A Cat Story

We have five cats at home, so I am partial to these insane, occasionally lovable critters. A Cat Story portrays felines in apt ways, from the arching and squiggly way their bodies are drawn to the way they alternate being affectionate and combative in their relating to each other. The narrative focuses on a couple of young cats, Cilla and Betto, who live in the Mediterranean seaside city of Valletta. They like their way of life well enough, sleeping under boats, dodging the elements, and living on stolen fish or scraps left to them by tourists. Cilla also sometimes happens upon an unsuspecting child who sneaks them into their house.

Cilla turns on the charm to score some chicken from a sweet kid.

However, they learn of a legendary "Quiet Garden," where all cats are welcome and well-fed, and it entices them to embark on a quest to find it. Their journey is risky and long, and they meet a number of interesting, sometimes helpful, sometimes frightening creatures.

Aside from being a compelling and well told odyssey, this book is also beautified by its visual references to multiple art works and narrative flourishes that extend from those classical images. Consequently, this book is a sumptuous reading experience that is rewarding in numerous ways. It also invites re-reading to drink in all of the various details and references. 

A Cat Story is the debut graphic novel by Ursula Murray Husted. She has since made a second, Botticelli's Apprentice, which is a historical fiction.

The reviews I have read of this book have all been positive. Kirkus Reviews concluded that it "works equally well as simple animal tale, metaphysical journey, or reimagining of classic artworks." Betsy Bird called it "gorgeously wrought and tenderly rendered" and added that it "feels like a labor of love that will snuggle itself deep into the hearts and minds of kids everywhere."

A Cat Story was published by Quill Tree Books, and they offer a preview and more information here. 

Young Shadow & The Watchdogs

It's been a minute since I've read a book set in the Double+ universe, and it was high time for me to remedy that. This is the second book to feature the hero Young Shadow, and it is a great one to read right about now, with springtime and baseball season upon us. Also, you do not necessarily have to read the first one to catch what is going on here. The premise here is that Young Shadow and the Watchdogs, a crew of young people, are cleaning up a chemical spill when one of the 'dogs, Elmore, happens upon a baseball glove.

Surprise! the glove is haunted, and soon the nine kids find themselves involved in an otherworldly baseball game. And the stakes are high - if they lose, they lose their eternal freedom(!).

There are many things to love about this book. The sports sequences are exciting and well paced, the overall artwork captures the spirit of a strange and wondrous place, and there is a good dose of humor and heart. I have loved all the books I've read set in Bolt City, and this one is no exception. It's recommended for anyone that like baseball, ghostly adventures, cool character designs, and/or fun.  

Ben Sears is the writer/artist/complete package responsible for this book and all the other Double+ adventures. He is a cartoonist, musician, and animator, and in my humble opinion he should be better known and his books more read. 

All of the reviews I have read of this book have been glowing. Colin Moon called it "a wholly unique, wholly singular book, ready to hook a reader and start a lifelong fandom." Zack Quaintance wrote that although it was not what he expected, he "found the book to be an utter delight." 

Young Shadow & The Watchdogs was published by Fantagraphics, and they offer more info about it here.