A Cat Story

The heroes of A Cat Story, Cilla and Betto, are on a quest to find paradise. Cilla, the leader, hears a story about a “quiet garden,” causing the two best friends to search for it. Cilla is sure it is real. They realize two important truths upon finding the garden. The first truth, brought to them by a wise cat, is that “there is a measure of truth in all good stories.” This gives reason to myths and legends. The second relies on the first, and it is that not all of these truths are good. The final, implied moral is that the adventure matters more than the result.

The writer of this story is a master at feline expression and realistic feel. She modifies and copies real paintings to show the telling of a story, and the book really hammers home the morals. It is a little slow to start, but it has beautiful artwork inspired by a real place. I think most middle-school children would enjoy Ursula Murray Husted’s work. I think public and middle-school libraries should stock a copy. It is more of a one-time read than a buy-and-read-a-couple-dozen-times book. I recommend that those who wish to try it get it from the library. Animal lovers, enjoy!