Catwings (A Catwings Tale) [Paperback]

Ursula K. Le Guin (Author), S. D. Schindler (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2003 | Age Range: 4 and up

Mrs. Jane Tabby cannot explain why all four of her kittens were born with wings. But when life on the city streets becomes too dangerous, it is clear that her dream for her children might some day come true. They can fly away from the city slums of their birth. And one day, they do. But not even their mother could have foreseen the hazards of country living.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Down an alley in a dumpster, Mrs. Jane Tabby gives birth to four kittens. But these are no ordinary offspringeach has a pair of wings. Although Mrs. Tabby is unperturbed by her kittens' appearance, her neighbors are not so charitable; when the kittens are old enough to fly, Mrs. Tabby sends her children out into the world. Because both winged and four-footed creatures mistrust them, the kittens have trouble finding a place to live, but eventually discover a loving home. LeGuin, author of the distinguished Earthsea Trilogy and other books, has written a small gem of a book, with convincing and intriguing characters. Dark watercolor etchings by Schindler further convey the plight of these airborne felines and their seeking of a home. A Richard Jackson Book. Ages 7-10.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4 At first Mrs. Jane Tabby can't understand why her four kittens have been born with wings. Then she realizes that they will be able to fly away from their dreary and dangerous city neighborhood. (Mrs. T. can't come with them because she is going to marry Mr. Tom Jones, and ``I don't want you children underfoot!'') So the kittens sadly leave their mother and go off into the world. After some mild adventures, they settle in a wooded area and learn to forage for themselves. Then danger appears in the form of a large owl. Luckily at this point Harriet, the smallest kitten, discovers Susan and Hank Brown from a neighboring farm. The tale ends happily with the cats snuggled up to the children and the promise of a safe new home. Cats are always appealing, and winged cats should be doubly so. However, the story barely skirts cuteness; the language has a self-conscious tone which works against the action of the plot. Softly-colored ink drawings add an old-fashioned tone, as do the Victorian names of the cats. Ruth S. Vose, San Francisco Pub . Lib .
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439551897
• ISBN-13: 978-0439551892
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 4.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (69 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,063 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Cats

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet, thoughtful, and inexpensive gift for kids or adults July 30, 2004

By Skye Ridley

Format:Paperback

These are the sweetest, most wonderful books around. I first discovered and fell in love with them when I was around 40, and have kept copies ever since, although I often give them away and have to buy more. I'm 50 now, and I've given the Catwings books as gifts to just as many animal-lover adults as children. They ALL adore the stories.

I find it gratifying that the publisher (or LeGuin?) has kept the price so low. These stories could have been printed in a large, hardback expensive format, and everyone who loves them would have still purchased them. But someone made the very kind decision to keep the price down so that more readers could enjoy, and I appreciate that.

One caveat: parts of the stories might be a little sad or upsetting to very young children...in a "Velveteen Rabbit" sort of way (I cried a little the first time I read the first 2 books)

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Catwings collections - ADORABLE !!!!!! August 9, 2005

By Ethel Isaacs

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

At 57 I read this collection ! Enjoyed it so much even at my age .... Decided to get it for my granddaughter ,she carrying on the love of cats into the next generation ! Happy to say ,she loves the stories in these books . Only upset her when they 1st leave their mama cat .......Highly recommend for children ,especially ones who love cats !!!!!!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Catwings are a fantasy you can't miss! February 19, 2004

A Kid's Review

Format:Paperback

I' ve read all of the Catwings books, and they're so good! Ever since I read the first one, I got hooked. I'm a very humongous animal lover, and these books were truly purrfect. I used to play Catwings all the time. Because winged cats are truly a fantasy you can't miss. There are colorful pictures too. The stories and their adventures are really heartwarming. If you read the whole series, you'll watch them grow and you'll grow to love them. Full of wonderful words, Catwings are the best!