Sue was born in Northampton where she still lives. For many years she worked for Northamptonshire libraries and remains a passionate supporter of Public Libraries. Sue loves everything about books, the feel of them, their smell. the way they look. And has a habit of matching a bookmark to the cover of each book she's reading. The process of reading, the feel of the book, carrying it around in her shoulder bag, sitting in favourite cafes reading all make for a complete sensory experience. Browsing bookshops old and new, talking all things bookish with other book lovers, spending time with other writers and meeting with fans of her own books at author events are her favourite things. That and eating good quality dark chocolate, while writing.
I was really excited to start a Magic Kitten book and decided to start with the tenth book, Firelight Friends, because the title and cover illustration intrigued me.(The first one wasn't available at our library).
Flame is a majestic young white lion who can disguise himself as a kitty. He "often appears in a variety of fluffy kitten colours" but he has huge green emerald eyes. In the story, he must hide from his evil uncle called Ebony, because he has spies everywhere trying to track him down so that Ebony can kill him and become the heir to the Lion Throne, which is in the world that Flame is from.
Because he needs to hide, Flame travels to Earth, even though he knows his uncle has spies even there on Earth. He searches for a young human friend whom he can trust with his secret and rely on for protection. In the end, he ends up in England, at the camp 'TH Adventure Holidays', and reveals himself to Kara Parkes, a camper there for 2 weeks. He cast a spell on himself so that only Kara could see and hear him, because pets were not permitted on camp grounds.
With his magic, Flame frequently helps Kara and her bunkmates Felicity and Cherry because the boys at the camp are bullying them. For example, some boys throw biscuits at them, while others steal precious toys.
On the day of the group pony trek, Flame tells Kara that today would be the day his enemies would come, but he would find her if he could. When they get lost in a thick foggy mist, Flame reappears at Kara's side and directs them to a cozy house for the night. However, a large grey lion soon appears at the doorstep and Kara knows she must say goodbye to her dear friend.
When Kara gets back to camp, she learns from the counselor that her beloved pony, Amber, whose leg was badly strained, was almost well, like magic. Kara believes that this is Flame's final parting gift to her.
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much.
Magic Kitten: Firelight Friends, Sue Bentley Copyright 2007, Puffin Books
My 6 year old daughter and me read these books together and she loves them! These our her new favorite chapter books and she can't wait to read the next one! It's magical, funny, and sincere all at the same time! The star raitings on these always come from my daughter! I would be more inclined to give it 3-4 stars.
I was not a fan of the way the author had the kids calling each other names. I know it happens in real life, but I felt like she didn’t address how to actually handle it appropriately. Instead, they all just were mean to each other. I would give the book a 1 star, but my 5 year old still enjoyed the story.
Prince Flame is still in hiding from his Uncle Ebony and spies. This time we see Flame camouflaged as a white kitten with black paws. He has arrived at a summer camp and found by a girl named Kara. He helps Kara find friends, calm teasing boys, and find shelter while on a explore with others.
I read this book when I was in primary school, I still remember every little detail, I loved the idea of having a magical pet, and ever since I read that book I wished to have one lol ANDDD After reading this book, I cried, not sure why but i think i just I missed the kitten and the girl. Unfortunately, I lost the book a while ago.