Berkeley Breathed, the creative mind behind the iconic Bloom County comic strip, brings us back to the whimsical world with The Bill the Cat Story: A Bloom County Epic for Ages 4—33 and 36—89. This delightful children’s book, published by Philomel Books, revisits the beloved, scraggly orange cat, Bill the Cat, and his endearing relationship with a lonely boy named Binkley. For those familiar with Bloom County, Bill the Cat needs no introduction, but for a new generation, this book serves as the perfect gateway to his chaotic charm.
Binkley, a young boy longing for companionship, embarks on a heartwarming quest to find a friend. His father takes him to the “Pedigree & Schmedigree Animal Shelter,” a place promising the perfect pet. Amongst the various animals, Binkley’s eyes are immediately drawn to a disheveled orange cat. He names him Bill, a name that “rhymes with daffodil and landfill,” instantly forging a connection based on their shared quirky spirits and even similar appearances. Their bond is palpable, hinting at the start of an inseparable friendship.
Binkley looking lonely at the animal shelter, searching for a friend, with muted colors emphasizing his solitude.
However, their budding friendship faces an immediate obstacle. Just as Binkley is ready to take Bill home, the orange cat is whisked away, packed in a box, and sent to another family who arrived at the shelter first. Binkley is understandably devastated. His dream of companionship seems to slip away as quickly as it appeared. This moment of disappointment is captured with genuine emotion, relatable to any child who has faced similar setbacks.
Enter Opus, “a dark, mysterious—shapely handsome—stranger…a rambling, restless drifter passing through town, smelling of adventure and fish.” This enigmatic character acts as Binkley’s guardian angel, observing the boy’s plight. Opus, in his own unconventional and humorous way, decides to intervene. He chases after the delivery truck carrying Bill, jumps aboard, and in a bizarre act of goodwill, gifts Bill a pair of his “personals” – underwear. This absurd gesture, typical of Bloom County’s humor, is meant to aid Bill’s return to Binkley.
Opus handing over his underwear to Bill the Cat in a delivery truck, a humorous and unexpected act of kindness.
The Bill the Cat Story not only focuses on the beginning of Binkley and Bill’s friendship but also delves into Bill’s outlandish backstory. Before finding his place in Bloom County, Bill led a life of incredible adventures. We learn he was once an Eskimo sled dog in the Arctic, herded elephants on the African savanna, achieved idol status, and even narrowly escaped becoming an alien’s meal. These snippets of Bill’s past are presented with the signature wit and imaginative storytelling that Berkeley Breathed is known for.
Meanwhile, Binkley, though initially heartbroken, tries to move on. However, Bill remains in his thoughts. The scraggly cat appears in Binkley’s art class creations, his snow-cat constructions, and even his dreams. This subtly highlights the lasting impression Bill made on Binkley in their brief encounter, emphasizing the theme of longing and the desire for connection.
Bill the Cat's underwear prominently displayed, a comical representation of Opus's quirky intervention.
The central question of The Bill the Cat Story revolves around the success of Opus’s peculiar plan. Will his unconventional gift facilitate Bill’s return to Binkley? The book cleverly builds suspense, leaving the reader wondering if fate, or perhaps the absurdity of Bloom County, will bring these two kindred spirits back together. To discover the answer, readers are encouraged to dive into The Bill the Cat Story: A Bloom County Epic for Ages 4—33 and 36—89.
Berkeley Breathed’s humor shines throughout the book, appealing to both children and adults. The age range playfully extends from 4 to 89, suggesting a story that transcends generations. While the reviewer playfully questions the exclusion of ages 34 and 35, it underscores the book’s broad appeal and timeless humor. The Bill the Cat Story is a delightful introduction to the world of Bloom County and a heartwarming tale of friendship, perfect for both longtime fans and new readers eager to discover the chaotic charm of Bill the Cat.
THE BILL THE CAT STORY: A BLOOM COUNTY EPIC. Text and illustrations copyright © 2016 by Berkeley Breathed. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Philomel Books, New York, NY.
Amazon—Indie Books—Apple Books—Philomel Books
Add The Bill the Cat Story: A Bloom County Epic to Your Goodreads Shelf HERE.
