I Am Spartapuss (Spartapuss Tales series) [Paperback]

Robin Price (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Spartapuss Tales series

Historically accurate and full of enchanting wordplay, this fanciful tale set in Rome in 36 AD follows the adventures of Spartapuss, via his diary entries, as the Feline Empire falls into the hands of Emperor Tiberius' tyrannical heir, Catligula. When someone scrawls a nasty poem about the royal felines on Spatopia's vomitorium walls during a visit to the spa from Catligula and his mother Mewlia, Spartapuss is held responsible. Fortune takes a wicked turn when he's thrown in jail and transferred to a gladiator training school. When the Emperor goes on an endless vacation, the foul Catligula takes control of the Empire and creates new laws. Now Spartapuss's only chance for freedom lies in his ability to defeat his opponents in the gladiator arena.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Cat-tastic" -- London Evening Standard "The Spartapuss book by Robin Price is brilliant, funny, fantastic and cool. It's much better than Harry Potter. There are no bad words in it like Harry Potter and it's funnier. I can't wait to read the second one but my Mum and Dad are making me wait 'til it's my birthday, it's not fair!" -- Amazon reader review, William Patrick Webb (Muscat, Oman) "A highly original story with lots of scope for giggles, it also provides some background history and can't fail to delight cat fans (or otherwise) everywhere!" -- Booktrusted.co.uk "A rip roaring page turner of a book! I am a grown up, and could not put it down. Subtle humour to amuse both adults and children. I am just waiting for the movie rights to be sold. A must buy!" -- Anonymous Amazon Reader "Young fans of ancient Rome will love this book and it's a great introduction for those who are not yet familiar with its history. Spartapuss, a ginger tom cat, falls from favour as manager of the finest bath and spa in Rome and ends up fighting for his life in a school for gladiators. The characters are full of life and there is a surprising amount of historical accuracy to watch out for. This is the first of a series, so watch out for more!" -- Sam Beck, Waterstones.com "I am Spartapuss -- a book full of such energy that keeps you galloping along from page to page. The smells, sounds and visions of ancient Rome come reeling off the pages with masterful humour -- a Rome of mad dogs and brazen cats. Spartapuss, an unconventional hero, is a cat with attitude; a cat we'd all like to have around. Each character is so vividly developed that they remain with you long after the final line. This book transcends the age of the reader -- a delightful adventure for children and a witty humorous tale for adults. Everyone should have the opportunity to have Spartapuss in their lives." -- Amazon reader Nycole Prowse (Dubai) "Packed with more catty puns than you ever thought pawsible, this witty Roman romp is history with cattitude." -- Junior Magazine "Spartapuss makes history fun instead of dull... For people who don't like history (like me), this book might change their minds." -- Shruti Patel (aged 10) "This is a must for any child who has studied, or is about to study, Roman history at school... a perfect story for children to read themselves or for parents to join in... Fabulous!" -- Andrea Don, Waterstones.com "I really recommend this book, the idea of a Roman Empire ruled by cats is brilliant. It's not just the puns that are funny, the rest of the book made me laugh a lot. Rating: Ten out of ten." -- Robert (aged 10), Young Archaeologists Club "I think they are unique books that have really caught the imagination of the public here." -- Andrew Fairmaner (Buyer, The British Museum Shop) "I have three cats at home. I called one Clawdius, another Catligula and my favourite cat is Spartapuss." -- Alex (aged 10) "This is too good to be left just as a children's book! Extremely funny and brilliantly written. Robin Price has taken the events of Roman history focusing around the time of Emperor Tiberius, Caligula and Claudius and turned it into something fascinating." -- Angela Longman, Monsters and Critics.com "Die Clawdius is very funny. I like all the names which are real names made cat like. It is a very adventurous story, even though my dad doesn't like cats he likes this book." -- Amazon Reader (A Child's Review) "An exciting series... Overall, three really good books. I would recommend them to 10 year olds and upwards who enjoy thrillers that you can't put down 'til you've read the whole thing!" -- Flora Murray, Dalry Secondary School S1, The Journal of Classics Teaching, Spring 2008 "A fantastic fresh new voice in children's literature. A far cry from the run of the mill fantasy books which have swamped the market in recent times. Genuinely original, genuinely well-written and genuinely funny. Keep them coming!" -- Anonymous Amazon Reader

About the Author

Robin Price is a former editor and producer for www.FoxKids.co.uk.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Mogzilla (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0954657608
• ISBN-13: 978-0954657604
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,946,968 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, July 19, 2008

By 

Natalia (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Am Spartapuss (Spartapuss Tales) (Hardcover)

My 9 years old son loved it. I enjoyed reading it too.
It's better if a kid knows some Roman history before he starts reading this book, though. And if he doesn't know too much about Romans , then he will learn some by the end of the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Spartapuss - A Classic Tail, May 20, 2008

By 

Aimee B. Dubois - See all my reviews
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This review is from: I Am Spartapuss (Spartapuss Tales series) (Paperback)

The Spartapuss series is fun for all ages. Those with a good knowledge of Roman history will be vastly entertained by the adventures of this furry hostage of fortune. For those whose memory of Roman history is limited, this is still a fun story. I teach middle school and the Spartapuss books are very much in demand for students to borrow and read.