A Circle of Cats - Hardcover

Charles De Lint

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0670036471 ISBN 13: 9780670036479

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers, 2003

Synopsis

While living on the homestead with her aunt, Lillian becomes friends with a group of wild cats during her many explorations of the forest, so when a poisonous snake bites her, the wild cats agree to use their powers to transform her into one of them in order to save her life.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 2-5-In this picture-book fantasy, a skinny, red-haired girl is lured into a forest inhabited by tree spirits, fairies, and magical cats. When Lillian falls asleep under an ancient beech tree, she accidentally disturbs a snake whose bite quickly draws her toward death, until the cats gather around her in a magic circle. However, to save her, they must change her into something that isn't dying, and thus she awakens transformed into a kitten. Her quest to return to her true self brings her into contact with many creatures, but it is the gnarled Apple Tree Man who finally leads her to her heart's desire. De Lint uses simple yet evocative language to describe Lillian's journey into this mysterious place filled with dark hollows and dense woods, where felines work their enchantment with voices that sound like "a kitchen full of fiddles not quite in tune with each other." Although the plot seems too neatly resolved, young readers are certain to enjoy the mood that has been created. The artwork is also appealing, with illustrations reminiscent of an animated film. Backgrounds are soft and misty and foregrounds set the scene, but the effect is sometimes too Disneyesque. Still, the book is worth consideration, particularly as a short read-aloud or for middle graders seeking a quick read.
Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los Angeles
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0670036471
• ISBN 13: 9780670036479
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Charles Vess