Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Castaway Cats
Illustrator: Ponder Goembel
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 7
Simon and Schuster, 2006 ISBN: 978-0689862328
When fifteen cats are washed ashore a small desert island, all they can think about is getting rescued. As time passes and when they see no ships on the horizon their hopes begin to droop. Then the tabby, a tattered looking fellow, decides that the time has come for them to build a boat. The only way they are going to get out of their “sticky situation” is to sail away from it.
So the cats begin building their vessel. Unfortunately their different views points and temperaments become a problem and a fierce and most unpleasant cat fight breaks out. How will they ever leave the island if they cannot work together to build their ship?
Written in a light hearted rhyme and with a clever use of language and double entendre, this story of triumph over adversity is sure to delight cat lovers of all ages. Deliciously detailed illustrations beautifully capture the different personalities of the cat characters. The ending is sure to give readers a pleasant surprise and will remind one that sometimes the best place to be is right where you are.
