Mur, the Kitty-Knight: A Fantasy Chapter Book for Kids Ages 8-12 with 25 Full-Color Illustrations (The Adventures of Cat-Knight Mur)

Mur, the Kitty-Knight received a 2026 Purple Dragonfly Book Award (Honorable Mention) in the Chapter Books and Middle Grade Fiction categories.

A beautifully illustrated fantasy chapter book about a brave young cat on a quest to become a knight, perfect for independent readers ages 8-12 and read-aloud sessions with younger listeners.

When we first meet Mur, he is a wide-eyed kitten in the cozy animal kingdom of Kittengale, dreaming of becoming a knight. By the final chapter, that same cat stands in full armor, taller and stronger than his own father, and wiser than he ever imagined he could become.

Trained by the wise Master Shurko, Mur faces challenges that test far more than his sword skills. He befriends a fire-breathing dragon who turns out to be more lonely than dangerous. He solves clever riddles, rescues those in need, stands up to bullies, and learns that true strength comes not from fighting, but from kindness, patience, and knowing when not to fight.

Each of the 11 chapters is its own complete adventure with a gentle moral woven into the story, not as a lecture, but as something a child will feel. Short, self-contained chapters are perfect for one-adventure-per-evening bedtime reading.

Brought to life with 25 full-page, full-color illustrations by Roman Dubina, this coming-of-age tale blends modern fables with a timeless fantasy quest. A brave, kind hero kids can grow with from the first page to the very last. A rich world of talking animals, medieval kingdoms, starlit forests, and ancient warrior wisdom. Real suspense and real heart, including a dragon encounter, royal tournaments, daring rescues, and clever riddles.

Parents and teachers will appreciate the genuine coming-of-age arc where courage, honesty, empathy, and resilience are earned, not preached. The wholesome, timeless fairy-tale tone naturally supports character education for Grades 3-6. Ideal as a chapter book for confident readers and equally wonderful as a read-aloud for ages 5-7.

Book 1 in The Adventures of Cat-Knight Mur series.

Igor Shnayder writes fantasy adventures for young readers who believe that kindness is the bravest thing a hero can possess. His first series, The Adventures of Cat-Knight Mur, grew out of the bedtime stories he once told his own children - tales of a small, brave cat who dreamed of becoming a knight, not to fight, but to protect and help others.Born and raised in the seaside city of Odesa, Ukraine, Igor was enchanted by fairy tales from an early age, and that wonder grew into a lifelong love of fantasy and classic literature. He studied maritime engineering and spent fifteen years aboard merchant ships, where distant horizons shaped his imagination. Alongside his life at sea, he has devoted more than fourteen years to landscape photography, shaping his work into photobooks.Whether he is writing a fairy tale or composing a photograph, Igor's goal remains the same: to inspire others and to bring a little joy to their journeys.