11/16/2020
Stray cats wander Malta and lead mundane and monotonous lives in this graphic novel, stealing scraps and lazing about before retiring to an alley for the night. While Betto, a perpetually hungry tan cat, remains more than content with this life, Cilla, a white cat with black spots, decides to hunt for a mythical quiet garden, where cats’ tails are never stepped on, bellies are always full, and bodies are always safe and warm. Betto decides he can’t let Cilla travel alone, and the two journey across buses, boats, and a cantankerous sea en route to the quiet island garden, where they must ask “the right questions” to gain entrance. Throughout, various cats that the duo encounters relate stories they’ve heard—as when an elderly feline divulges information about the garden—via renditions of classic art (listed in the back matter) that showcase the creator’s versatility. Husted’s debut captures picturesque Mediterranean landscapes, and thin line art highlights the scrawny strength and fragility of the feline strays. Full of fun and whimsy, the story also reminds a heartfelt truth: “scraps aren’t so bad when you have a friend to share them with.” Ages 8–12. Agent: Judith Hansen, Hansen Literary Management. (Oct.)
Gorgeously wrought and tenderly rendered, this feels like a labor of love that will snuggle itself deep into the hearts and minds of kids everywhere. Regardless of whether or not you even like cats, you will find much to admire and love (not necessarily in that order) in this gutsy little book.
"A book that can be read on many levels and enjoyed by a wide range of readers, this is a beautiful reminder that there’s a seed of truth in every story."
Booklist (starred review)
"Ursula Murray Husted’s A CAT STORY is pure enchantment; it will pad silently toward your heart—and pounce!"
Such a gorgeous tale of friendship and an exploration of the power of story that feels both intimate and larger than life at the same time. The artwork is incredible, and I had to linger over every page to catch all the references and subtle grace notes. I’m never going to look at cats the same way again.
09/01/2020
Gr 4–7— In the Maltese capital of Valletta, a young cat named Cilla longs for a life beyond sleeping at the docks and stealing fish. After hearing the story of the mythical "quiet garden," wide-eyed Cilla drags her friend Betto along to find out more about the location of the old door—an entry that will take them to a home where cats are always welcome and well fed. A meeting with wizened church cat Old Paolo sends the two friends on an adventure across land and sea to the island of Gozo. Though they encounter physical and philosophical curveballs on their journey, Cilla and Betto are committed to discovering their ultimate home. Inspired by a past trip to Malta, Husted delivers a thought-provoking exploration of the power of storytelling wrapped up in a charming cat package. Naive, determined Cilla and cynical Betto are a complementary duo who remain loyal to each other despite differing outlooks. Their quest runs parallel with a contemplative thread examining the truth and perspective of stories. Readers will enjoy the visual storytelling that occurs when animals break out of panels to walk through a variety of art and paintings. Colorful, detailed, occasionally busy backgrounds immerse readers in the Malta setting. An extended final note includes all of the featured illustrations, many of which are from or about Malta. VERDICT Sure to spur discussion on how we envision and interpret stories.—Pearl Derlaga, York County P.L., VA
Such a gorgeous tale of friendship and an exploration of the power of story that feels both intimate and larger than life at the same time. The artwork is incredible, and I had to linger over every page to catch all the references and subtle grace notes. I’m never going to look at cats the same way again.” — Charlie Jane Anders, award-winning author of All the Birds in the Sky
“Works equally well as simple animal tale, metaphysical journey, or reimagining of classic artworks.” — Kirkus Reviews
"Ursula Murray Husted’s A CAT STORY is pure enchantment; it will pad silently toward your heart—and pounce!" — Scott McCloud
“Gorgeously wrought and tenderly rendered, this feels like a labor of love that will snuggle itself deep into the hearts and minds of kids everywhere. Regardless of whether or not you even like cats, you will find much to admire and love (not necessarily in that order) in this gutsy little book.” — Elizabeth Bird, Fuse 8, an SLJ Blog
“Husted delivers a thought-provoking exploration of the power of storytelling wrapped up in a charming cat package. Sure to spur discussion on how we envision and interpret stories.” — School Library Journal
"A book that can be read on many levels and enjoyed by a wide range of readers, this is a beautiful reminder that there’s a seed of truth in every story." — Booklist (starred review)
“Husted’s debut captures picturesque Mediterranean landscapes, and thin line art highlights the scrawny strength and fragility of the feline strays. Full of fun and whimsy, the story also reminds a heartfelt truth: “scraps aren’t so bad when you have a friend to share them with.” — Publishers Weekly
2020-07-28 In Malta, a stray kitten seeks a better life.
Cilla the kitten is tired of eating scraps as a dockyard stray. A tale of “the quiet garden” where the humans are kind piques her interest, though all the other Maltese cats laugh at her for believing in fairy tales. Her skeptical best friend, a yellow kitten named Betto, joins Cilla against his better judgement. Their journey takes them through danger and around Malta while the animals they meet speak in philosophical riddles that Cilla takes as literal instruction. The stories that their mentors tell are illustrated as reimagined, primarily European works of art. There’s no particular reason for Cilla and Betto to appear in these works, as they explore the Bayeux tapestry, are protected from Hokusai’s Great Wave , and nap in Vincent Van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night . But the transformed classic artworks add visual interest to the deceptively simple panels (and for interested readers, a detailed endnote lists most of the works with some artistic context). Cilla’s a white cat with striking black markings that accentuate her expressive face, whether she’s disgruntled, scared, despairing, or happy to be with her best friend. The angles of her ears, drawn in simple, cartoonish stokes, tell the story of her feelings to any reader familiar with the body language of cats.
Works equally well as simple animal tale, metaphysical journey, or reimagining of classic artworks. (Graphic fiction. 10-13)