Review: A Quarter-Star for the Cat
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 5, 2014
I'm 60 years old, so I did not find this book life changing. But it was easy enough to read and I'll have to grant that the events in the story were certainly life changing for the protagonist. And that is the beginning of fine storytelling. A boy begins with a significant goal or desire, (He wants a puppy.) and is met with an obstacle. (He is not big enough.) His first attempt at a solution shows that he really doesn't understand the problem, so he seeks advice. A friend is able to tell him what he must do (show that he is responsible) but not how. He next embarks on a hero's journey in which people he helps come back to aid him on his quest. Formulaic? Of course, but it's among the best of formulas, and the author manages to fit it into such a tight package, short enough to hold the interest of even the youngest child.I might find cause to question the need for a talking cat. When faced with such an impossibility, our concern, internal to the story, must be whether what the animal says makes sense. And, "Yes. It certainly does." Outside the story, we must ask, "Is the device appropriate in scope to the use to which it is put?" I really don't think it is. This talking cat functions about like the "sonic screwdriver" in "Dr. Who" episodes. It lets the writer avoid actually solving difficulties within the plot. The magic is just too big for such a small purpose. I would accept the answer, "It is fun for children to imagine a world in which animals speak," but then, it doesn't go far enough. I would expect communication skills from birds and squirrels and THE DOG!Altogether, this book takes a likable character through to an appropriate goal. It contains lessons along the way about friendship, persistence, concern, helpfulness, gratitude, reciprocity, responsibility, patience, preparation, and the sometimes inadequate reliability of appearance. Combine this with correct grammar and spelling and with pleasant, age appropriate illustrations, and what more could you want, other than more books like it? I would deduct a quarter star for the cat, but I can't.