Marshmallow Pie the Cat Superstar in Hollywood Read online

  First published in Great Britain by HarperCollins Children’s Books in 2021

  Published in this ebook edition in 2021

  HarperCollins Children’s Books is a division of HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd,

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  Text and illustrations copyright © Clara Vulliamy 2021

  Cover design copyright © HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2021

  Clara Vulliamy asserts the moral right to be identified as the author and illustrator of the work.

  A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

  All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this ebook onscreen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins.

  Source ISBN: 9780008355913

  Ebook Edition © December 2020 ISBN: 9780008355920

  Version: 2020-12-21

  For Julia, with much love

  Contents

  Cover

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Map of the hotel suite

  Chapter One: Hello, Hollywood!

  Chapter Two: Coolest on the Catwalk

  Chapter Three: Meowdy!

  Chapter Four: Back in the Spotlight

  Chapter Five: Puffed Up and Perfect

  Chapter Six: Putting the ME in Meow

  Chapter Seven: Best Friends Forever

  Chapter Eight: Time to Go Home

  Keep Reading …

  Books by Clara Vulliamy

  About the Publisher

  Map of the hotel suite

  Chapter One

  Hello, Hollywood!

  My name is Marshmallow Pie and I am an INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR.

  Here we are, arriving in Hollywood: me, my human – Amelia Lime, and her dad. I have been cast in a major new movie, playing the very important role of the villain’s cat. I got the part when a famous producer saw a video of me that became very popular online.

  He could see immediately that I was HUGELY talented – and feisty!

  We are met off the plane by a chauffeur wearing mirrored sunglasses and holding up a sign.

  He picks up our suitcases and we follow him to a gleaming white stretch limousine.

  ‘This is AMAZING!’ says Amelia happily, trying out the buttons that control the multicoloured lighting.

  ‘Not bad!’ agrees her dad, sinking back into the plump leather seats.

  It IS very luxurious, even for a cat of my importance.

  As we are driven smoothly towards the city, Amelia gazes out of the window in wonder.

  We’ve never been to America before, or any faraway places. ‘It’s all so different,’ she says, ‘and SO exciting!’

  I concentrate on exploring the snack compartments. A large packet of Cod Crispies has been thoughtfully provided; it would be rude not to eat them all.

  We soon arrive at our hotel. As we cross the shiny marble floor of the lobby, dodging between the wealthy-looking guests, I am dazzled for a moment by the lights of the massive chandelier above.

  We check in and go to the lift, which is operated by a very smart bellboy. I love his bright red jacket with gold buttons and matching hat. I would look fantastic in an outfit like that. When we reach our floor, I stiffen my legs and refuse to come out, insisting that we go up and down several more times, until Amelia says, ‘I think that’s enough now, Pie.’

  Our suite is VERY grand. I share a bedroom with Amelia, her dad has another, and there’s a bathroom joining our rooms together.

  Amelia throws herself down on to the HUGE bed. ‘I’ve NEVER seen so many pillows and cushions in my whole life!’ she says.

  Her dad looks around and whistles. ‘You could practically fit our whole flat into just this bathroom!’

  I STRETCH out on a soft, furry white rug. It is almost as fluffy as me.

  Amelia unpacks our things and arranges some of the cushions on the floor to make a little bed for me next to hers. We look out of the window at the busy city, all lit up as it begins to get dark.

  ‘I can’t believe we’re really here,’ says Amelia. ‘It’s like a dream! And it’s all thanks to your talent, Pie.’

  But I take it all in my stride. The GLITZ, the glamour, the luxury … I feel completely at home.

  ‘And now I think we should get an early night,’ says her dad, yawning. ‘We’ve had a VERY long day, and we’ve got a big meeting about the movie first thing tomorrow morning.’

  Chapter Two

  Coolest on the Catwalk

  After breakfast we go down to the lobby to meet Dexter, my agent from the Ace Animal Acting Agency. He will come to the meeting with us.

  ‘Hey, guys, great to see you all!’ he says. ‘Looking good, Pie!’

  I am wearing the green bow tie Amelia made for me. She says it’s important to make a good first impression.

  We follow Dexter into the hotel conference room, where all the major people from the movie are gathered.

  ‘Oh dear, I feel very nervous,’ says Amelia, hesitating in the doorway. ‘This is such a BIG moment for Pie!’

  ‘Don’t worry,’ says her dad. ‘Everyone is going to love him!’

  That’s true, I think to myself. Of course they will! They’ve all seen my video.

  Dexter introduces us to everyone. There are too many people to remember, but a few catch my attention.

  There’s the big Hollywood producer, Rocky Milan, striding up and down and giving orders to his assistant, who hurries along behind and writes things in a notebook …

  There’s the actress who will play the role of the villain, the glamorous Tallulah Lush, drinking coffee, her face half-hidden by a huge hat and sunglasses …

  And then there’s Tallulah’s daughter, Madison.

  ‘Madison is a professional model, a big name in her own right,’ whispers Dexter. ‘She also sells products with her famous catchphrase written on them. That’s it there, on her T-shirt – COOLEST ON THE CATWALK.’

  Then he says more loudly, ‘Madison, this is Amelia. She’s only a couple of years younger than you – I’m sure you’re going to be GREAT friends!’

  Madison looks up from her phone, but she barely glances at Amelia. Instead, her eyes light up when she sees me. She gives me the brightest, whitest smile.

  ‘Marshmallow Pie!’ exclaims Madison in a charming accent. ‘It’s AWESOME to meet you at last! Your video is amazing! Everyone’s talking about you.’

  I’m very flattered. I look at Madison’s catchphrase, written in sparkly pink gemstones:

  It could have been made for me! I notice her BIG hair, so similar to my fluffy fur. And what’s more, she’s a superstar, just like me.

  We are so alike.

  Amelia looks shy, glancing down at her jeans and plain jumper. ‘Yes, I’m really proud of him,’ she says.

  While Amelia’s dad talks with the other adults and fills in some forms, we sit down with Madison and she tells us all about herself.

  ‘Everywhere I go,’ she sighs, ‘I’m approached by reporters and fans.

&n
bsp; At the beach, having my hair done, eating at restaurants,

  I’m always asked to pose for photos and sign autographs.’

  I understand completely. It’s one of the many burdens of being a huge celebrity. (Well, okay, it hasn’t happened to me yet, but I’m sure it will.)

  ‘It’s SO annoying,’ she carries on, ‘but I’m famous, so what can I do? Anyway, Marshmallow, I’m so glad you’re here. You’ll be the perfect accessory for me.’

  ‘It’s Pie,’ says Amelia quietly, ‘and “accessory” isn’t really—’

  But Madison just carries on. ‘So I’ve decided: whenever you aren’t busy filming, I’ll show you around town. We’ll start straight away. As soon as this boring meeting is finished, I’m taking you SHOPPING!’

  I purr happily. It’s going to be AMAZING, hanging out with Madison.

  Chapter Three

  Meowdy!

  Madison has her own car, a nippy little pink convertible, even though she’s too young to drive herself. We all squeeze in – the driver, me, Amelia, Madison, and her bodyguard, Big Barbara.

  Her driver takes us along the grandest streets, with crowds bustling in and out of fancy clothes shops. Then he pulls up outside PAW-JAMAS, a very expensive-looking pet boutique.

  ‘Did you tell the press we were coming?’ asks Amelia, noticing a cluster of photographers waiting outside. ‘I thought you said you find them annoying …’

  But Madison doesn’t seem to hear her. She just beams and waves as we all get out of the car. Then she lifts me out of Amelia’s arms and holds me up so the photographers can take lots of pictures of us together.

  ‘This is Marshmallow Pie!’ she tells them. ‘The internet sensation. I’m sure you recognise him!’

  I smile blissfully for the cameras. It’s so kind of Madison to say I’m a sensation.

  She waves one more time, then we turn and head into the shop.

  The PAW-JAMAS staff are SO friendly to Madison.

  I am IMPRESSED. This is how we celebrities like to be greeted.

  I try on loads of fabulous outfits. We are there for HOURS, while Big Barbara watches from a distance, looking bored.

  Amelia tries to help, but Madison has very clear ideas about what would suit me best.

  Coolest Cat on the Catwalk!

  Madison selects a pink, sparkly COOLEST ON THE CATWALK bandana and Stetson, to match her T-shirt. She obviously knows a lot about how a star should dress. I am pleased that we now look even more alike.

  ‘Oh my, what a cute cowboy!’ Madison chirps, posing for a selfie with me. ‘Howdy, Pie – or should I say, “Meowdy”?’ The shop assistants all laugh.

  Then Madison turns her attention to my green bow tie.

  ‘Time to replace this old thing,’ she says, taking it off and casually tossing it to Amelia.

  Madison then picks up a shiny gold satin bow tie and puts it on me. ‘There!’ she says. ‘SO much better! Your old one looked kinda home-made. REAL stars wear chic accessories from stores like this.’

  I admire my new gold bow tie in the mirror. It’s very snazzy. I still love my green bow tie, though. I’m sure Madison didn’t mean to be rude. She probably didn’t realise that it was Amelia who made it for me.

  When we finally get back to our hotel, Amelia’s dad is waiting for us with delicious-smelling pizza slices wrapped up in crinkly paper. There is a little extra salami for me, as a treat.

  At bedtime, while Amelia is brushing her teeth in the vast bathroom, I investigate the interesting toilet paper. The end is folded into the shape of a swan, and when I manage to undo it I find the entire roll is covered in tiny silver stars.

  I unroll lots and lots of it, to really appreciate the effect.

  ‘You are one crazy cat, Pie!’ Amelia says, and she laughts. She seems more cheerful again now. ‘I hope you’ll be on your BEST behaviour when you start filming tomorrow!’

  I settle down for the night, feeling good, ready for sweet dreams about gold bow ties, and adoring photographers, and as much salami as I can eat.

  I LOVE Hollywood!

  Chapter Four

  Back in the Spotlight

  ‘Ready for your first day’s filming?’ Amelia asks me the next morning.

  Ready for

  YOU BET I AM!

  ‘The film studio is sending a car straight after breakfast,’ says her dad, ‘so we’d better get a move on.’

  Amelia smiles. ‘It will be good to get started. You’re going to be brilliant, Pie!’

  Yes. I am brilliant. I perform my role perfectly – everybody says so. I look especially marvellous in a diamond collar.

  All I have to do is sit on the villain’s lap while she spins round on a black swivel chair to face the camera, stroking the top of my head. The telephone rings and she answers it, saying,

  ‘RELEASE THE

  SNAKES!’

  Then she gives an evil laugh, and I smile my meanest, most sinister smile.

  Acting Superstar

  Later, to celebrate a very successful first day’s filming, Amelia’s dad takes us to the hotel’s fancy roof-terrace restaurant for dinner.

  ‘I’ve never been anywhere like this before,’ says Amelia, wide-eyed, looking around at the sumptuous decorations, the colourful umbrellas and the views of the distant mountains. ‘LOOK!’ she exclaims. ‘The famous Hollywood sign!’

  We sit down next to a potted palm tree while waiters hurry past, holding up trays laden with amazing delicacies.

  While Amelia and her dad wait for their food to arrive, they chat about the filming and what fun it was.

  ‘Tallulah Lush is really scary as the villain,’ says Amelia.

  ‘She’s quite a character,’ agrees her dad. ‘Her evil laugh made my hair stand on end!’

  Amelia giggles, but then she looks over my head towards the door and I see her spirits sink a little. I don’t know why, because a moment later Madison sweeps up to our table.

  I’m SO pleased to see her.

  She pulls up a chair and takes out her phone. ‘Check this out!’ she says, showing us a picture on her social media app. It’s the photograph of her posing with me in PAW-JAMAS pet boutique the day before.

  ‘My fans ADORE Pie. It’s already got loads of likes!’ she tells us.

  I’m not surprised. We look stunning together.

  Then Madison carries on, ‘Did you know they do an amazing pets’ menu here?’ and she loudly summons a waiter.

  I CANNOT BELIEVE MY EYES.

  In no time at all, dish after dish of mouth-watering food is being delivered to our table – all for me!

  ‘Go on, try everything!’ encourages Madison.

  ‘Pie usually only has one meal a day,’ says Amelia, looking worried, ‘with just an occasional treat. All this food … it’s too rich for him.’

  ‘Oh, don’t be a killjoy!’ says Madison. ‘Anyway, fat cats are SO cute and funny. He’d get EVEN MORE likes online if he put on a little weight!’

  I don’t know about that, but I do know that I like the look of the SALMON MOUSSE SUNDAE that’s just arrived.

  It’s all go, because now Dexter arrives too, hurrying over in a state of huge EXCITEMENT.

  ‘I hoped I’d find you here,’ he says. ‘I have news. There might – might – be a chance of an interview for Pie and Amelia with VANITY FUR. It’s America’s TOP posh pets’ magazine!’

  ‘Wow!’ says Amelia.

  ‘Well done, you guys!’ says Madison.

  ‘That would be wild!’

  ‘Fingers crossed!’ says Dexter.

  Madison narrows her eyes as if considering something, and then starts texting.

  Meanwhile Dexter shows us copies of VANITY FUR.

  They all feature only the finest animal stars. I would fit right in! I hope they agree to write about me.

  I notice that Amelia takes this opportunity to move the dishes of rich food out of my reach. This makes me cross. I could have managed a few more mouthfuls. I’m sure Madison would have let m
e finish.

  When we get back to our room, Amelia hangs up her dress with a sigh and gets ready for bed. I just collapse heavily on my mound of cushions.

  Amelia climbs under the covers and shuts her eyes.

  But soon she opens them again because I meow VERY LOUDLY.

  I have a TERRIBLE stomach ache.

  Chapter Five

  Puffed Up and Perfect

  Amelia is a bit tired the next morning. ‘I was awake worrying about you, Pie,’ she says, ‘after you ate all that rich food and felt so sick!’

  But I am FINE again now. I wander into the bathroom, where I get an unpleasant surprise. There seems to be a small, round window in here, with an alarmingly HUGE cat peering in. I try not to catch his eye and hurry out again.