Cat out of the hat

It has long amused me that a novel once considered censorable not only for children but for adults has in the past two centuries spawned dozens if not hundreds of children's books. There are easy reader versions of the novel and picture books taking the monster on many adventures. At the same time, the monster has appeared in one cartoon show after another -- first as a guest star with such animation greats as Mickey Mouse, Mighty Mouse, Mister Magoo, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Scooby Doo, then in variations on his own theme, chief among them the lovable Hanna Barbera Frankenstein Jr.

Well here comes the feline version, based on a picture book by Curt Jobling (already rich and famous because he created Bob the Builder), now making its way into the Saturday morning lineup via UK TV. Meet FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT.