Catwings

Catwings #1

by Ursula K. Le Guin, S.D. Schindler (Illustrator)

The bestselling Catwings series!

Mrs. Jane Tabby can't explain why her four precious kittens were born with wings, but she's grateful that they are able to use their flying skills to soar away from the dangerous city slums where they were born. However, once the kittens escape the big city, they learn that country life can be just as difficult!

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Cats, Animals, Middle Grade, Chapter Books

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Ursula K. Le Guin published twenty-two novels, eleven volumes of short stories, four collections of essays, twelve books for children, six volumes of poetry and four of translation, and has received many awards: Hugo, Nebula, National Book Award, PEN-Malamud, etc. Her recent publications include the novel Lavinia, an essay collection, Cheek by Jowl, and The Wild Girls. She lived in Portland, Oregon.

She was known for her treatment of gender (The Left Hand of Darkness, The Matter of Seggri), political systems (The Telling, The Dispossessed) and difference/otherness in any other form. Her interest in non-Western philosophies was reflected in works such as "Solitude" and The Telling but even more interesting are her imagined societies, often mixing traits extracted from her profound knowledge of anthropology acquired from growing up with her father, the famous anthropologist, Alfred Kroeber. The Hainish Cycle reflects the anthropologist's experience of immersing themselves in new strange cultures since most of their main characters and narrators (Le Guin favoured the first-person narration) are envoys from a humanitarian organization, the Ekumen, sent to investigate or ally themselves with the people of a different world and learn their ways.

Reviews

[Robin Hobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this aloud to my six year old grand daughter.

I don't think it's a spoiler to say it's about a litter of kittens born with wings.

Danica's reaction to the book was, "I really want to be in that book." And she played 'flying kitten' all day, collecting feathers from my moulting chickens and zooming about the acreage with them in her outstretched hands.

A perfect book for her. We have the three sequels, and I expect a similar wonderful reaction from her.

[s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all] · Rating 4 out of 5]

THEY ARE CATS THEY HAVE WINGS THIS IS DELIGHTFUL!

Fly my pretty kitties, fly!

But for real, everything Ursula K Le Guin touched was gold, like Midas asking Dionysus for the gift of being an awesome author instead. Aimed at children, this is a bit of a slight story but it just comes alive with such whimsy and wonder in Le Guin’s clever prose. Why do these cats have wings? They just do. ‘Maybe they have wings because I dreamed, before they were born, that I could fly away from this neighborhood,’ the mother thinks, which so perfectly begins this tale about fleeing the dangers of the city only to discover that its a dangerous world everywhere. But this also becomes a warm tale about how just because things are different doesn’t mean they are bad. It’s all just rather fun, having a good sense of justice and compassion folded into this adorable little story while also having wry lines like ‘few people know what fish think about injustice, or anything else.’ But most importantly it is cats. With wings. And it is hard to top that.

For further cute cats from Le Guin also check out her surreal picture book Cat Dreams

[Hannah Greendale (Hello, Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catwings is a heartwarming coming-of-age, but contemporary issues and symbolism simmer beneath the surface for those willing to paw their way to greater meaning. In just forty-eight pages, Le Guin's memorable tale of four winged-kittens explores marginalized communities, race, and compassion.

Mrs. Jane Tabby could not explain why all four of her children had wings.

"I suppose their father was a fly-by-night," a neighbor said, and laughed unpleasantly, sneaking round the dumpster.

"Maybe they have wings because I dreamed, before they were born, that I could fly away from this neighborhood," said Mrs. Jane Tabby.

[J.L. Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd read the Earthsea Series (and a few other of Le Guin's books) in high school, but Catwings wasn't on my radar. Le Guin creates a sense of wonder here; there is something very simplistic and charming about this short tale of a litter of kittens born with wings. What's a mother to do? How do other animals react when it's time for the kittens to (stretch their wings and) leave home? What is astonishing about Le Guin is that she creates so many memorable stories that don't seem to have anything to do with each other! Catwings is a quick read that stays with you.

[Ashley Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable little book. The thing I love about children's books (and by extension, a lot of MG stories) is that they don't tend to spend as much time as YA or adult stories explaining themselves. Like, the kittens were born with wings. How? Who cares? Moving on. And I think that's incredibly important, because the how or the why isn't the point of the story.

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catwings is the whimsical story of a litter of stray kittens who are born with wings, and their journey as they set off into the big world to see life beyond the city where they were born. S.D. Schindler's beautiful and expressive illustrations are the perfect compliment to the legendary Ursula Le Guin's concise but adorable tale. Perfect for both kids and adults who love cats, light fantasy, and gentle, cozy stories. -Kayleigh S.

Find a Copy at Scottsdale Public Library

[Rachel Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book/series so much when I was a child that as an adult I got a tattoo of one of the illustrations. :)

[Rodrigo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cuento muy cortito menos de 30 páginas sobre unos gatos que nacieron con alas y van a descubrir mundo y llegan a un bosque...
Gustará a los mas pequeños.
Valoración: 6/10 (soy generoso, me gustan los gatos jaaja)
Sinopsis: Nada abre tanto el apetito como volar, así que los cuatro gatitos estaban casi desfallecientes cuando aterrizaron en los bosques.

Quién sabe hasta dónde habían volado desde la ciudad, desde el volquete bajo el que habían nacido. Y en realidad, quién puede saber la razón por la que esos gatos tenían alas para volar. La señora Juana Rayas, su madre, no podía explicarlo, pero cuando la vida en las calles se hizo demasiado peligrosa, ella supo que algún día el sueño que había tenido para sus hijos se haría realidad: su Thelma, su Jacinta, su Rogelio y su Jaime abrirían las alas si hacía falta y volarían lejos, sobre el callejón, sobre los techos, lejos.


Y llego el día y volaron juntos. Pero lo que encontraron los cuatro gatos en los bosques fue al mismo tiempo más terrorífico y más hermoso de lo que había soñado su mamá.
# 6- Un libro con una mascota como personaje. Reto Popsugar 2023

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute purry cats with wings and Ursula Le Guin -- back in 1988, this combination did not really work for me. I was too much in awe of Leguin's mind-expanding stories and her rich humane wisdom to feel comfortable with her as the writer of what is, quite frankly, a rather simplistic children's book.

Parenthood changes many things. I've now found that its very simplicity makes this an excellent read aloud book. True it's not particularly deep, but the fineness of the prose shines through if you give it a chance -- the slower pace of reading aloud makes it easier to appreciate. And the kittens' wings are furry.

[Jayaprakash Satyamurthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a book about cats. With wings. By Ursula Le Guin. Of course I loved it even if I'm about 24 years older than its target audience.

[Keri Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet book about a litter of four cats born with wings. Their mother, Mrs. Jean Tabby, does not know why her kittens were born with wings… but she encourages them to escape the city and find a better life. They discover the joy of exploring new places, but learn that their wings don’t protect them from danger.

I listened to the audiobook, which is just 20 minutes and is appropriate for children or adults. Apparently it is part of a series? Nothing monumental happens, just a slice of life about cats with wings 💖

[Tatiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's no secret that I love Ursula K. Le Guin. I decided to read everything by her, so I got these kids books, the Catwings series. This is the first. They have the same solid reality and aching sense of longing that many of her fantasies for adult readers give. These would make a great introduction for any child to UKL's work, but are jewels of great beauty for grown-ups to cherish as well. The idea of cats with wings is so perfect. It just rings true, for some reason. UKL's books always have a sense of rightness about them, like that, that defies explanation. The things she invents feel as though they were discovered and not made up. She shares that quality with Tolkien, and consequently they're the only two fantasy writers I truly love.

I'm brokenhearted today for a completely non-cat- non-wing-related reason, but somehow these charming characters are just what I needed to feed and heal me. I'm taking them tomorrow to someone I dearly love, whom I hope may feel the rush of wings and brush of tail, and be fed and healed as was I.

[DivaDiane SM · Rating 5 out of 5]

What took me so long to read these books? No clue, but they are perfect for my 8 year old. He said they’re great!

Second read (audio) - I found these on Libby through one of my libraries (because I remembered to look for it). While the illustrations are lovely, the audiobook is also wonderful because it’s read by Le Guin herself. The book is so cozy and cute and there’s a little danger, and is couched in Le Guin’s signature style. I wish she’d written more children’s books.

[Scott Rhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable fantasy story that can be enjoyed by young children and adults equally, Ursula K. Le Guin's "Catwings" is a beautiful little book (illustrated wonderfully by S. D. Schindler) about a litter of kittens born with wings, which enables them to fly away from the harsh big city into a world of wonders.

This is one of those rare fantasy books where nobody dies violently. There are no dead parents, and there is no villain. It's just a cute little story about cats with wings.

Disney, what the hell are you waiting for?

[Magrat Ajostiernos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un cuento suuuuuper cortiro al más puro estilo de las fábulas tradicionales.
Entrañable y divertido, los pequeños lo disfrutarán especialmente, y me han encantado las ilustraciones (también muy clásicas).

[Sara the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh don't mind me I'll just be over here sobbing over the wholesome story of four flying cats being adopted by adorable children written by the grandmother of science fiction and fantasy Ursula K. Le Guin and the fact that my kids want to read "more cat stories."

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series of short books aloud to my daughter when she was in the first grade. We both were mesmerized by this sweet and subtly deep story about a litter of cats born with wings. There is no magic in these books, and yet they are pure magic. Definitely recommended, and they really kept my attention as well. Subtle lessons about compassion and how different people react to others with unusual traits.

[Alexander Theofanidis · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Μέσα από τα μάτια της κόρης μου, στην οποία το διάβασα και μάλλον το ανέχτηκε για να πάει πιο πίσω την ώρα κατάκλισης)

Οι φτερόγατες είναι ένα παραμύθι που έχει περίεργη αρχή (μια μάνα πρακτικά πετάει τα παιδιά της στο δρόμο για να κάνει νέα οικογένεια με καινούργιο γάτο), μέση που δε βγάζει ακριβώς νόημα (ναι, οι διαφορετικοί δεν περνάνε καλά ακόμα και όταν η διαφορετικότητά τους είναι πλεονέκτημα) και απότομο τέλος που σε αφήνει με ένα σωρό απορίες (ναι, χαρήκαμε που βρήκαμε "χέρια" αλλά... τι; Αυτό ήταν; Τα πρώτα "χέρια" που βρήκαμε ήταν τα καλά, τα σωστά; Και γιατί το βιβλίο τελειώνει σαν πόρτα που σου κλείνει στα μούτρα;).
Το δεύτερο αστεράκι υποθέτω ότι οφείλεται εν πολλοίς στην εικονογράφηση (δεν παίρνω και όρκο)

Η δική κου γνώμη δε μετράει. Δεν ήταν για μένα το βιβλίο.

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Catwings as a child and these classic stories continue to amaze me as an adult. First published in 1988, Catwings is a delightfully simple story of friendship, differences and social equality. The illustrations by S.D. Schindler are wonderful companions to words of legendary fantasy author Ursula K. Le Guin.

Favorite Passages

Dedication
To all the cats I've loved before
-U.K. Le G.

Mrs. Jane Tabby could not explain why all four of her children had wings.
"I suppose their father was a fly-by-night," a neighbor said, and laughed unpleasantly, sneaking round the dumpster.
"Maybe they have wings because I dreamed, before they were born, that I could fly away from this neighborhood," said Mrs. Jane Tabby.
_________

"Children, I dreamed a dream before you were born, and I see now what it meant. This is not a good place to grow up in, and you have wings to fly from it. I want you to do that."
_________

A pigeon came swooping up to join them. It flew along with them, peering at them uneasily form its little, round, red eye. "What kind of bird are you, anyways?" it finally asked.
"Passenger pigeons," James said promptly.
Harriet mewed with laughter.
_________

They knew they had come to a much better place than the alley, but they also knew that every place is dangerous, whether you are a fish, or a cat, or even a cat with wings.
_________

"It's absolutely unfair," the thrush cried
"Unjust!" the finch agreed.
"Intolerable!" yelled the bluejay.
"I don't see why," a mouse said. "You've always had wings. Now they do. What's unfair about that?"
_________

Owl is not a quick thinker. She is a long thinker.
_________

He was crouching under the bushes, all scratched and bleeding, and one of his wings dragged upon the ground.
"It was the Owl," he said . . .
_________

From then on they had to hunt in the daytime and hide in their nest all night; for the Owl thinks slowly, but the Owl thinks long.
_________

"I saw one today," said Harriet.
"What? A Hands? A Shoes?" said Thelma.
"A human bean?" said James.
"A human being?" Roger said.
________

"Mother always said," Thelma remarked, thoughtfully, "that if you found the right kind of Hands, you'd never have to hunt again."
________

"Kitty," Susan said in a soft, high voice. "Kitty kit-kit-kit-kit-kit-cat, kitty cat, kitty-wings, kitty wings, catwings!"
_________

"I will never never never ever catch you, or cage you, or do anything to you you don't want me to do," Susan said to Harriet.
________

"Purr, purr, purr . . ."
"Oh, Hank," Susan whispered, "their wings are furry."
"Oh, James," Harriet whispered, "their hands are kind."

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first met Catwings in 1995, back when I still thought books about animals were either for small children or for people who couldn’t handle their animals talking back. Ursula K. Le Guin proved me wrong in about five pages.

The premise is absurd in the best way: kittens are born with wings. Not magical, shimmering fantasy wings — just soft, functional ones, as though evolution had taken a coffee break and doodled in the margins.

It’s short, almost a whisper of a book, but it lands somewhere deep. There’s the obvious charm of winged cats swooping over alleyways and farmland, but also an undercurrent of leaving home, seeking safety, and discovering that kindness can be rare but life-saving. As a teen reader, I breezed through it in one sitting, only realising later that Le Guin had tucked in themes about freedom, belonging, and the quiet dignity of finding your place in a world that doesn’t expect you.

Rereading it in my memory, I see how Le Guin never talked down to her audience, even if they were children. She trusted the reader — any reader — to feel the weight of uncertainty alongside the delight. Catwings was whimsical, yes, but also strangely grounding.

It made me think that stories, no matter how small or strange, could carry truths as easily as they carried flying kittens. I didn’t just read it in 1995; I packed it away in my head, wings and all.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a Le Guin I missed. . .and so picked it up to see if my reading group would enjoy it. . .it's all about cats.

The idea of catwings was intriguing, but the stories themselves didn't keep me there - my mind wandered. . .a lot.

Because the parents of my reading group all have boxes full of reasons why their offspring cannot have pets, especially cats, I chose not to include it in our chapterbook choices. So many books out there!

I'll find another Le Guin to read with my kiddos. One that won't have them begging for a kitty.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this gentle and beautifully illustrated story about young cats who fly the nest literally!

Mrs. Tabby was a good mother who "washed those silky wings every day, along with chins and paws and tails." She also knew when it was time to encourage them to leave home to explore new territories and begin their independent lives.

The Tabby siblings had grown up in the city, however as they fly over the countryside Thelma notices, "It looks softer," to the west. So the city cats become country cats and are known by the locals as the 'Flying Tabbies.' I loved that the owl is referred to as "a long thinker."

Finally, they come across humans and Harriet Tabby notes that, "their hands are kind." May my hands always be kind.

[Adriana Scarpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eu ia ler numa tacada só os quatro livrinhos da série sobre gatos alados da Ursula Le Guin porque são curtinhos e rápidos, mas o primeiro já me foi dolorosamente difícil de ler por conta de traumas recentes em minha vida.
Esse primeiro volume trata de gatinhos com asas que seguem caminho sem a mãe e encontram humanos que respeitam a sua liberdade, aceitando-os como são.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four winged kittens set out to find a better place to live than the city. But country life has its challenges, too. Charming illustrations, a storyteller who tells the truth “slant” as Emily Dickinson said, some humor, and a happy ending made a delightful, fabulous story.

4/22/23 — Listened to the audio version pleasingly read by the author.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah, there's no way in the real world that a litter of kittens is going to be born with four normal limbs and two wings; genetics don't work that way. But, a story about kittens with wings? Awesome. Reality can take a nap.

Library copy

[Caro the Helmet Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute little story is all about cats. The Winged Cats. What's not to love? <3

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful chapter book about a litter of kittens who have wings. Beautifully illustrated by S. D. Schindler, the story follows the adventures of Thelma, Harriet, Roger, and James. I loved it!

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in the series of these early reader books which seem to those 'first chapter' books. The story was quick to read and Schindler's illustrations were absolutely gorgeous. As always, the reader is treated to some wonderful prose by Le Guin and it would be wrong to deny the children reader a chance to explore and enjoy the author's utterly wonderful mastery of word and wisdom. Plus, it has flying cats.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catwings is a sweet little book. I like pretty much everything Ursula Le Guin writes, so it's not surprising that I like her fiction for young children, too. It seems like it'd be pretty good to read aloud, but there are also lovely pictures.

And cats! With wings! Having adventures!

[Peter Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one, the first, is still the best. Great illustrations, especially of the kids and kittens. Wonderful book(let). The others (and the omnibus) are good too. But this one is wonderful.

Trust me on this. You'll be back, again and again.