Elsby is staying with her aunt for the summer while her mom is away for work. On her first day she notices cats dressed in strange costumes roaming around her aunt's late neighbor's place. The cats begin to talk to Elsby and request her help to save them and their way of life.

This book was... odd. I don't understand why the cats were dressed in the costumes or how the magic worked. If this was explained in the end, I missed it because I lost interest in the book by the half way point. I've seen reviews that this book is great for cat lovers, but the only reason for that is that cats exist in the story. The cats didn't exhibit typical cat behaviors. Overall, this book left me confused and uninterested.

The story seemed wonderful but the computer generated voice was awful and made it very hard to read. I hope to re-try this book once the actual audiobook releases.

Elsby McBride goes to stay with her Aunt Verity in Snipatuit, Rhode Island. The unruly garden peeks her interest where she spends her time drawing until she sees a very odd sight - a cat walking on its hindlegs and fully dressed in periodic human clothing. That same cat appears at her window and asks Elsby to return with her to the other side of the townhouse to meet three other walking, taking, dressed cats. They need her help to keep the magic going that allows them to live as they do. While uncovering the secrets of the town, Elsby meets Penelope, a volunteer at the castle-like library filled with arcane and occult books who agrees to help her find the magic for the cats. The atmosphere of the odd small town feels like a supernatural, gothic, cozy mystery. Elsby and Penelope are well defined characters, each with their own thoughts, beliefs, and strengths. Two of the cats have their own nuanced personalities and their actions follow those depictions. The other two cats tend to meld into the background. The book was interesting, but the ARC audiobook I listened to had a mechanized narrator so I feel like I lost some of the details and subtexts that would have made the book really shine for me. I will be trying to read a physical copy to see if my feelings change.

Elsby is living with her great aunt for the summer while her mom is busy traveling for work. As an aspiring writer, Elsby can start her novels, churning out first chapters, but has a hard time taking it from there. However, while at her Aunt's, she meets a curious cast of characters, such as talking cats, and a girl who loves mystery and magic. With the cat's owner having passed, they need a friend and someone who can help them accomplish their mission. The only thing is some of the cats may be a bit more devious than they seem.

I received an audio advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Though the story was fun, whimsical and engaging, the narration was done electronically and was hard to fully sink into the narrative. I do not want to rate it based on that fact, so I will ignore my thoughts on narration and delivery and focus solely on the book. Do remember, it is middle grade, it is not hard hitting, but it does have some life lessons to learn and some obstacles to overcome along the way.

Imagine a world where cats not only talk but also possess magical abilities and wear the most adorable outfits. You'll step into this enchanting realm when you read The Cats of Silver Crescent by Kaela Noel. This delightful middle-grade book is a gateway to a world filled with magic and talking cats, a hard-to-re resist combination!
Elsby has to spend her summer with her aunt. You would think she would want to, but Elsby loves being just her and her mom. However, when her mother takes a job and can't take Elsby, she is forced to stay with her aunt. After spending some time in the garden, she notices something weird: A cat wearing clothes and walking on 2 feet. The only more bizarre thing is that they happen to be her next-door neighbors and need Elsby's help. Can Elsby survive falling into the world of magic and talking cats? 
Firstly, I chose this book because it's a middle-grade novel, and I wanted to read it to my kids because it has talking cats! If you don't know, I love cats and stories about talking cats. I enjoyed this story of friendship and troubles. The story hit me when Elsby meets Penelope, and they become fast friends. When you move, you tend to lose friends. This book is so well written. I love Elsby's point of view, and even when thinking through her problems, that's how a kid would believe through them. This book is excellent if you want to talk to your kids about making friends and how sometimes friendships can be tricky.

Mabel’s adventures continue with a flighty American girl, a murder, a dog and a plethora of hats. This 1920s murder mystery series is entertaining and fun, and the characters claim the top spot in my estimation. Mabel is a strong female character, Park an intriguing lover, and the side characters are fully fleshed out and interesting. If you’re looking for a fun romp through London and a satisfying modern romance, this could be for you!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy. These opinions are my own.

A middle grade book that involves a young girl who visits her Great Aunt and, while exploring, sees a cat wearing clothing and walking on their hind legs. She soon is introduced to the four cats who live next door to her Great Aunt and discovers that they can talk and think like humans but need her help with food and a spell. While in town she meets a local girl who works at special library filled with information about spells and incantations. Will this local girl become closer with the cats and push Elspy out of her special place in the upcoming events?

This book is for middle grade readers but I would find this out of place in an elementary library. The references to magic/wicca/occultism are of a more advanced nature than other books with magic (ie: Harry Potter, Wizard of Oz, etc.). If your children are interested in cat stories - especially cats who have human characteristics or are magical - or like stories of magic or fantasy, this may be a choice for them. I also think the slow burn of the plot line would require a student who can be patient in waiting for the action to happen.

3.75

I’m so glad I was able to get the audiobook arc from NetGalley!

This was so much fun! The whole concept was so unique. I loved all of the cats minus Clarissa she really needed to chill. mascarpone was the true star of the book especially wanting to just go to a book store.

I did hate how quickly Penelope just turned on her like multiple times I know they are young but man it sucked for her. Yeah they worked it out in the end but I understand why Elsby felt the way she did.

I really wish I had this when I was in middle school but I’m glad this is an option for kids now.

Elsby is living with her great aunt for the summer while her mom is busy travelling for work. As an aspiring writer, Elsby can start her novels, churning out first chapters, but has a hard time taking it from there. However, while at her Aunt's, she meets a curios cast of characters, such as talking cats, and a girl who loves mystery and magic. With the cat's owner having passed, they need a friend and someone who can help them accomplish their mission. The only thing, is some of the cats may be a bit more devious than they seem.

I received an audio advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Though the story was fun, whimsical and engaging, the narration was done electronically and was hard to fully sink into the narrative. I do not want to rate it based on that fact, so I will ignore my thoughts on narration and delivery and focus solely on the book. Do remember, it is middle grade, it is not hard hitting, but it does have some life lessons to learn and some obstacles to over come along the way.

Note: Audio had generated voice. Actor narration would be preferred.

Elsby is sent to visit her great-aunt in Rhode Island, far from her home in Brooklyn. It’s a strange place with a strange relative which gets more bizarre when Elsby sees a cat in the garden- a cat wearing clothes, walking in two legs, and carrying a basket of broccoli!! Soon Elsby is drawn into the magical world of the four cats who live next door where she, along with her new friend Penelope, help them get food and books to read. Soon things take a turn, as magical happenings test the new friendships, trust is broken, and danger seems to be everywhere. Full of fantasy, ghosts, and mystery this is a story sure to please middle readers with its magical elements and grounded friendship.

While the premise of "The Cats of Silver Crescent" is undeniably charming, the execution leaves something to be desired. The narrative unfolds predictably, with few surprises along the way, and the characters, including Elsby herself, feel somewhat underdeveloped. Despite the magical elements and the potential for a captivating story, the plot lacks depth, and the emotional resonance falls short.

Overall, "The Cats of Silver Crescent" offers a delightful premise that promises whimsy and adventure. However, it fails to fully deliver on its potential, resulting in a three-star review. While it may entertain younger readers with its magical charm, older audiences may wish for a more nuanced and engaging narrative.

This book was delightful! The story is an easy to follow adventure full of magic and relatable adventures for kids of all ages! The characters show different forms of bravery and I definitely recommend this titled!

I'm not sure why anyone would conjure the imaginary town of Snipatuit in Rhode Island. It doesn't resinate with a lifelong New Englander. I didn't track how many times the name was mentioned but once it was said twice, I'd had enough. I live in Massachusetts and spend a lot of time in Rhode Island. If the main character lives in NYC, Rhode Island shouldn't be that mystical and strange to her. The nods to coffee ice cream and the awful, awful were cute though.

A couple of things: it is never explained how old the cats really are or why they dress in victorian clothing. The reading material they select gives the reader/listener the feeling they have been around for centuries, but it remains unclear. Maybe a set-up for a series?

This story was good. I would probably have liked it better if I read it instead of listened to the synthesized voice recording of it. The voice was a little distracting.
I got it mostly for the cats. The story made me think of some of Studio Ghibli movies. It's worth a read.

This is a very cute and wholesome middle grade novel about friendship, loyalty, and trust. Our protagonist is dropped off at her great aunt's house for the summer (whom she has never previously met) and is swept into a world of intrigue when she meets several talking, Victorian clothes-wearing, cats who need her help. There is a great amount of speculation on what the cats are up to, and a world of magic that our protagonist finds herself dealing with. I thought the themes of loneliness and isolation were very well handled without being too dark or taking up too much of the plot. Overall, a really fun book and a delight to read.

It was a good book. Honestly, I was thinking about DNF, but I was glad I finished. It initially seemed a little weird, like focusing on ticks and whatnot. But once the story gets going it is hard not to try to guess what is going to happen, my guess was completely wrong! The evil person is not who you think it will be.

Very whimsical, but also no whimsical enough. The talking cats angle was so fun, but most of the book was two preteens being "catty." As an educator who works with this age group, it felt a little young and there was too much pettiness for me. That being said, I'm sure this book will find an audience. I would recommend it for the younger end of the range: maybe 8-9 year olds.

I listened to the synthesized version of The Cats of Silver Crescent, and really enjoyed it! The main reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is the relationship between Elsby and Penelope became very annoying at times, and the jealousies and insecurities became too much. But it was a fun way to pass some time! I think kids will like this one.

This book sounded intriguing, despite being written for 8-12 year old's (I read plenty of young fiction). Who doesn't like magic and talking cats? Unfortunately, this book was based largely on feelings of jealousy and petty 12 year old drama of who the talking cats liked better, and left an entire world of potentially interesting magic unexplored. Most of the magic was just glossed right over. It felt like lazy world development or a background plot to focus on friendships and trust, which, fine, but not what I was hoping for. I'd still buy it for a kid, but if you are an adult like me who likes to read a little bit of everything, I would pass. Also, the synthetic voice is not my thing. It might have helped to read it it or maybe it will be a better listen when a kid voice adds some inflection to the confusion of feelings. All in all, a mediocre execution on a potentially very interesting plot. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

When her mother has to spend the summer working in a new city, Elsby finds herself tucked away in a storybook home with her great-aunt. Determined to use her time in her favorite hobby of painting, Elsby is shocked and intrigued to discover a cat in the garden. However, this cat is wearing a hat, jacket, and pants! This small discovery leads Elsby to learn of magical talking cats next door who need her help. Alongside newfound friend, Elsby reaches out to these cats and learns a whole lot more than she bargained for.

Can't say I loved this one. In fact, what I can say is that many times I thought to myself, "Oh I'm so ready to be done with these stupid cats."

I love middle grade novels, magical books, and general cozy vibes. So this one should have been a home run, as it was filled with all of those things! So much about this story could have won me over. What didn't work for me was pretty much every single character. Obviously, Clarissa was the worst. Hated her from the beginning. But, to be perfectly honest, Elsby was quite annoying. Penelope was SO PRETENTIOUS. Marzipan and Horatio were very watered down versions of what I wanted them to be. Overall they both fell flat when they could have had such character.

What it boils down to, especially with the relationship between Elsby and Penelope is that this book FELT very middle grade, and in the worst possible way. Drawn out arguments fraught with insecurities but very little direct confrontation. Sure, that may be true to this age, but is that fun for anyone to read? Well, it wasn't for me.