Jessi-Cat by Jayne Dillon (Non-Fiction, 9/10E)

August 2013, Michael O'Mara Books, 233 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Themes: selective mutism, autism, seeking diagnosis then gaining help with treatment, family life, pet cat, school life, social situations,

 

Content: Humour, tissues needed

Summary from Moms Books

Lorcan Dillon was seven years old when his mother, Jayne, first heard him say 'I love you.' The words were not directed at her, but at Jessi-cat, the family pet. Lorcan suffers from autism and selective mutism, a condition that renders him unable to speak in certain situations, unable to express emotions or enjoy hugs and he has never told anyone he loves them. This all began to change with the arrival of a kitten named Jessi-cat. Jessi-cat is the stirring tale of how the affection and attention of a constant loving companion allowed a little boy to start to connect to the world around him. Lorcan spends hours playing with her, cuddling her and telling her how much he loves her. He has also begun opening up to others, making friends at school and is constantly making progress. Jessi-cat proved so inspiring that she was named Best Friend and National Cat of the Year 2012 by the Cats Protection Awards. This book charts the story of this great friendship and how the love between a young boy and his pet has changed his life forever.

Nayuleska's thoughts

The other night my family watched a cat documentary while I was gaming and listening to an audio book.

I peeked every now and then when family went aww. My ears pricked up when I heard the name Jessi-cat, then I watched in fascination as I saw Lorcan with Jessi-Cat. Having finished reading the book the previous day I was delighted to see the pair in action. 

I firmly believe pets are vital for emotional well being, especially if the owner-like Lorcan-has health issues. I wept as I read the social progress Lorcan made from his special bond with Jessi-Cat, laughed when they got into trouble together (not often), grr-ed when Lorcan's mother struggled to get the professional help for Lorcan, and grinned like a maniac when Lorcan's friends/brothers helped him through interactions with others. Like my own cat Belle who sticks with me when I'm ill Jessi-Cat can found wherever Lorcan is-as some of the photos in the book show that includes on a trampoline! I hope for Lorcan's sake Jessi-cat lives a long life, and continues to enrich his life through their special bond.

Suggested read

For another special bond between a cat and a girl, this time fictional, try City Farm: Laura and Silky by Jessie Williams (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E)

Zeraffa Giraffa by Dianne Hofmeyr and Jane Ray (Children's, Picture book, 9/10E)

 April 2014, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 40 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Themes: travel, hunters, seeing new animals, Africa, France

 

Summary from Frances Lincoln

This is the astonishing true story of Zeraffa, a giraffe who was sent as a gift from Egypt to France in 1826.

A young boy, Atir, takes care of Zeraffa on her epic journey and the sailors sing songs as she gazes down at them. In France, Atir leads her through the countryside, and thousands of people marvel at Zeraffa.

Paris falls in love with Zeraffa. The King builds her a special house in the Jardin des Plantes. On warm nights, the young princess visits, while Atir whispers stories to Zeraffa of a hot land far away.

Nayuleska's thoughts

An awesome author plus a talented illustrator make an incredible read! The placid giraffe which takes up the inner title page made me feel sorry for Zeraffa - she should have stayed home, not been paraded about and endured so many crowds. I guess that's how it was in the past, and at least she wasn't left to die without her mother. She seemed to take the travelling in her stride, with Atir always beside her, making sure she was looked after. Dianne, as usual, has created a captivating story, especially noting the way Zeraffa became a fashion icon in Paris for every aspect of life from hairstyles, goods and gardens.

I squee-d when I saw Jane was the illustrator. The level of detail and contrasting textures which suit the different scenes are beautiful to look at. I squee-d more when I spotted the birds which are the same gorgeous coloured ones in another of her books in the suggested read below. They were on most pages and were the first thing I looked for. I could feel the flow of the river, and the stillness of a night at sea. The balloon engineer's plans are elaborate. I loved the style of dresses at Lyon and Paris. The myriad of colours and patterns on fabric gives the reader so much to look at, especially these giraffe inspired ones.

The most touching part of the story happens to be on my favourite illustration, when the king's granddaughter sneaks out under moon light and feeds Zeraffa an apple. The girl has similar hair to mine, her dainty shoes are simple yet elegant, I adore her plain dress and her beaded/embroidered shawl which finished off her outfit. Both the girl and Zeraffa have people pay attention to them, so it seems fitting that the two of them make friends. The reason why this didn't get full marks is because on one of the scenes which is shown on the front cover, has houses beneath the road. Now, everywhere else the small scale buildings worked, but I think because the people and animals are so large, somehow having small buildings closest to the reader doesn't look right to me- I'd prefer them larger so it didn't look like they were being trodden on. That is a minor issue compared to the magnificence of the rest of the book.

Find out more on both Dianne's website and Jane's website.

Suggested read

Check out where my love of Jane's birds started, the enchanting tale of Ahmed and the Feather Girl (Children's, Picture book, 9/10E)

Grave Witch by Kalayna Price (Urban Fantasy, 9.9/10E)

December 2011, Berkley UK 

344 pages, Paperback

Review copy

Themes: magic, charms, wards, human suspicion on other humans, open use of magic, pursuit, family discord/secrets/ties, erratic income affecting daily life, mysteries, landing in trouble a lot, investigations, true friendships, lots of action, occasional gore, occasional strong language, a little adult romance (one very strong scene) tissues needed

Summary from Penguin

Just because Grave Witch Alex Craft can speak to the dead, doesn't mean she has to like what they have to say...

As a private investigator and consultant for the police, Alex has seen a lot of dark magic. But even though she's on good terms with Death himself, nothing has prepared her for her latest case. Alex is investigating a high-profile murder when she's attacked by the ghost she is raising which should be impossible. Then, someone makes a serious attempt on her life, thwarted only by Death's intervention. You know you're having a bad day when Death is saving your life...

To solve this case, Alex will have to team up with tough homicide detective Faith Andrews. Andrews seems to be hiding something, although it's certainly not his dislike of Alex. Despite all that, Alex is going to need his help to navigate the tangled webs of real-world and paranormal politics, and to track down a killer wielding a magic so malevolent, it may cost Alex not just her life, but also her soul...

Nayuleska's thoughts

Alex had me laughing even when she was in deeeep trouble, which was all of the novel. I loved how her talents as a grave witch were used and how they connected her to death, who (death is a person) helps her deal with the maelstrom of magical mojo that trips her at every step. She is far from invincible but her unique powers save others and occasionally herself. This is one of several awesome books I'll keep reading, getting 9.9/10 because two pages had me rather confused, even re-reading them I couldn't make sense of what happened (I have to note the I'm constantly tired so sometimes don't plot threads out if they are subtle messages). 

Suggested reading

Definitely check out Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk which is equally awesome.