Trim the Cat | National Museum of Australia

By Ursula Dubosarsky

Picture book cover showing an excited captain pointing ahead with a black and white cat at the front of a ship, with title text ‘Trim the Cat’.

A heartwarming tale of friendship, bravery and adventure by Ursula Dubosarsky, Trim the Cat is the fourth in a series of five exciting tales inspired by the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre.

Born on a rocking ship in the middle of the ocean, Trim is no ordinary cat. Fearless, clever and full of heart, Trim sails into stormy seas and on grand adventures with his best friend and fellow explorer Matthew Flinders.

But when disaster strikes, Trim must find courage and hope – will he ever see his beloved captain again?

About the author and illustrator

Author Ursula Dubosarsky

Ursula Dubosarsky wanted to be a writer from the age of six, and is now the author of over 60 books for children and young adults. Her books have won several national and international children’s literature prizes, including the NSW, Victorian, South Australian and Queensland Premier’s literary awards, the Astrid Lindgren award and the Hans Christian Andersen award. This is the very first story she has written about a cat!

Illustrator Paul Lalo

Paul Lalo was born in France and, in 2004, arrived in Australia to study animation at the Queensland College of Art. Paul has worked as a director, animator and motion designer for TV commercials, music videos and documentaries. Paul is co-founder of Melbourne-based animation boutique Soymilk Studio which specialises in stop-motion and motion design.

Sample pages

Series of three picture book illustrations showing a black and white cat atop a ship's mast, chasing a mouse and confronting two dogs on a ship’s deck. - click to view larger image

Picture book illustration showing a ship’s captain smiling and hugging a black and white cat, facing out to sea near the ship’s rail, under a starry sky. - click to view larger image

Picture book illustration of four happy sailors and a black and white cat on a beach, looking at a ship coming into shore. - click to view larger image

Picture book illustrations showing a cat sliding on a ship’s deck and the ship’s captain at the wheel, during a stormy night. - click to view larger image

Picture book illustrations showing a black and white cat and four sailors floating on wreckage in the sea, with shipwrecks in the background against a dawn sky. - click to view larger image

Publication details

ISBN 9781921953491
HB, 32 pages, 225 mm x 280 mm
National Museum of Australia Press, October 2025

Event Talented Tales: Trim the Cat – sold out 11am–12pm Sunday, October 26, 2025

Sail the seas with Trim the cat and create your own book! Listen to author Ursula Dubosarsky as she takes you on a journey with Trim, the star of a new picture book from the Museum. Bring your imagination and join Ursula to create your own book featuring Trim. For ages 4–8 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult (adults free).

A Woolly Tale

How Mother Kangaroo Got Her Pouch

The Bunyip and the Stars

Publications

Daily, costs apply Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre

Top