Whittington by Alan Armstrong

I admit I'm a sucker for animal characters in books.  This Newbery Honor Book did not disappoint.  It begins when Whittington, a cat who has seen better days, shows up at a farm owned by Bernie.  Bernie has a soft spot, and therefore has a barnyard full of farm animals discarded by others.  The cat earns his way into the barn through his ratting skills, but becomes most adored by the other animals for his storytelling.  Turns out, Whittington is a descendant of the famous cat of Dick Whittington and has tales to tell of that medieval adventure as experienced by his cat.  Read this book.  You'll catch yourself smiling.