A cat is lying on shelves full of books, maps, photos, plans and more

The Best Cat, the Est Cat

A delightful tale introducing young readers to the State Library.

The Best Cat, the Est Cat tells the story of a mysterious talking cat who takes two children and readers on a rollicking adventure through the State Library.

The Best Cat, the Est Cat book cover
The Best Cat, the Est Cat book cover
On your journey with the Best Cat, you’ll see the giant floor map, a one hundred year old message in a bottle, a necklace made of hair and other thrilling curiosities kept in the Library! Young readers will also learn about the dedicated people who work here, keeping history and knowledge alive.

With hidden corridors, stairs and underground stacks, the Library  is the perfect place for an adventure. 

The Best Cat, the Est Cat was written by Australian award-winning author Libby Hathorn, and illustrated by Rosie Handley.

An illustration of children looking at the Macquarie Collector's Chest, from the book, "The Best Cat, The Est Cat".

The Best Cat, The Est Cat: Teachers notes

Bring the book to life with a range of activities for the primary classroom.

The Best Cat, the Est Cat author Libby Hathorn.

Q&A with author Libby Hathorn

Find out more about author Libby Hathorn

The Best Cat, the Est Cat illustrator Rosie Handley.

Q&A with illustrator Rosie Handley

Find out more about illustrator Rosie Handley

 

 

Meet the Best Cat at the Library, and the team behind the book.

/site-assets/video/introducing-best-cat-est-cat
/site-assets/video/writing-best-cat-est-cat-libby-hathorn-video
/site-assets/video/illustrating-best-cat-est-cat-rosie-handley-video
/site-assets/video/author-libby-hathorn-reads-best-cat-est-cat-video