The Sign of the Cat

April 20, 2015
A boy who has been taught to hide his true potential is thrust into extraordinary circumstances when he gains the wrong sort of attention. Eleven-year-old Duncan McKay, who learned to speak the language of cats at an early age, is frustrated by his mother’s insistence that he hold himself back at school and avoid any sort of notoriety. In a moment of weakness, he confides in the famous Earl of Merrick—and ends up shanghaied onto the Earl’s ship as a new crew member. There, Duncan learns that his absent father was notorious traitor Duke Charles and that the ambitious Earl wants to dispose of Duncan. After Duncan goes overboard, he discovers a helpful tiger, a missing princess, and a secret that turns his world upside-down. Jonell (The Secret of Zoom) offers an adventurous, swashbuckling tale, albeit one with a few too many predictable elements and a somewhat convoluted plot. Younger readers will love Duncan’s kitten companion, Fia, and the majestic tiger Brig, but the Earl’s eating habits will appall just about everyone. Ages 8–14. Agent: Stephen Barbara, InkWell Management.

Starred review from March 15, 2015
The ability to communicate with cats allows young Duncan McKay to survive an abduction, rescue a lost princess, and triumph over a wily enemy.Jonell's smooth writing style and clever plotting, along with the inclusion of talking cats, elevate and enliven this fantasy despite familiar tropes. Readers won't be especially surprised to discover that fatherless Duncan, raised by an overprotective mother on a small, quiet island in the kingdom of Arvidia (it's called Dulle and apparently lives up to its name), is actually second in line to the throne. Nor will the revelation that the accepted version of the princess's disappearance is far from accurate be a big shock. Still, Duncan's naive bewilderment plays well-rather than feeling frustration, readers will be sympathetic, rooting for him to realize the truth and fulfill his destiny. Some may wish that more time was spent on Princess Lydia's unlikely survival, which is only briefly limned, but that's not because Duncan and his companions, Fia the kitten and Brig the tiger, aren't sufficiently engaging. Although initially duped, once Duncan catches on he displays appropriately heroic behavior whether he's building a raft, battling a storm or confronting the evil Earl of Merrick. Intriguing, well-drawn characters, evocatively described settings, plenty of action, and touches of humor combine to create an utterly satisfying adventure. (Fantasy. 9-13)

March 1, 2015

Gr 4-6-Duncan has secrets-the ones his mother makes him keep include purposefully getting answers wrong on tests to keep his grades down and never taking his cap off in public. Then there's the one he guards even from his mother-Duncan knows how to speak cat. On the day he goes against his mother's wishes and gets a perfect score on the national exams and doffs his hat to a national hero, Duncan finds himself kidnapped and sailing to the edge of his island kingdom. With the help of a stowaway kitten, Duncan discovers that national heroes can be traitors and his mother's secrets were protecting his true identity. Now it's up to Duncan to save a presumed-dead princess and their kingdom. Astute readers will figure things out before Duncan does but will read on to discover how he survives against dastardly villains. Duncan's ability to talk to cats helps him gain vital information but also provides humorous insight into the inner lives of felines-kittens need to take examinations to get their explorer's license and cats have a numbered list of tricks, including Cat Trick #8: Bringing Disgusting Gifts. VERDICT With a classic fairy tale-esque feel, this high seas adventure of discovery and betrayal is a good bet for advanced readers who are ready for longer, more challenging books, but not more mature content.-Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2015
Grades 3-6 Eleven-year-old Duncan McKay has a marvelous gift: he can speak Cat, and he enjoys secrets, jokes, and adventures with furry friends all over his fishing village. He has other talents, too, from scholastics to swordplay, that his protective mother wants him to keep hidden. And above all, she wants him to stay away from the harbor. But when kittens start disappearing all over the island, Duncan winds up on the wharf, where he encounters a mysterious earl and is soon swept away on a sea voyage. With the help of a mischievous kitten with mismatched eyes, he may just find answers to the questions he has been asking all his life. This is an enjoyable series starter from Jonell, best known for her Emmy series (Emmy and the Rats in the Belfry, 2011). While the seafaring scenes are nicely detailed, and life on the boat is vividly shown, the talking cats, entertaining and full of personality, are the best part. A cross between Treasure Island and Erin Hunter's popular Warriors series that should please fans of both.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)