written by author Ursula Dubosarsky, Trim the Cat follows the adventures of Trim, who accompanied British navigator Matthew Flinders on his voyage to circumnavigate and map the coastline of Australia from 1801 to 1803.
Two Aboriginal men named Bungaree and Nanbaree accompanied Flinders during the voyage.
Bungaree was a vital intermediary between Flinders and First Nations peoples encountered on the journey.
The book, brought to life with striking collage-style illustrations by Paul Lalo of Soymilk Studio, is the latest in a series inspired by characters featured in the Museum's Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre for children.
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.
'This is the fourth in a series of five books that builds on the innovation of the Museum's Discovery Centre, encouraging conversations around place, identity and Australian stories in a dynamic and exciting way'.
Visitors to the Museum's recently reopened Landmarks gallery can also see the bronze statue of Trim and an anchor recovered 170 years after it was thrown off Flinders' ship, HMS Investigator, to prevent it from running aground off Western Australia.
Author Ursula Dubosarsky said 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.
'This book puts Trim centre-stage in the story and emphasises the relationship between Flinders and this loyal little cat,' said Ms Dubosarsky.
'Matthew really loved Trim, cared for Trim, and shared his adventures with him, right up to his imprisonment on the island of Mauritius.
'After Trim's disappearance he even wrote a biography of the little cat, which I read when preparing to write this book – and was completely charmed and touched by it'.
Illustrator Paul Lalo said working on Trim the Cat was a dream project.
'The story has a beautiful balance of humour, courage and friendship, and I tried to reflect that in every drawing,' Mr Lalo 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 are The Bunyip and the Stars, part First Nations creation story and part adventure tale by Biripi man Adam Duncan, How Mother Kangaroo Got her Pouch, a First Nations story about the rewards of kindness by Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi woman Rebecca Beetson and A Woolly Tale about Chris, the world's woolliest sheep, by Jackie Hosking.
The National Museum of Australia acknowledges the central role of First Nations people in shaping the nation's history and the importance of an inclusive national narrative.
