One Hundred and One Black Cats is a short novel by Stephen Mooser, with illustrations by Quentin Blake. Tod is a ten-year-old boy living in an old warehouse with his gout-ridden uncle, Captain Bones, in the harbor town of New Bedford. One day, Captain Bones sends Tod to Fogcutter Inn to pick up a package for him. According to Captain Bones, the package will make him and Tod wealthy enough to live in a big whaling ship. Tod is excited by the thought of finally leaving the dark and moldy warehouse, to go out to sea with his uncle. However, once Tod reaches the inn, a sailor tells him that the package is basically worthless. Tod begins to think that Captain Bones had tricked him, but then he finds out that his uncle has been kidnapped. Tod realizes that the package must be valuable after all.

This book is extremely short, but it is fast-paced and enjoyable to read. I found it very difficult to put this book down once I started reading it. The story is action-packed and engaging, and the characters are entertaining. I am also especially fond of Quentin Blake’s illustrations. I have enjoyed many other books illustrated by Quentin Blake. His illustrations give life and personality to the characters in this book. Some parts of the story seemed a bit rushed, especially toward the end of the book. However, I thought the conclusion was rewarding, and it was very satisfying to find out what happened to Tod and Captain Bones. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick and entertaining read.