This was a fun and exciting children’s book that was entertaining to read, especially if you like animal characters in your books. Full of adventure and messages of friendship, loyalty and resilience I enjoyed the escapades of Pillow, Mussette and Tibby and hopefully get to join them on some more in the future.

I was excited to screen this book for my cat-loving daughter who reads 5/6th grade level but after reading some excerpts I just could not let her even know about it. This is in my opinion far too graphic in violence and negative scenes to give to middle school (or younger) kids. High schoolers -maybe more appropriate. As an adult, just the very thought of stringing a puppy up, or cats no matter how 'human' you make them, performing acts of violence and bullying makes me cringe. This book was just not for me and I while I did read it through, I did not enjoy it and I would never allow my kids to read it.
I did give 2 stars solely because I do feel that the author has some passable writing talent and I do feel that this may be of interest to an older crowd. However, it does need some re-working and relabelling and should include warnings of sensitive subjects.
I received a complimentary copy and my review is completely voluntary

I was so excited to read this book. One of my all-time favorite books from when I was a child was “Warriors” by Erin Hunter, which also is about cats. But I was disappointed to figure out that this book was written entirely different, and kind of weird. I didn’t like that the cats had human characteristic, it doesn’t seem normal to me that a cat understands humans or that they can push thinks down and flip them overboard.

I also think the book was written like the author hadn’t had a cat before, because cats can’t stomach cow milk or all of the food they get prepared by the cook, they shouldn’t eat human food, all the time, that is commonly known by cat owners. And it made no sense that one of the cats on the island had juice?!

However, when all of the negative is out, I did kind of like it. It had some good elements and I liked that there were a big different between cats that have led a soft home life and cats that has lived in the wild for a long time.
I also think there were some elements in the story that is not for children, like when they almost are eaten by Chinese people.
Overall, I was fairly disappointed, and it didn’t feel natural to me, because there were so many things in it that didn't make any sense and the writing weren’t catching either.

There may be some kids that might really like this book, however, I personally didn't get drawn in at all after reading several chapters. Because of that I was not able to finish reading the book. It felt like this was going to be similar to the Erin Hunter Warriors series, so fans of that series might want to try this book if they are looking for something new.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Pillow and Musette are mates and the twosome becomes a threesome when Tibby, the cat next door, joins their clowder when his human dies. The three enjoy their civilized English life. When their humans move to Hong Kong, the three set off by sea to join them. But the reunion is not to be. When Musette is swept overboard in a storm, first Pillow and then Tibby jump into the raging sea to save her. Adrift in the vast ocean, a friendly sea gull helps them find Cataqueria Island.

Although they are not welcomed with open paws initially, all the but the bully in charge, Vinnie, get won over. Little by little they help change the ideas of the cats who live in their colony, expanding their minds and their lives. This does not endear them to Vinnie whose only thought is to get rid of them and regain control. But one night things change forever and for the better. Still Vinnie is not happy.

It will take one more fur-raising threat before he joins forces with the allies of the three cats. It is quite exciting as the animals take on a primary predator and only by working together will they succeed. Vinnie begins to bend after the rescue but it will take one more piece of news to bring him around. He finally learns that working together and making friends and allies benefits everyone.

This is a charming story with some lovely kitty, doggie and even a rat characters. There are moments of sheer terror and many exciting adventures. But in the end, it has a lovely finish and all the residents of the island can live in harmony. Five purrs and two paws up.

I was drawn to the cover art of this book, but put off a bit by the title. There is nothing explaining why these strange words are used for the cats and dogs. The cats began as ordinary house felines enjoying the comforts of a nice home and back garden with a fountain. They have thoughts and personalities. Good to go. I had hoped the animals would be more like thinking animals.

Suddenly, think cats that can weave baskets, do a bit of carpentry, cook mice, and have problems with village politics. Strangely, the other animals don't seem quite as handy, but that's "star power" for you.

Now, a colony with villains, etc., I was ready to accept, but the author lost me when the female cats gathering to drink (cat) milk in the mornings while they chat. And irritated me with "I know she can go on a bit but don’t all Cattonas (wives)?" An error correction; cobras don't "pounce," they have absolutely no capability to pounce.

I read all types of books, including stories where critters have human-like abilities. But perhaps the shock was too much for me this time. (e.g. I knew Stuart Little wore tailored clothes, so he could handle buttons. And that was okay. I was prepared.)

The story overall is creative; involving the dogs, some forms of personal growth and redemption. A little too convenient, but nice.

Repetition. The text uses this or a similar phrase six times, "...we have no time to waste." I'm of the opinion that it's a waste of time to chat about it before taking action. Just do something!

And finally, the warning. If you are sensitive, don't read the warning. It isn't a spoiler (in my opinion), but could be upsetting.

WARNING: Human hunters stringing up a puppy in preparation to have it for lunch (still alive, barely touching feet on the floor), and planning for the cats next, may be too violent for some readers. This is certainly a different form of violence than what children are normally exposed to, especially given that these animals are "people."

I can't recommend this book for children in general; it would have to be screened by parents who know what their children can handle.

I would like to see some of these areas improved--to make the book better. For the book as it is, I give it...

2.5/5 Stars With potential for improvement!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook. The review is voluntary.

#CataqueriaIsland #NetGalley