This is a book of bedtime stories written and told to his daughter by Professor of Public Health Anthony Kessel, about Perch, a London cat. Her escape from a pet shop into the arms of a loving owner and three new cat friends is the start of many adventures, including battles with dragons and an encounter with a ghost cat. Perch evades customs in order to holiday in Morocco before her accidental incarceration in Alcatraz, a high security prison for animals. Thankfully for Perch this is not the end.
There is vivid imagery, and themes which include ethics, horror, love, and growing up, which will captivate an older reader. We particularly enjoyed the short story style of writing, making it easy to complete a story at night, although the small typeface and vocabulary might make it difficult for most 8-year-olds to read alone. The text is broken up with appealing illustrations by the author’s daughter, Leone, lending a personal quality to the book.
Overall it is a lively and entertaining read, well suited to the 8–11-year age group.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2013