Catalyst

May 1, 2020
She's just the adorablest, teeniest of stray kittens--suddenly grown as big as a hippopotamus. Zoe's not supposed to bring stray animals home anymore, ever since the skunk incident. Who can resist the world's smallest kitten, though? And it's Zoe's 12th birthday, and she's been unhappy at how tall she's grown, and she's been crushed over her older brother's impending departure for college; eventually, her concerned parents cave. But after Pipsqueak's been with Zoe for just a couple of days, she's suddenly a full-grown cat. Then she's the size of a dog, then a lion, and after less than a week, a hippo. If the government finds out about the enormous talking feline (for Pipsqueak can speak, now, and read as well), will they take her away to Area 51? Zoe and her best friend, Harrison, begin a quest: They'll take Pipsqueak to Zoe's wacky New Age aunt, who'll maybe have a solution for them. Along the way their fellowship swells with magical animals, an offbeat crew composed of a six-tailed green dog and a multicolored flying mouse. The far-fetched setup and ensuing adventure convey themes that will resonate with the audience; Pipsqueak's as unhappy with her out-of-control body and circumstances as Zoe, and the quest may lead them to new comfort with themselves. Zoe is depicted as white on the cover, and Harrison is of South Asian descent. Magical animals become a kooky, sweet metaphor for growing up. (Fantasy. 8-11)

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Starred review from April 15, 2020
Grades 4-7 *Starred Review* On the eve of her twelfth birthday, Zoe finds a tiny kitten outside her house. She successfully convinces her parents she responsible enough to care for it, but when she awakens the next morning, she has some concerns upon observing that the kitten has grown to full size. Zoe and her best friend, Harrison, take Pipsqueak to the vet, who sees no evident problems for an adult-sized cat. As Pipsqueak continues to grow exponentially, Zoe wonders how to hide her, but once the cat begins to talk and read, the situation requires drastic action. Concocting a multilayered, dangerous plan to walk from Massachusetts to Zoe's aunt's in New Hampshire, the kids and Pipsqueak embark on a perilous trek. Durst (Spark, 2019) gradually introduces magic via other animals with anomalies, adding sparkle to the narrative through her vivid descriptions and spunky protagonists. It's impossible not to be delighted by the thought of two tweens traveling in the company of an elephant-sized cat, a flying hamster, and a green dog. The realistic settings?both urban and rural?are convincing; and Durst masterfully interjects humor into a suspense-filled plot that twists and thickens as the group reaches its destination. A surprising but satisfying resolution brings this charming fantasy to a close.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2020

Gr 4-7-Pipsqueak is a tiny little kitten that Zoe has promised to take care of. Zoe found the kitten out by her family's garage right before her 12th birthday. She has always loved animals and brought home quite a few strays in the past. Zoe takes Pipsqueak in and introduces him to her best friend, Harrison. Zoe's parents reluctantly agree to let Zoe keep Pipsqueak since Zoe's older brother left for college in France. Everything is going great until the kitten begins growing. He gets bigger and bigger until Pipsqueak is no longer a pipsqueak. Knowing that this is not normal, Zoe takes him to the vet, who doesn't see a problem. But as Pipsqueak continues to grow to the size of a horse, Zoe knows she needs to make a plan. She contacts her Aunt Alecia, who lives in the mountains of New Hampshire. Along with Harrison's cousin, Surita, Zoe convinces her parents to let her go away to the summer camp where Surita is a counselor, and she uses this time to travel to her aunt's house instead, via Pipsqueak. When Zoe finds out that there are local reports of a green flying poodle who looks a lot like a dog Zoe saw at the vet, she knows that she has made the right choice. She needs to figure out what is going on and fast. Zoe's family obviously cares for her, and their interactions are amusing. It would have helped, though, to know more about Aunt Alecia before the adventure continues at her house. VERDICT A fast-paced, engaging fantasy novel that cat lovers will adore and fans of the author will read vigorously. A solid purchase for fantasy lovers.-Amy Caldera, Dripping Springs M.S., TX

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 13, 2020
When animal lover Zoe begs her parents to let her keep the tiny kitten she finds just before her 12th birthday, they agree, provided she assumes all responsibility. But after the newly named Pipsqueak starts growing at an exponential rate and reveals her ability to talk and read, Zoe turns to her best friend Harrison and then her estranged aunt Alecia for help, hoping to return Pipsqueak to normal. Now Zoe and Harrison must ride the mountain lion–size (and still growing) Pipsqueak to Alecia’s home, several hours away in the mountains of New Hampshire, while avoiding detection. Along the way, they attract other weird talking pets, including a mouse with butterfly wings and a green terrier. Durst (Race the Sands) imbues her tale with humor, thoroughly embracing its unusual premise with a sense of wonder. Though conflict and danger are limited to the interpersonal and familial—Zoe’s parents are no-nonsense, while her beloved older brother, Alex, is leaving for college soon—the real emphasis is on friendship and found family, as Zoe’s misfit companions bond throughout their journey. While the resolution feels a little too easy, the concept lends itself well to follow-up stories. Ages 8–12. Agent: Andrea Somberg, Harvey Klinger Literary.