“Learn to love your differences because they are a part of who you are. They make you purrfect!”
Sherlock Cat
“Sherlock, the Cat Who Couldn’t Meow” is the
latest children’s book released by Vickianne Caswell, cover art design
by Anastasia Drogaitseva. Where Vickianne’s book series to date have
been picture books for pre-schoolers and perhaps the beginning school
years, (please see my previous reviews http://sandrabennettauthor.com/2013/12/03/another-two-furry-cute-tales-in-time-for-christmas/, http://sandrabennettauthor.com/2013/06/11/hop-on-into-two-furry-cute-reads/ ) this is her first venture into short chapter books for 6-10 year olds.
Vickianne has written another winner. She
has written characters to not only fall in love with but who have a
message to share with their readers. Sherlock is a hardworking cat by
day that studies to further his education and qualifications at night,
but he is somewhat shy and a little ashamed because hard as he may try,
he cannot meow. Imaginae a cat that can’t meow! He is laughed at and
teased by bullies he has known since his school days. He doesn’t know
how to make friends with the new cat in town, he’s so frightened that
she’ll laugh too when she finds out his horrible secret. How he
confronts his issues of self doubt and lack of confidence is cleverly
portrayed through everyday situations that children can relate to and
understand, with a little help from a bit of magic thrown in to develop
the imagination and increase the adventure along the way.
However, there is so much more to this book
than just the story. Vickianne has included at the end of the book three
quotes from Sherlock which clearly demonstrate the moral to the story,
just in case you don’t get it upon reading, but I have no doubt that you
will.
There is also a glossary of unfamiliar words
for the targeted age group. This is a marvelous idea, no need to go
racing for a dictonary, the words are already there at your finger tips.
Included is also extra reading material with
a few fun animal facts as well as the words to the song sung during the
story by CJ, the English Lop Bunny who owns the bakery where Sherlock
works.
As the story is all about cats and other
adorable pets, Vickianne has also included her thoughts on
considerations before buying a pet for yourself or adopting one from an
animal shelter. Some very wise food for thought indeed.
If you are looking for an early, easy reader
that the whole family will enjoy together, then you can’t go past
“Sherlock the Cat Who Couldn’t Meow.” It is sensitive, poignant and
inspirational along with raising some great issues for parental or
classroom discussion. I highly recommend Vickianne Caswell’s latest
edition to her repotoire of clever and delightful children’s tales.
Available through Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Couldnt-Remarkable-Series-Volume/dp/1494882914
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