Gr 3–6—Ten-year-old Oona has faced the death of her father and now her beloved cat, Zook (short for Zucchini), has fallen ill. To spare her little brother, Freddy, from the harsh realities of life, she resolves to tell "whoppers" or tall tales to help keep him positive. Oona reassures Freddy that Zook has nine lives and has only lived five of them. Using storytelling methods passed on to her by her father, Oona constructs engaging narratives about Zook's past lives for Freddy. She also weaves in her feelings towards her mother's boyfriend in these tales. Joanne Rocklin has created a realistic and sympathetic character in Oona, Georgette Perna gives Oona voice as she skillfully narrates with a convincing and soothing tone. Listeners will agree that "Cat pee isn't a bad smell if you have a cat you love." This sweet tale (Amulet Books, 2012) of love and loss will resonate with listeners.—Amanda Schiavulli, West Orange Public Library, NJ
In this warmhearted middle-grade novel, Oona and her brother, Fred, love their cat Zook (short for Zucchini), but Zook is sick. As they conspire to break him out of the vet's office, convinced he can only get better at home with them, Oona tells Fred the story of Zook's previous lives, ranging in style from fairy tale to grand epic to slice of life. Each of Zook's lives has echoes in Oona's own family life, which is going through a transition she's not yet ready to face. Her father died two years ago, and her mother has started a relationship with a man named Dylan-whom Oona secretly calls “the villain.” The truth about Dylan, and about Zook's medical condition, drives the drama in this loving family story.
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The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook
In this warmhearted middle-grade novel, Oona and her brother, Fred, love their cat Zook (short for Zucchini), but Zook is sick. As they conspire to break him out of the vet's office, convinced he can only get better at home with them, Oona tells Fred the story of Zook's previous lives, ranging in style from fairy tale to grand epic to slice of life. Each of Zook's lives has echoes in Oona's own family life, which is going through a transition she's not yet ready to face. Her father died two years ago, and her mother has started a relationship with a man named Dylan-whom Oona secretly calls “the villain.” The truth about Dylan, and about Zook's medical condition, drives the drama in this loving family story.
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Product Details
BN ID: | 2940169379471 |
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Publisher: | Penguin Random House |
Publication date: | 04/10/2012 |
Edition description: | Unabridged |
Age Range: | 8 - 11 Years |
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