Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary

by Joëlle Jolivet, Jean-Luc Fromental

Follow the investigations of Miss Cat as she tries to crack the case of a missing canary in a thrilling Scandi noiresque graphic novel. Sad, old Mr. Maximus comes to see Miss Cat at the old dairy she uses as an office. Someone has kidnapped his canary, Harry, his pride and joy. Mr. Maximus begs the detective to help find him. Following the trail of the missing canary, Miss Cat encounters the alluring Doris and aggressive Wolfgang, her talking dog. What could they be trying to hide? And could the elderly Maximus and the dashing Mixus the Magnificent―a magician with extraordinary powers―actually be the same person? Miss Cat must uncover the truth and get everything back to normal! With a Scandi noir atmosphere, Miss The Case of the Canary is a gripping graphic novel that will make young readers eager for the next installment. Illustrated in color throughout

Genres: Mystery, Animals, Graphic Novels, Cats, Childrens, Comics, Young Adult

64 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Tom Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simenon for seven-year-olds!

This is a brilliant graphic novel, a proper noir mystery that has just a little bit of menace and some complex morals. It's just great, and a perfect introduction to crime fiction for 7-10 year olds.

[Liv B · Rating 5 out of 5]

the main character was a tiny cat-eared investigator sporting a near constant side-eye, and less than 20 pages in there's an homage to Edward Hopper that features a milk-slinging giant pink octopus named Olaf. So obviously i LOVED it

[Paula Learmouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Cat: The Case of The Curious Canary is set out like a book and a comic together. My granddaughter, Emily and myself read this book together. Miss Cat runs a detective agency at 29 Thirty Street, which smells of stinky milk. She gets a visit from Mixus Maximus who wants Miss Cat to find his pet canary, Harry, it was a present off his daughter-in-law Doris. Miss Cat goes to visit Doris but doesn't get a friendly welcome. At the offices of Daily Dotti, Miss Cat asks her friend Griselda, what she knew about Mixus the Magnificent. It's not long before Miss Cat is inside Mixus's home looking around when she hears him come in. then a knock at the door, it's Doris and Wolfgang her dog. That's all I'll tell you, you will have to read the book to find out what happens next. Even though I though a few things about the story, it all comes together at the end of the book. Emily and I really enjoyed this book, it's great for all ages

[Lucy Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming, original and well plotted. Perfect for under 10’s.

[Gemma The BookCosy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary by Jean-Luc Fromental and Joëlle Jolivet is a gorgeous graphic novel and is the first book in this exciting new series.

Miss Cat runs a detective agency and is approached by Mixus Maximus, asking for help in finding Harry his beloved canary, who has been kidnapped. Miss Cat sets out straightaway, looking for clues into Harry's disappearance. Along the way, she meets a few other strange characters and reveals the answers in solving this mystery.

Graphic novels are so popular in our school, especially with reluctant readers. The illustrations in this book are fun, bright, as well as dark and mysterious, adding to the charm of this book. I could spend hours pouring over the pages. I love how each page is unique with a different layout and mixture of text.

The storyline is easy to follow with a surprise twist. I was thrilled to discover that the mystery was more complex than I was anticipating, giving it substance but still in a way accessible to young readers.

I can definitely see this being a popular book in school. It is the perfect size, slightly larger than a regular novel but smaller than a picture book to hold. It is broken down into chapters, making it easier to read in sections, perfect for those that may be overwhelmed by reading longer texts. Suitable for ages 7-10.

I am very much looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh!! I think i've just found my next favourite series of books!!

This is the first book in what I know will be a brilliant new series of graphic novels featuring Miss Cat, private detective!

In this book, Miss Cat is approached to investigate the disappearance of Mr Maximus' pet canary.
I can't tell you anything else about the plot, as it would definitely give spoilers - but it's a clever and fun storyline which will intrigue readers of any age.

I love the layout and presentation of this book which comprises of a clear and consise little story along with some brilliant illustations.
Some of these are bright and simple, which compliment the events in the story at that point - but others are busier and make you stop and browse the picture and pick out the objects in more detail.

I love the humour in this! - from place and people names, addresses and the little quirks of each character's personality.
I had a smile on my face throughout!

I adore cats and so loved all of the references to them and their traits in this book.
Their whole nature lends itself so well to being a bit stealthy and observant - just what's needed to be a private detective!

Such a great read - I loved this! And will definitely be looking out for more in this series - especially seeing that book 2 will include gnomes - three of my favourite things (cats, gnomes and books!) all together!
I cannot wait 🤩

[Emma_bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little graphic novel! A canary called Harry is kidnapped, Miss Cat is on the case! She is looking for clues in this mysterious situation. Given a little information, she is off and all is not what it seems! I need one of Miss Cat's hoodies! Also, I love how she acts like a cat, nimble, sleek and good with balance. She could get herself into some mischief but looks like she'd be able to get herself out of it ok enough!

This book is brilliant, it has colour throughout, the illustrations are fun, engaging, colourful and mysterious all in one! I love the characters in this story.

Would recommend this for a nice, quick read. I will look out for more from the authors from the series!

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always on the lookout for early chapter books that are unique, and Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary is definitely different. The book has a Scandi noir atmosphere that quickly grabs attention. The book is a sort of hybrid style, featuring chapters and chunks of text mixed with full-color illustrations and comic-style thought and text bubbles.

A clever story and Edward Gorey-esque illustrations make this a complete package. Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary is an excellent option for kids graduating from picture books to more complex stories.

[Nelli Lakatos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww this was such a fun and adventurous story!

I really enjoyed reading it, it was mysterious, magical and unique. A perfect read if you want to have something fun and interesting. The illustrations was vibrant and beautiful.

Highly recommend it!

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and enchanting mystery in a graphic format. The characters are charming. There is little violence and no blood. The twists are delightful. It’s the type of story that will put a smile on a reader’s face.

[Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little detective comic. I like how the subtle magical feeling of the graphic novela gets absolutely and unquestionably verified by the denouement. Too many books like to hide in the magical ambiguity of real life. I'm looking at you Bailey School Kids.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Miss cat so much

[Richard Thornley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical, sinister, and weird-- the best kind of story for kids. Reminiscent (in tone) of Richard Sala's work, just pitched for a younger audience. I loved it.

[Emily Hitchins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly and fun, Miss Cat investigates the disappearance of a seemingly typical pet canary. As the story moves along, however, we realize that this canary is anything but typical.

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming

[Katejay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3half stars 🐱

[Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very witty!

[Lauren Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter, Peighton and I read this book together and thoroughly enjoyed it! My daughter was able to read the majority of the book by herself and had so much fun looking at the pictures and following the text along the pages (the layout was fab!).

When I asked Peighton what she liked about the book she said:
“I liked the bit when they got the bird back and then I liked when the dog turned back into a human. My favourite bit was when the mermaid came out at the end. I liked looking at the pictures too I liked seeing Miss Cat climbing up the tree and looking in the window. I liked it all really!“

I thought this book was a fantastic book for children who are new readers and developing their reading skills. The illustrations were so intriguing and exciting to look at, there was so much going on in every page! A fantastic storyline too!

We are both looking forward to reading more of Miss Cats adventures!

[Random Harvest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss cat is a charming book beautifully illustrated, a pleasure to read with my 9 yr old, look forward to the next one.