Stray

A proud old alley cat tells his life story to his grandson, including his adventures in a convent, in a feline commune, and with his hearer's grandmother.

Grade 6 Up-- Told from the point of view of an old cat talking to his grandkitten, this fantasy laced with playful satire will give readers insight into feline as well as human psychology. An independent stray cat relates a life story which is filled with adventure after adventure. Human behavior is a mystery to him, and he has trouble understanding some human habits, such as putting smoking chimneys in their mouths. Pufftail has had his share of experience with the evil sides of both human and feline natures; he has been thrown out of a moving car with his brother, who was killed in the fall; has been used as a guinea pig in a cosmetic laboratory; and was forced into a cat brotherhood under the control of "Old Tom" and his thugs. He has known, however, some "well-meaning two-footers" who were kind to him, as well as the love of a good cat. His daughter, Tabitha, like her father, is a sprightly, kind-hearted feline who maintains her independent spirit even though she is kept by humans. Readers will not have to be animal lovers to enjoy the humor or to admire the fiesty gentleness and fierce independence of this old cat who has spent his life searching for the meaning of feline life and love and is drawn back to his family and to people to find them both. This poignant story will provide readers with some material for thought on the relationship of animals to humans, humanity's responsibility to animals, and our interdependence on those in the : animal kingdom. --Yvonne A. Frey, Peoria Public Library, IL
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Named Pufftail by the humans he claims to be independent of, an old tomcat sits in the sunshine and tells his life story to his grandson. From the beginning, Pufftail's happiness is destroyed by human cruelty: his brother is killed when both are thrown from a moving vehicle, Pufftail is used in a series of sadistic laboratory tests until rescued by animal-rights activists, and the love of his life is hit by a car. There are some good "two-footers," but it is clear that these few cannot make up for the misery inflicted on cats by the majority of humans. Pufftail's voice--salty and matter-of-fact--provides a solid foundation for the author's somewhat obvious opinions about most pet owners. An animal story in the tradition of Black Beauty , this novel offers much for the young reader. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.