Stray [Paperback]

A N Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 6, 1997

Read about the experiences of Pufftail, the independent alley-cat and gentleman of the road. Readership level: 10+.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Named Pufftail by the humans he claims to be independent of, an old tomcat sits in the sunshine and tells his life story to his grandson. From the beginning, Pufftail's happiness is destroyed by human cruelty: his brother is killed when both are thrown from a moving vehicle, Pufftail is used in a series of sadistic laboratory tests until rescued by animal-rights activists, and the love of his life is hit by a car. There are some good "two-footers," but it is clear that these few cannot make up for the misery inflicted on cats by the majority of humans. Pufftail's voice--salty and matter-of-fact--provides a solid foundation for the author's somewhat obvious opinions about most pet owners. An animal story in the tradition of Black Beauty , this novel offers much for the young reader. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-- Told from the point of view of an old cat talking to his grandkitten, this fantasy laced with playful satire will give readers insight into feline as well as human psychology. An independent stray cat relates a life story which is filled with adventure after adventure. Human behavior is a mystery to him, and he has trouble understanding some human habits, such as putting smoking chimneys in their mouths. Pufftail has had his share of experience with the evil sides of both human and feline natures; he has been thrown out of a moving car with his brother, who was killed in the fall; has been used as a guinea pig in a cosmetic laboratory; and was forced into a cat brotherhood under the control of "Old Tom" and his thugs. He has known, however, some "well-meaning two-footers" who were kind to him, as well as the love of a good cat. His daughter, Tabitha, like her father, is a sprightly, kind-hearted feline who maintains her independent spirit even though she is kept by humans. Readers will not have to be animal lovers to enjoy the humor or to admire the fiesty gentleness and fierce independence of this old cat who has spent his life searching for the meaning of feline life and love and is drawn back to his family and to people to find them both. This poignant story will provide readers with some material for thought on the relationship of animals to humans, humanity's responsibility to animals, and our interdependence on those in the : animal kingdom. --Yvonne A. Frey, Peoria Public Library, IL
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 239 pages
• Publisher: Walker Books Ltd (January 6, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0744552788
• ISBN-13: 978-0744552782
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,852,523 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The reaction~~~, March 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Stray (Hardcover)

It,s the first novel I read in english. Fortunately, it,s not so difficult. This is a story about a street cat which is called "Pufftail". Pufftail talked to his grandson about his adventure. It began from the moment when he was born. Pufftail stayed in several different kind of human families including a church, but he chose to live on the streets. Finally he found his true love and have his own kittens. Reading this book can make people think of the way they treat animals. Animals are the same with human beings, they also have emotion and thoughts. If we don't want to be treated badly, how could we do that to other animals. If you like cats, you will love them more after reading this book. If you don't like cats, I believe you will love them after reading this, just the same with me. :)

4.0 out of 5 stars Watership Down for an alley cat?, August 11, 2002

By 

Sarah (Burnaby, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stray (Library Binding)

I first read this book in my early teens and loved it.
This book reminds me of Watership Down, in that it tells the story from cat's point of view, writing of his thoughts and adventures from a innocent kitten to a streetwise stray. Also as in Watership Down (and in real life), the humans are not all milk & yarn balls - be warned that some sections may be upsetting to younger children.
The style of writing is realistic and detailed - adults will likely enjoy this book just as much as teens!