From Publishers Weekly
Myers (Monster) shifts gears to offer younger readers an entertaining swashbuckler set in 1420 Spain. The author sets up the conflict between the Moors and the Catholics in a way that the audience can understand easily: cats versus dogs. In cat-dominated Mùlaga, which Speirs s (The Little Boy s Christmas Gift) charming pen-and-ink and wash drawings depict as an intimate seaside town, a trio of young feline friends, Askia, Poco and lovely Lacy, confront a pair of Fidorean Guards, part of a larger canine group attempting to seize control of their city. It soon becomes clear that the dogs intend to take Granada and thereby capture Spain. Painting the enemy as a troupe of burly curs gives Myers ample opportunity to launch a plethora of comical quotes (e.g., We will not let the glories of our kingdom go to the dogs, cries their leader, Pietro). His three heroines contribute mightily to the cats united efforts to secure Spain s safety, and their viewpoint keeps the historic struggle in terms to which youngsters can relate. The action culminates at the Alhambra, the palace of the Moors and the sacred home of the cats. Colorful characters on the sidelines (Romulus the rat, who is almost as wide as he was tall; a company of gypsy cats that the threesome meets on the road to Granada) add extra depth and breadth. Readers will likely have so much fun that they may not realize how much history they are learning along the way. Ages 7-10.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-It is 1420, and the great Spanish cat civilization is under attack by canine enemies, the coarse and brutal Fidorean Guards. When the commander orders that all felines be rounded up and resettled, their underground prepares to fight back. Young Paco, Lacy, and Askia are anxious to offer their swords to the rebellion. Instead of combat training, however, they are detailed to conduct a group of kittens to safety before the fighting begins. The friends resent what seems to be a trivial assignment, but the trek through dog-occupied territory proves to be much more dangerous than they expected. This is an exciting animal fantasy for children not ready for Brian Jacques's "Redwall" series (Philomel). The snappy dialogue, flashing swords, and daring action, as well as the charming ink-and-wash drawings, will appeal to readers who enjoy high adventure laced with a touch of whimsy.
Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, ILCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
