The Klondike Cat

Lawson, J. (2002) The Klondike cat. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press.

Author:
Julie Lawson

Illustrator:
Paul Mombourquette

Summary:
Noah’s father has gold fever and they are off to make their fortune. Noah’s father says that they can’t take Noah’s cat, Shadow, with them, but Noah can’t imagine being without Shadow. So Noah takes his sweater out of his pack and packs Shadow instead. Now they are off on the adventure of a lifetime. Noah just hopes that his dad isn’t too mad when he finds out.

Response and Reaction:
This is a sweet tale about a boy and his pet cat. Though I do not think any of the cats I have ever had or encountered would have been as well behaved as Shadow, it still was a fun story. The historical notes in the back help to put the story into historical context.

Format:
Picture Book

Age Range:
4-8 years old

Themes:
Historical Fiction, gold rush, pets, family, cats, kittens, travel

Awards:
CLA Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award (NOMINATED) 2003