  | Sign of the cat Author: Jonell, Lynne | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
Duncan, eleven, is very smart with the rare ability to speak Cat, but his mother has always insisted he appear only average, and when a perfect test score draws attention to him, he not only discovers the wisdom of his mother's rules, he finds himself crossing the seas on a quest for his true identity.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.40 Points: 13.0 Quiz: 174532 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (03/15/15)
School Library Journal (03/01/15)
Booklist (05/15/15)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 03/01/2015 Gr 4–6—Duncan has secrets—the ones his mother makes him keep include purposefully getting answers wrong on tests to keep his grades down and never taking his cap off in public. Then there's the one he guards even from his mother—Duncan knows how to speak cat. On the day he goes against his mother's wishes and gets a perfect score on the national exams and doffs his hat to a national hero, Duncan finds himself kidnapped and sailing to the edge of his island kingdom. With the help of a stowaway kitten, Duncan discovers that national heroes can be traitors and his mother's secrets were protecting his true identity. Now it's up to Duncan to save a presumed-dead princess and their kingdom. Astute readers will figure things out before Duncan does but will read on to discover how he survives against dastardly villains. Duncan's ability to talk to cats helps him gain vital information but also provides humorous insight into the inner lives of felines—kittens need to take examinations to get their explorer's license and cats have a numbered list of tricks, including Cat Trick #8: Bringing Disgusting Gifts. VERDICT With a classic fairy tale-esque feel, this high seas adventure of discovery and betrayal is a good bet for advanced readers who are ready for longer, more challenging books, but not more mature content.—Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 05/15/2015 Eleven-year-old Duncan McKay has a marvelous gift: he can speak Cat, and he enjoys secrets, jokes, and adventures with furry friends all over his fishing village. He has other talents, too, from scholastics to swordplay, that his protective mother wants him to keep hidden. And above all, she wants him to stay away from the harbor. But when kittens start disappearing all over the island, Duncan winds up on the wharf, where he encounters a mysterious earl and is soon swept away on a sea voyage. With the help of a mischievous kitten with mismatched eyes, he may just find answers to the questions he has been asking all his life. This is an enjoyable series starter from Jonell, best known for her Emmy series (Emmy and the Rats in the Belfry, 2011). While the seafaring scenes are nicely detailed, and life on the boat is vividly shown, the talking cats, entertaining and full of personality, are the best part. A cross between Treasure Island and Erin Hunter’s popular Warriors series that should please fans of both. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.
