Picture a shy black cat with a red scarf scampering through the streets of New York City—meet Esther Averill, the American storyteller who brought Jenny Linsky and her feline friends to life! Born in 1902, Averill crafted a whimsical world of cat adventures that have charmed generations of young readers. Her 13 Cat Club tales, including classics like The Fire Cat and Jenny and the Cat Club, blend heartwarming themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery with a mid-20th-century Greenwich Village backdrop.
Averill wasn’t just a writer—she was a trailblazing publisher and illustrator whose love for children’s literature shaped her legacy. With a knack for spotting talent and a passion for vibrant storytelling, she left an indelible mark on the genre. Let’s dive into her journey and discover why her stories still purr in readers’ hearts!
The Making of Esther Averill
Esther Averill was born on July 24, 1902, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Charles Ketchum and Helen Holden Averill. As a teenager, she sketched cartoons for a local newspaper, hinting at her creative spark. After graduating with honors from Vassar College in 1923, she joined Women’s Wear Daily in New York City. But the allure of Paris called, and in 1925, she moved to France to work as a photojournalist’s assistant. By 1931, Averill founded Domino Press, a publishing house dedicated to children’s picture books featuring gifted artists like Feodor Rojankovsky, who later won a Caldecott Medal. Domino Press introduced vibrant, globally inspired stories to young readers until it ceased operations in 1938.
Returning to the United States in 1941, Averill worked in the children’s department of the New York Public Library, immersing herself in the world of young readers. Her own shy cat inspired her most famous creation, Jenny Linsky, launching a beloved series that would define her career.
Esther Averill’s Unforgettable Stories
Averill’s Cat Club series, spanning 1944 to 1972, follows Jenny Linsky, a timid black cat with a signature red scarf, and her feline friends in New York City. Her stories, written and illustrated with a naive, charming style, capture the magic of everyday adventures. The Cat Club (1944), the first in the series, introduces Jenny’s quest to join a group of colorful cats, from elegant Madame Butterfly to stately Mr. President. The book’s cozy Greenwich Village setting and themes of belonging resonated with children.
The Fire Cat (1960), an I Can Read Book, stars Pickles, a mischievous cat with big paws and bigger dreams. Adopted by a firehouse, Pickles learns teamwork and bravery, delighting young readers with its vibrant pink and olive-green illustrations. The School for Cats (1947) follows Jenny’s growth from a fearful kitten to a confident feline, offering lessons in courage. Averill’s nonfiction work, like The Voyages of Jacques Cartier (1937), showcased her versatility, blending history with engaging storytelling.
Her writing style—simple yet evocative—paired with her primitive, colorful illustrations, created a timeless appeal. Translated into six languages, her books remain a staple in children’s literature, with reissues by the New York Review Children’s Collection starting in 2003 keeping her stories alive.
Why Esther Averill Matters
Esther Averill’s work transcended children’s literature, teaching generations about empathy, bravery, and community through her feline characters. Her Cat Club series, set in a vibrant New York, offered a comforting world where even the shyest cat could shine. Her publishing efforts with Domino Press introduced American readers to international artists, enriching the genre. Averill’s legacy endures in the hearts of readers and the shelves of libraries, with her stories inspiring countless children to embrace their unique strengths.
Her recognition, including a New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year award for Jenny’s Birthday Book in 1954, underscores her impact. Averill’s tales continue to captivate, proving that a good story—and a cat with a red scarf—never goes out of style.
- Born: July 24, 1902, Bridgeport, Connecticut
- Key Works: The Cat Club, The Fire Cat, The School for Cats, The Voyages of Jacques Cartier
- Award: New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year (1954)
- Died: May 19, 1992, New York City
Snag Jenny and the Cat Club and dive into Esther Averill’s heartwarming world of feline adventures!