Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Friendship, perseverance, and change in animated adaptation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Tabby McTat
What's the Story?
When TABBY MCTAT (voiced by Sope Dirisu) and busker Fred (Rob Brydon) become separated, the two friends set about trying to find each other. But amid the busy streets of London, that's easier said than done.
Is It Any Good?
This short animated adaptation manages to fit plenty into its 25-minute run time. Based on a book by the prolific children's author Julia Donaldson (The Gruffalo), Tabby McTat is a heartwarming tale about the friendship between a busker and his cat. The pair entertain passersby with their singing, but when the two become separated following an accident, both human and cat are forced to fend for themselves. As with previous Donaldson stories, the tale teaches a preschool audience some important life lessons—how change is inevitable, the importance of letting go—but always in an age-appropriate and easily digestible manner.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the friendship between Fred and his cat in Tabby McTat. What made them such good friends? What did they learn about themselves and about life by the end of the film?
Which characters show perseverance? Which characters show kindness? Why are these such important character strengths? Can you give any real life examples when you've demonstrated any of these?
Have you read the original book the film was based on? How did it compare? If so, were the characters like you imagined them? What other books would you like to see made into TV shows or movies?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 25, 2023
- Cast : Jodie Whittaker , Sope Dirisu , Rob Brydon
- Directors : Jac Hamman , Sarah Scrimgeour
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Magic Light Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Animals , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 25 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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