Lulu and the Cat in the Bag

Lulu #3

by Hilary McKay

When a mysterious bag is left on Lulu's doorstep, the last thing her grandmother expects to be in it is a cat--a huge, neon orange cat. But Lulu knows this cat doesn't mean any harm and in fact it needs a lovely new home.

Genres: Chapter Books, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Contemporary, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

84 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Hilary McKay was born in Boston, Lincolnshire and is the eldest of four girls. From a very early age she read voraciously and grew up in a household of readers. Hilary says of herself as a child "I anaesthetised myself against the big bad world with large doses of literature. The local library was as familiar to me as my own home."

After reading Botany and Zoology at St. Andrew's University Hilary then went on to work as a biochemist in an Analysis Department. Hilary enjoyed the work but at the same time had a burning desire to write. After the birth of her two children, Hilary wanted to devote more time to bringing up her children and writing so decided to leave her job.

One of the best things about being a writer, says Hilary, is receiving letters from children. She wishes that she had written to authors as a child, but it never occurred to her to contact them

Hilary now lives in a small village in Derbyshire with her family. When not writing Hilary loves walking, reading, and having friends to stay.

Reviews

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any child who loves pets would enjoy this book!

[DaNae · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Spring of 2020 many are finding TV to binge. I am bingeing early chapter books I've never taken the time to read past the initial title. Hilary McKay creates such a happy places to go. Lulu and her menagerie is beyond delightful.

[Book Preview Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Description:

“When a mysterious bag is left on Lulu’s doorstep, the last thing her grandmother expects to be in it is a cat—a huge, neon orange cat. But Lulu knows this cat doesn’t mean any harm and in fact it needs a lovely new home.”

The latest installment in the Lulu chapter book series (6 so far). This third person narrative story is humorous and adventurous. A great read for those who love dogs and cats. Amusing black and white illustrations depict entertaining characters. Lulu, a warm hearted and animal loving girl, gets into trouble with the new animal that she tries secretly to smuggle into the house before Grandma Nan finds out.

The author is English, therefore there are a few words used in the story that may confuse and/or may not be familiar with American readers…Sentence structure is basic making this early chapter book a good choice for young early readers starting with chapter books to read on their own or as a read aloud in grades 2-4.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable - the story of a girl who keeps quite a menagerie, rather to the disapproval of her strict but loving Nan. Lulu's cousin is staying with her, and they find a cat dumped on their doorstep in a bag. The cat is marmalade coloured and huge and Lulu can't possibly turn it away...

Likeable characters, a nicely told story (if a tad predictable at the end) with some low-key humour here and there. Ideal for a read-aloud for children of around four or five and upwards, or as an early chapter book for fluent readers who want something a little more challenging.

Definitely recommended.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet. Lulu is a girl who likes to save animals. With the help of her cousin, also seven, and her grandmother (not a cat fan) she will manage to save yet another one. Although this is the only Lulu story I've read, I'm going to assume that they follow a similar pattern. Because McKay is the author, there are many familiar quirks from her other, longer novels.

I'm not sure how much anyone would gain from repeated readings, but for a child who likes animals and is just starting to read chapter books, this will be pleasant, and not painful at all for parents to sit through. Just a nice story about a girl, her family, and her many pets.

Library copy.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is our third adventure with Lulu and Mellie and we have already borrowed the fourth adventure for these little girls to read soon. I am reading the series aloud and everyone from the toddler to the twelve-year-old is enjoying them, I am enjoying them. We read this one as a Kindle Unlimited borrow, but before we finished the book it was, the entire series was, removed from the program. I'm really interested in the idea of buying the entire boxed set if I could find it. Lulu and the Cat in the Bag is perhaps the best one in the series yet. So much humor and adorableness in these pages. The illustrations are fun too and remind me of Anna Hibiscus.

[Christine Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children who love animals and pet stories will enjoy this book. I liked the relationship between Lulu and Mellie and their grandmother. The following was one of my favourite parts. Lulu tells her dogs that they will be helping to find the cat (who they loathe).
"The dogs nearly fell over laughing with their tongues hanging out. "Never, never, never!" they seemed to say."

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Hilary McKay and Lulu, and I believe this is my absolute favorite Lulu adventure.

[superawesomekt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series! Perfect for my 3rd grade animal-lover.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.

Lulu might love her animals, but her grandmother, Nan, who is staying with Lulu and her cousin Mellie while their parents take a trip, does not feel the same way. When the girls find a bag on the front porch in which someone has left a marigold-colored cat, Nan is adamant that the cat must not come in the house. But Lulu can never abandon an animal in need, and she is sure that with a little time and persistence, she can convince Nan to love – and maybe even keep – the adorable stray.

The true testament to the quality of these books is that I, who am not an animal lover, keep coming back to them and loving them from beginning to end. I enjoyed watching Lulu's antics with her found duck egg in her classroom at school. I loved her relationship with the dog she found on the beach during vacation. And I am just as pleased by this story about the cat she finds at home, and how she comes to care for it.

It's not just the subject matter that makes this series a success – it is McKay's way of getting inside the mind of her main character and her talent for describing her characters' thoughts and interactions. I love her description of Nan as “”little and snappy and quick and kind” and the way she depicts the cat: “A glow-in-the-dark orange cat with eyes like lime-green sweets. Paws like beanbags. A tail like a fat feather duster.” These simple, yet beautiful, sentences stick with readers and paint clear pictures in their minds. McKay has mastered the important art of writing sentences beginning readers can decode without sacrificing the beauty of the language.

Lulu and the Cat in the Bag is another wonderful installment to the Lulu series that is sure to charm established fans and drum up some new ones. Recommend it to cat lovers, and to any little girl who wants to make a brand-new fictional friend.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third Lulu book continues the story of Lulu’s love affair with any type of animal. In this story, a cat is dropped off on Lulu’s doorstep in a bag. Lulu opens the bag over her aunt’s objections. Her aunt is watching her while her parents are on vacation and is not fond of animals at all. When the bag is opened, the cat goes running off and disappears. Though Lulu searches for it, she is unable to find it. When she returns to her room later, the cat is there on her bed, having climbed in through her open window. Steadily, the big orange cat starts to become part of the family, even changing Lulu’s aunts thoughts on cats in general. It dominates the two dogs, scares the bird and even gathers flowers from the garden to scatter about the house. Then the cat simply disappears, they search for it with Lulu’s aunt’s help, but no one can find it. Until Lulu makes a surprising discovery!

I’ve enjoyed all of the Lulu books so far and this just adds to the delight that is this series. Lulu is a wonderful protagonist. It is a pleasure to see a child character so into animals who does her chores and takes good care of her animals with no complaining. Lulu is also quite a scamp, so the book are filled with a natural childhood zest and Lulu’s own special take on things. This is another great treat of a book from McKay.

A series to rival Clementine, get this into the hands of those readers and they will find a new feisty young heroine to love. Appropriate for ages 6-8.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilary McKay's new Lulu book is out in America and it's at the library! Lulu and the Cat in the Bag answers the 'what do women want' question with: a good cat. Lulu's and her cousin Mellie's parents win a grown-up vacation, so Lulu's grandmother is staying with Lulu and Mellie and Lulu's menagerie at Lulu's house, when some cat-abandoning jerk leaves a bag with a cat in it on Lulu's doorstep. In Lulu and the Dog by the Sea her family acquired a second dog, and along with the parrot, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc., Lulu's house is full of animals, none of whom grandma appreciates. Grandma loves gardening, and dogs dig up gardens, rabbits eat plants, guinea pigs are useless, etc. The titular cat in the bag loves flowers, and it biffs the dogs on the nose when they try to roll around in grandma's newly planted petunias. It doesn't take grandma long to amend her dislike of cats to exclude this cat and the denouement is, again, obvious. There are a few implausible happenings that strained Lulu's credibility to this thirty-two-year-old, but which would pass right by the second graders for whom this book is intended.

http://surfeitofbooks.blogspot.com/20...

[Holly Letson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story. As the say, all's well that ends well. While this started off quite rockily, it had a delightful ending. This is the first Lulu book I have read, while I believe I have NetGalley'd 3 so far. I will be reading the others, and hopefully soon.
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Lulu is an animal lover, and she has many at her house. But, her Grandma, Nan, is an animal hater, and thinks Lulu has far too many. However, this changes, when "The Marigold Cat" slips out of the bag and into her heart. She ends up taking the cat home, when she leaves, and telling everyone how wonderful the cat is.
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Turns out that the reason the cat was so big was that she was expecting. In the end, she has two beautiful marigold kittens. I'd love to have such a pretty cat, too, and I bet our 2 male cats would love it, too.
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The illustrations in this book were nice, too.
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This eBook was provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lulu is an energetic and affectionate 7-year-old who loves animals. Her grandmother, Nan, thinks she already has far too many pets. When a bag left on the front porch contains the biggest cat Lulu has ever seen, her grandmother insists that Lulu can't keep it. When Lulu's friend Charlie tells Nan all sorts of trouble that his own cat has caused, she is even more determined that neither Lulu nor her cousin Mellie need a cat around. Nan slowly comes to like the cat, especially when she finds out that it chases the dogs out of the flower bed and won't let them dig the plants up. In the end, Nan helps Lulu find the perfect home for the cat in the bag.

The Lulu stories are perfect for readers who enjoy animals and books about pets, but still want something a little shorter than Animal Ark or Puppy Place books. They are a great length for students making the transition into chapter books. My friend Brenda Goins recommended them to me and says they are very popular in her school library.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

[Shazzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a cat lover (at least, I love my cat), so reading about all-around animal lover Lulu's episode with a stray, marigold cat (that some horrible, horrible person tied up in a bag) made my heart warm. I love that Lulu not only loves animals, she's smart with them, too. She knows how to handle her menagerie, from her guinea pigs to her parrot to her dogs. When a large, orange cat joins the mix (I couldn't help but think of Crookshanks), things get hairy, but never out of her control. I also love the way Ms. McKay writes this series. It's perfect for emerging readers who are just starting out with longer chapter books. Ms. McKay starts quietly, with simple, short sentences. But as you read, the more confident you become, the language becomes ever-so-slightly more complex.

And I've said it before, and I'll say it again, and again, and again. Rejoice for a non-white child on the cover!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lulu is a magnet for pets. She collects them without even trying. Lulu's cousin, Mellie, is staying at Lulu's house while their parents are all on vacation. Nan, their grandmother, is looking after them. She can't tolerate the menagerie at Lulu's house, especially the dogs. So when the girls find an abandoned cat tied up in a bag she is adamant about not letting it in the house. The giant, bright orange cat takes matters into its own paws and sneaks into Lulu's bedroom. When her dogs start acting strange and the cat starts eating them out of house and home, Lulu realizes this might be one pet she can't keep. Oh well, maybe she knows someone who will take care of the quirky kitty? Lulu and her critters are back for another fabulous adventure. This is a great intermediate series for kids 1st-3rd grades!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm coming to love Lulu, this book's protagonist, because of her fondness for animals and her irrepressible spirit. When someone leaves a large orange cat in a bag, Lulu is quick to release the cat, much to her grandmother's chagrin. Although it runs off at first, it returns to Lulu's place, and makes a nest of flowers, which charms everyone. While readers will be surprised at the cruelty of anyone who would dispose of a cat by tying it up in a bag, they will be touched by the bond that develops among the book's characters and the marigold-colored feline. The text and the illustrations are lively and sure to appeal to young readers who will want to know what happens next.

[Nelda Brangwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lulu first appeared in Lulu and the Duck in the Park to glowing reviews. She’s still glowing. She and her best friend. Mellie, are left in the care of Grandma. Lulu loves animals but Grandma doesn’t. When a big old orange cat decides that it loves living in Lulu’s bedroom, and starts leaving flowers around the house, Grandma slowly comes around, and when it is time for Grandma to go home, she invited Marigold and her two new kittens to come live with here. If you’re looking for engaging characters for very young chapter book readers, consider Lulu. She’s a lot of fun. Priscilla Lamont’s illustrations add to the fun.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet story of Lulu and her cousin Mellie and a suprise in the bag.
Lulu loves animals and much to her Nana's dismay has LOTS of pets so there is no way that the big fully marigold cat can stay ... or so Nana thinks.
This is a lovely story fun and easy for bigger kids to read as well an enjoyable funny read for mums & dads to read to their kids. It also helps teach kids in a fun way about what is involved in looking after pets.
The book is beautifully complimented by great illustrations from the tallented Priscilla Lamont.

I'm off to find the first two of Lulu's adventures

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lulu is gold! This little champion won over my heart when I first met her. I love the fact that she is ethnic. I love the fact that she has a passionate love and awareness of animals. I love the fact that you get to laugh and have a good time with her on her adventures. This book was no exception. I love, love, love this little girl. My kids and I will follow her as long as she takes us on these delightful escapades.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley for my honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beginning chapter book with several black and white drawings. It isn't exactly true to life because an adult would want a cat found in a bag on the street to go to the vet and get shots. So hopefully this doesn't give children ideas about what to do when you find an animal on the street...I would have liked to see an afterword about the importance of getting animals spayed/neutered as so many of them have to get put to sleep.

[Babette Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lulu is a solid character and works well in this minor adventure chapter book. The plot is believable and should hold the reader's interest. The supporting characters assist in carrying the story along. The story should appeal to animal lovers and those who think they might want a pet someday but aren't sure. The black and white illustrations are neat and convey special parts of the story easily.

[Christiane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lulu has another adventure with animals, this time a mysterious cat left in a bag outside her front door. I love so much about this series: the humor, that unlike in many (if not most) easy fiction series, the girls are non-white, and that Lulu and Mellie's grandma is drawn as a hip, attractive woman, not a little old lady!

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable story for beginning readers about grades 2-5. Lulu finds a cat on her front porch and this cat is perfect for an unsuspecting family member. The story is about perseverance, patients, obedience and many other things. A very sweet story and it makes me want to read all the other wonderful Lulu books!

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another funny and adorable Lulu animal adventure. In this one, Lulu and Mellie's gran/nan is staying with the girls while their parents are on holiday and nan falls in love with a giant marigold colored cat. We're learning a little more about Lulu and Mellie's heritage, as well.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lulu is a favorite of mine! A wonderful, childlike character who spends a lot of time with her cousin Mellie and--in this book--with her grandmother. Fun plot, great resolution, and great family dynamics (not to mention a quirky, flower-loving cat!).

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about lulu finds a cat in a bag in front of her porch.but her grandma doesn't let her keep it so she keeps the cat in her bedroom .when the grandma discovers the cat she decides to give the cat a chance .soon she wants to keep the cat and lulu lets her keep it

[Diana Pettis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this one as much as the other Lulu book. I wish Lulu could have found another idea on what to do with the cat and it did not seem realistic to me that a Nana would act the way the Nana did in the story.

[Jnase1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am just disappointed in this series and I can't put my finger on why. They just don't jump out and grab me the way some early chapter books do. Bummer because I think the idea behind them is great, but the writing...not so much.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day Lulu finds a package on her doorstep, and when she opens it, she finds it is a cat. This mysterious cat keeps appearing and disappearing.
To know what happens, read the book!

I love this book! I really like all of the Lulu books. You should read the series. It is great for kids.