DIY Homeschooler

Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin is a favorite book by one of our favorite authors: Marguerite Henry.

The book tells the story of artist Benjamin West, who from a young age loved to draw. His artistic talents were not always appreciated by his Quaker family. But over time even the community in which he lived came to understand and support his God-given gift.

The title comes from the fact that, in search of a better paintbrush, West found the perfect solution — hair from Grimalkin’s (his cat’s) tail!

Some people say it was the Delaware Indians who helped Benjamin to fame and fortune. Some say it was an artist and seaman by the name of William Williams. And some insist that it was Uncle Phineas Pennington, a merchant of Philadelphia.

But if Benjamin himself could have settled the question he would probably have said:

“Why, it was Grimalkin, my glossy black cat with the uncommonly long tail!”

Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin

Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin is a perfect addition to the Benjamin West section of our free history studies.

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Additional Resources

Free History Studies: Benjamin West
Learn more about the artist in our free history studies.