From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-The third installment in the saga introduces a kitten whose family thinks he is so remarkable that they call him "Wonderful Alexander." One morning, he sets out to explore the world. But soon he finds himself stuck in a tree, and is rescued by Jane, a black kitten with wings. She leads him to her home, and there he meets the other Catwings. His rescuer can only say the words "Me" and, when she's frightened, "Hate." (Readers of Catwings Return [Orchard, 1989] will recall that she had a terrifying experience that left her mute.) Alexander is adopted by the Catwings' human caretaker and finds himself mulling over how to thank Jane for bringing him his good fortune. When he helps her overcome her fear of speaking, all agree that he is truly wonderful. Alexander's appearance in this charming series does more than tie up the loose threads of Jane's muteness; it also sets the stage for further adventures. The story is illustrated with delicate pen-and-ink drawings colored in soft, earth-tone washes. This pocket-sized title will appeal to early chapter-book readers, fans of the earlier books, and cat lovers in general.
Mary Jo Drungil, Niles Public Library District, ILCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Gr. 2-4. The third book in the Catwings series features a pampered but adventurous kitten named Alexander who leaves his comfortable home to explore the world. He's soon cold, frightened, and lost in a forest, until Jane, one of the flying cats, rescues him. In gratitude, he later helps Jane regain her speech by encouraging and even bullying her into talking about a traumatic experience in her youth. Although the writing is clear and fluid, the story is less satisfying than earlier Catwings books. Perhaps it's easier to accept a cat who's part bird than a cat who's part psychoanalyst. Still, this sequel has a place in libraries, where the earlier books have a following. S. D. Schindler's delicate ink-and-watercolor artwork continues its old enchantment, giving convincing form to the flying cats and grave beauty to the fantasy.
Carolyn Phelan
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
