Paws and Whiskers, cat and dog stories chosen by Jacqueline Wilson (Children's, 7 years +, 9/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

February 2014, Doubleday, 400 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Summary from Random House Children's Publishers

This special anthology features the very best stories about cats and dogs from the world of children's literature, chosen by bestselling author and Battersea Cats and Dogs Home patron Jacqueline Wilson.

Includes a brand new story by Jacqueline herself, Leonie's Pet Cat, as well as extracts from treasured classics such as The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith and Gobbolino the Witch's Cat by Ursula Moray Williams, and from modern favourite writers such as Anne Fine and Patrick Ness. The book also features personal new pieces from many authors about their own treasured pets, with contributions from Michael Morpurgo, Philip Pullman, Malorie Blackman and more.

This is a collection to enjoy and share for many years. For every copy sold, a significant donation will be made to Battersea Cats and Dogs Home.

Nayuleska's thoughts

This was a fun read to dip in and out of whenever the mood took me. I confess to skipping a few of the stories which weren't quite my cup of tea...which were the dog ones as I really am a cat person. Dogs are ok, but cats are totally the best creatures! I loved watching them get into and out of trouble, seeing them get both loved and hated by people (the hated part wasn't so good to read), and also seeing them fly. Yes, I said fly! Some of them can fly! On fiction, certainly none that I've ever seen can fly in real life. I enjoyed the way I got to experience not only work from different authors, but Jacqueline put her thoughts on each story before it started, which was interesting to see.

For more of Jacqueline's stories check out her website.

Suggested read

For more Battersea reads check out Battersea Dogs and Cats Home: Coco's Story (Children's, 5 years +, 10E/10E)