Magical Moon Cat: Moonbeams and the Talent Show by Annie Dalton (Children's, 7 years +, 10/10)

1st August 2012, Usborne

176 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Themes: school talent show, fqmily running a cafe, yummy cupcakes, being shy, finding your inner talent, magical cat, helping others, friends helping you out, siblings outshining the quiet sibling, trials of a sick cat, being brave, lots of laughs, tissues needed

Summary from Usborne
Everyone is talking about the school talent show – except Jax. She's too busy with Moonbeans, her magical moon cat. But then she meets Hubble, the white rabbit. His owner, Howard, dreams of performing a dazzling magic act. But Howard's show has more mishap than magic. Can Jax and Moonbeans help Howard to conjure up his hidden talent?

Nayuleska's thoughts

This is the first book of the series that i've read (it's #3), and its awesome! Jax is a sweet girl who helps others with her special cat. Helping Howard teaches her not to be so hasty in forming judgements about people. Jax is a little like me in being hasty and wanting to know and do everything instantly. Even when events go horribly wrong she keeps going because of Beams's support.

Unbelievably I didn't cry in the story. I cried reading the Annie's message. Her cats sound just like mine (who had a sister who lived less than him). Cats really do know how you're feeling, do the unexpected frequently and are just there when you need them. This book captures the magic of being a cat owner - it takes a little work, and few will have Beams's powers, but like my Tolly cats are real companions.

This book is 10/10 read is made extra special by the yummy recipes at the back and the funky stickers at the front. Oh and the cool illustrations, my favourite being the little adorable dragon.

You can find out more on Annie's website.

Suggested read

For more magical cats try Kitty Wells's Pocket Cat series, one of my favourites is Dancing Dreams