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The Other Kitten
An excellent story for young readers about children learning to get along and give to each other.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
1 person is currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Patricia St. John
95 books244 followersPatricia Mary St. John spent 27 years as a dedicated missionary to North Africa - and was also a prolific children's writer. Her books are loved and treasured around the world; some have been turned into stirring films. Gripping adventures which cover real life issues are her hallmark.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 19, 2021
This is a sweet and simple story of two siblings who learn how a simple fight can go too far and how choosing love above anger is always the best solution. This book can be read by all ages!
5 stars from 5
5 stars from 5
February 2, 2025
Somehow a Jesus book was the free library borrow and that wasn't mentioned in the synopsis
September 22, 2025
"What will it take for Mark and Carol to learn to give to each other?"
💭My Thoughts:
This short chapter book is great for family read-alouds or solo reading for kids ages 8–12. (With parental guidance.) Scattered black and white illustrations throughout.
Mark and Carol, like many siblings, swing between harmony and chaos during their seaside stay with Grandma. An exciting chance to pick a free kitten sparks a fierce fight that spirals out of control, with Carol running away and nearly leading to a tragedy. This book really highlights Mark and Carol's sinful behaviors. While there are a lot of negative behaviors in this book, they are seen as wrong and there are consequences that should spark meaningful family discussions. This book also highlights family bonds and lessons in forgiveness which also make it a heartwarming tale.
I recommend reading this book with your children and having meaningful conversations about the story as you read through it.
I do think the author could've done a better job at presenting the gospel in clearer way in this story - that is why I am giving it a
4:5 🌟rating.
Mark and Carol needed more than just God's help, they needed salvation. ♥️
⚠️ Content Note:
•Sibling quarrels (a lot 😳)
•Brief physical altercations: pushing, scratching, kicking.
•"Language": shut up, stupid, goodness sake, name calling, hate.
•One lying instance
•Running away
•Tense scene with potential drowning
💭My Thoughts:
This short chapter book is great for family read-alouds or solo reading for kids ages 8–12. (With parental guidance.) Scattered black and white illustrations throughout.
Mark and Carol, like many siblings, swing between harmony and chaos during their seaside stay with Grandma. An exciting chance to pick a free kitten sparks a fierce fight that spirals out of control, with Carol running away and nearly leading to a tragedy. This book really highlights Mark and Carol's sinful behaviors. While there are a lot of negative behaviors in this book, they are seen as wrong and there are consequences that should spark meaningful family discussions. This book also highlights family bonds and lessons in forgiveness which also make it a heartwarming tale.
I recommend reading this book with your children and having meaningful conversations about the story as you read through it.
I do think the author could've done a better job at presenting the gospel in clearer way in this story - that is why I am giving it a
4:5 🌟rating.
Mark and Carol needed more than just God's help, they needed salvation. ♥️
⚠️ Content Note:
•Sibling quarrels (a lot 😳)
•Brief physical altercations: pushing, scratching, kicking.
•"Language": shut up, stupid, goodness sake, name calling, hate.
•One lying instance
•Running away
•Tense scene with potential drowning
February 16, 2025
This was a bit of a bait and switch. Seemed like it was going to be a cute kids book but it quickly became obvious that it was going to be full of lessons on Christian morality. There was one Bible story after another.
Usually that’s a point that’s mentioned or listed in the sub genres but not with this one. Not cool, Hoopla, not cool.
Usually that’s a point that’s mentioned or listed in the sub genres but not with this one. Not cool, Hoopla, not cool.
December 18, 2020
Not the best book ever.
February 12, 2025
Great Christian children’s book! Highly recommended!
February 1, 2020
So I used to read this years ago and I remember loving it! It is definitely a children’s book with good messages and it’s completely clean.
June 6, 2024
> a brother & sister visit their Gran who lives near the sea in England
> excitement and joy are broken up by arguing over which kitten to adopt
> convo: bickering, physical fighting (kicking, hitting, scratching), theology issues*
> language: x1 stupid, x1 shut up
Type: beginner chapter book
Ages: 5-8
*Gran is faithful to tell the children a biblical story each night and pray with them. It appears to be their first exposure to the Bible; however, she simplifies things too much–to the detriment of the true gospel. There’s never any talk about sin or why we need Jesus–only that we need to ask God to be part of His family and “then everything is safe and happy.” It’s emotions-based. Later in the book, they talk about all being brothers and sisters with Jesus and that all you have to do is ask Him. It’s very vague. Of course not every book (or gospel sharing in general) needs to include truth about election and the finer soteriological points, but, as my generation of church goers has proven, we need a little more than the “love like Jesus” ambiguity. I promise, kids can hear and understand the whole gospel. It doesn’t need to be watered down.
The older brother is not a good example for young readers, though this story might shine a light on what happens when we act the way he does. He physically hurts his younger sister and lies to his Gran, but does regret his actions in the end. The girl, Carol, thinks to herself multiple times how much she hates Mark. Both of the children go unpunished for wrongdoings. Gran thinks Mark’s guilt is enough of a punishment.
Each child, though, eventually takes some of Gran’s lessons to heart and begins praying for his or her first time. They also learn that when kindness and love abound, situations are much more pleasant.
Overall, I believe this book can be used to illustrate various topics, but I would make sure children consuming the story know the full gospel. There are some good parts to the story, so each parent will need to decide what’s right for his or her own children. Personally, we’re going to let our children read it and see what they think, to spark discussion.
> excitement and joy are broken up by arguing over which kitten to adopt
> convo: bickering, physical fighting (kicking, hitting, scratching), theology issues*
> language: x1 stupid, x1 shut up
Type: beginner chapter book
Ages: 5-8
*Gran is faithful to tell the children a biblical story each night and pray with them. It appears to be their first exposure to the Bible; however, she simplifies things too much–to the detriment of the true gospel. There’s never any talk about sin or why we need Jesus–only that we need to ask God to be part of His family and “then everything is safe and happy.” It’s emotions-based. Later in the book, they talk about all being brothers and sisters with Jesus and that all you have to do is ask Him. It’s very vague. Of course not every book (or gospel sharing in general) needs to include truth about election and the finer soteriological points, but, as my generation of church goers has proven, we need a little more than the “love like Jesus” ambiguity. I promise, kids can hear and understand the whole gospel. It doesn’t need to be watered down.
The older brother is not a good example for young readers, though this story might shine a light on what happens when we act the way he does. He physically hurts his younger sister and lies to his Gran, but does regret his actions in the end. The girl, Carol, thinks to herself multiple times how much she hates Mark. Both of the children go unpunished for wrongdoings. Gran thinks Mark’s guilt is enough of a punishment.
Each child, though, eventually takes some of Gran’s lessons to heart and begins praying for his or her first time. They also learn that when kindness and love abound, situations are much more pleasant.
Overall, I believe this book can be used to illustrate various topics, but I would make sure children consuming the story know the full gospel. There are some good parts to the story, so each parent will need to decide what’s right for his or her own children. Personally, we’re going to let our children read it and see what they think, to spark discussion.
May 29, 2025
Mark and his younger sister Carol are sent to stay with Gran while mum and dad await the arrival of a new baby. Typical sibling arguments ensue, but one argument about choosing a new kitten leads to Carol running off and getting trapped by the tide. Both Carol and Mark realise how they haven’t been thinking of the other and regret their behaviour. Carol starts to recall the story of Jesus calming the storm her Gran had told her, and calls out to Jesus to help her. When she is rescued and everyone is reunited Gran tells the story of the ten lepers and they give thanks to God for rescuing Carol. Both Carol and Mark decide to secretly go and get the kitten the other one had wanted. In preferring the other they end up with two kittens (not sure how mum and dad are going to react to this!) and the book ends with a new baby too!
This was a short book, just 8 chapters, and nice large font. Line drawings scattered through the book break up the text further. There is a lot of dialogue between the characters, but it reads very true to life. The themes it covers are helpful for young children, especially growing up and learning how to interact with siblings and friends when they have different opinions. The stories of Jesus are woven into the story really naturally and help to point children to Jesus. I read this to my children a few years ago when they were 5 and 9, and plan to suggest my youngest (now 8) read it himself now he is reading solo.
This was a short book, just 8 chapters, and nice large font. Line drawings scattered through the book break up the text further. There is a lot of dialogue between the characters, but it reads very true to life. The themes it covers are helpful for young children, especially growing up and learning how to interact with siblings and friends when they have different opinions. The stories of Jesus are woven into the story really naturally and help to point children to Jesus. I read this to my children a few years ago when they were 5 and 9, and plan to suggest my youngest (now 8) read it himself now he is reading solo.
February 11, 2025
A brother and sister who regularly bicker and fight go through a challenging experience that changes their perspective on their relationship / interactions.
Content Notes:
Siblings hit, kick, bite, scratch, argue, etc.
One says something like “I hate you, I’m going to run away.”
A girl goes through a scary experience but all ends well.
Grandma tells a couple of Bible stories (Jesus walking on water, and Nicodemus / rebirth).
Content Notes:
Siblings hit, kick, bite, scratch, argue, etc.
One says something like “I hate you, I’m going to run away.”
A girl goes through a scary experience but all ends well.
Grandma tells a couple of Bible stories (Jesus walking on water, and Nicodemus / rebirth).
May 10, 2024
My girls (6 and 9) and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Patricia St John has a beautiful way of adding tension and drama to a story that keeps you reading, coupled with beautiful life lessons to consider and learn from.
If you also enjoyed this book and can recommend other books like it, we would love your recommendations.
If you also enjoyed this book and can recommend other books like it, we would love your recommendations.
October 31, 2025
Two children awaiting the arrival of a little sibling go to stay with their grandma for a few days. Through strife and near tragedy, they learn the importance of family, love, and th protection of Jesus. This is a sweet story, definitely for younger readers or a family read aloud.
January 2, 2024
A brother and sister learn some important lessons about unselfish caring and getting along.
March 15, 2024
Two siblings learning the meaning of love and respect to each other through their new knowledge of Jesus!!
January 26, 2025
A Christain story about a young brother and sister fighting and forgiving each other.
February 6, 2025
Hoopla bonus borrow - cute children's story with a touch of religion
February 16, 2025
Content: Clean
I wasn't expecting it to be a religious book. It was a freebie. Rather meh.
I wasn't expecting it to be a religious book. It was a freebie. Rather meh.
November 14, 2025
Was a quick read
November 23, 2025
What a sweet little book! I’ll surely read it to my kids one day 🥹
September 11, 2009
A great story to read to young children with a good message.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews