The Story of a Seagull and the Cat Who Taught Her to Fly

Grade 3-6-Zorba is a noble, big, black cat from the port of Hamburg who keeps his vow to a dying seagull who was tragically caught in an oil slick. He promises to watch over her egg, not to eat the chick when it hatches, and to teach the baby gull to fly. With the aid of four loyal feline friends, he hatches the egg and the young female that emerges immediately calls him "Mommy." Having fulfilled two of the promises, Zorba and his mates must not only teach her to fly, but also give her the strength to leave those she loves to realize her true nature. Zorba breaks the taboo and speaks to a human poet, who carries the young gull and her beloved foster father to a church tower where Lucky naturally, gracefully takes flight. This intelligent, eloquently translated work examines loyalty, trust, and acceptance of differences. It truthfully displays environmental destruction caused by humans and the animals note that, "Humans, unfortunately, are unpredictable. Often it is with the best intentions that they cause the greatest damage." Zorba's Hamburg is populated with fascinating felines, several of whom have foreign accents and mannerisms. Sheban's soft-focus, black-and-white illustrations capture the action of the text and portray a world where animals must make important, life-changing decisions. Complete with humor and whimsy, this is a book with heart and soul. It will make readers' spirits soar.
Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI
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Gr. 3-6. Zorba, a fat black cat, anticipates lazing around while his owner vacations, but his life abruptly changes when a dying, oil-covered seagull lands on his balcony and makes Zorba promise to protect the egg she leaves behind, raise the chick, and teach it to fly. With the help of several quirky feline friends and a human, Zorba accomplishes each task--and discovers the joys of caring for someone other than himself. This graceful balance of humor and heart is an irresistible read. Characters are distinctively drawn and diverse: Lucky the chick who embraces her gifts and her unusual feline family; Einstein the cat who worships the encyclopedia; and, of course, Zorba, courageous and tender. Simple language sensitively conveys the characters and events; and themes embracing respect for the environment, family diversity, and compassion are effectively conveyed both through dramatic episodes and character-driven comedy. Black-and-white illustrations expressively portray the characters and settings, adding another element to an entertaining, thought-provoking story that can sit comfortably alongside books by Dick King-Smith. Shelle Rosenfeld
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