Cat & Cat Adventures: The Staff of Knowledge: A Graphic Novel

Cat & Cat Adventures #4

by Susie Yi

Cat’s out of the bag!

In this fourth hijinks-filled adventure, Squash and Ginny are preparing for another mission when Magnus suddenly arrives in search of the Staff of Knowledge. Much to everyone’s surprise, it’s not in the Spirit World—it’s in the Human World!

With Fern and Lotus’s help, Squash and Ginny locate the staff right away. But before they can return it to Magnus, Squash tries to conjure snacks (obviously), accidentally triggering a massive power surge that causes the orbs to disperse throughout the Human World. The orbs are now lost, and the squad must retrieve them before mysterious forces get to them first!

Praise for Susie Yi

“Look no further for PAWSSIBLY the sweetest book on the shelf!”

 —Ben Clanton, bestselling author of the Narwhal and Jelly series

“Lovers of cuteness will delight in this adorable kitty adventure.”

 —Jim Benton, author of the Catwad series

“A story to treasure, full of kindness in a magical world.”

 —Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Graphic Novels, Cats, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Animals, Adventure, Comics

Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

Author-illustrator of graphic novels.

Based in Orange County, California, I’m often in an oversized sweater drawing, writing, and enjoying some video games.

I received my BA in molecular & cellular biology from Harvard University and a MS in computer science from the University of Chicago. For many years, I worked in healthcare and then tech, before serendipity and passion took me along for a creative pivot.

Because of my experience in different industries and experiences, I’ve been able to see many perspectives. In my storytelling, I love to combine my personal memories along with diverse life experiences and thoughtful messages for both kids and adults alike.

Reviews

[Kallen Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter loves Cat & Cat and I usually find them cute as well, but this one just didn’t cut it. The illustrations are great and I really liked the scene where it’s almost like a where’s Waldo. The story line was not interesting at all. Why would Squash leave all his fiends locked in a cage?? That was pretty upsetting to me. Teamwork obviously makes the dream work!!

[ℛ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just can't wait to read the end of their journey.

[Kerry Scales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hilarious. I love their faces!

[Matt Glaviano · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should stop reading Cat & Cat. The cuteness has worn thin. The only volume of the series I really enjoyed was the second. To it's credit, this volume would be right behind that volume if I ranked them.

[AquaMoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is quite simply one of the most adorable out there (although The Tea Dragon Society Box Set and Housecat Trouble: Meow and Again Boxed Set: Housecat Trouble, Lost and Foundit some serious competition) . And I was fortunate enough to get an early sneak-peek at this latest volume. One of the many perks of working at a library on Delivery Day.

In this latest installment, Squash, Ginny, Fern, and Lotus are on a mission to recover the scattered pieces of The Staff of Knowledge, which have been lost in the Human World and are causing rips to open into the Magical Realm. Their quest takes them to the Vet's Office, where our friends become separated and we meet new friends and new foes. There's a MAJOR cliffhanger, promising more Cat & Cat Adventures to come. So guess what's going on my TBR list!.

[SOYAMRG · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the Spirit Task Force team locates the missing Staff of Knowledge in the Human World, Squash the kitty can’t resist trying it. But no sooner does Squash wish for infinite snacks than the fabric between their two worlds is ripped, risking exposing the Spirit World to humans. Worse, the three powerful orbs on the staff have vanished. Can the team track down the orbs before they cause trouble? And will Squash ever learn he doesn’t need to do everything by himself?

This novel is the fourth entry in the Cat & Cat Adventures series, but prior reading is not necessary thanks to a quick recap on the first few pages of the book. Told from the perspective of its chibi-esque animal protagonists (including the physical angle at which scenes are viewed), The Staff of Knowledge is a gentle, simplistic adventure story that emphasizes the importance of friendship and teamwork. It also kicks off what appears to be a new series arc, as only one of the three orbs has been recovered by the end of the book.

This short, cutesy graphic novel isn’t particularly memorable, but it will likely be enjoyed by fans of the previous volumes.

Recommended as an optional purchase for ages 5-8.

S.P.
Children's Librarian

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Squash and Ginny have a new assignment, they have to find the Staff of Knowledge which has been taken to the human world and hidden. Fern and Lotus have come to the human world to help, but Squash makes the hunt more difficult on accident and then feels like he has to do the mission on his own. But can Squash do this without help?

Some great lessons about teamwork, pride getting in the way, and being willing to rely on each other’s strengths in this graphic novel fantasy quest adventure. Squash frustrated me, but he learned his lesson eventually. The illustrations are super cute. This is a high action adventure, and fairly quick read, making this series a great pick for reluctant readers.

Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Some magic battles that result in creatures being restrained not hurt.
Ethnic diversity: N/A
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Pride coming before a fall, lack of trust in others, but a good lesson is learned.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Staff of Knowledge holds three magical orbs and it's been lost into the human world. When Squash accidentally releases the three orbs into the world, Squash can't help but feel responsible for it all. Trying to fix the problem on its own, Squash leaves its other feline friends behind to try to fix this problem itself. Will Squash be able to do it before the humans notice all the magic that is leaking into the humar world through all the tears that the magical orbs are causing?

There's a lesson on laying down one's pride to know when to turn to others and ask for help.

[angelofmine1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

So happy the next book came out in the series! This time our fearless kittens find a staff of knowledge. However, the orbs on the staff disappear into the real world and now the cats have to find the orbs before all the magic seeps through to the real world! Love the illustrations and of course the story is super cute! Ending is left wide open for book number 5! Yay!

[Lucia Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so cute! The characters are so much fun. I want to follow Ginny & Squash on all their adventures forever. I have three cats and the idea of them doing stuff like this while I am at work is just so fun to imagine! I recommend these books to everyone, no matter how old you are these are just feel good books.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for kids and parents to read together! Great storytelling with awesome characters, relatable and cute. Very positive vibes with good lessons and creative story! Art is cute too!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book for kids with great graphics! Will definitely read the next book of the series!

[Won Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

GKBOAT. The Greatest Kid Book of All Time, said my niece Summer Lee from Korea.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems we are moving into a new arc of this series as nothing was really resolved here but it certainly is the start of something new. It was ok but not sure if I will continue.

[Zahra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how we got some backstory on Squash. The idea of the spirit world coming into the human world is cool and fun. The kittens were so cute 🥹😍

[Holly Letson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is very disappointing that the book ended when they had only gotten 1 of the 3 orbs.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter loves these books, and I like the direction this book took away from controversial environmental concerns. This was just fun fantasy. The characters are entertaining.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is a hit with my seven year old!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the Spirit Task Force team locates the missing Staff of Knowledge in the Human World, Squash the kitty can’t resist trying it. But no sooner does Squash wish for infinite snacks than the fabric between their two worlds is ripped, risking exposing the Spirit World to humans. Worse, the three powerful orbs on the staff have vanished. Can the team track down the orbs before they cause trouble? And will Squash ever learn he doesn’t need to do everything by himself?

This novel is the fourth entry in the Cat & Cat Adventures series, but prior reading is not necessary thanks to a quick recap on the first few pages of the book. Told from the perspective of its chibi-esque animal protagonists (including the physical angle at which scenes are viewed), The Staff of Knowledge is a gentle, simplistic adventure story that emphasizes the importance of friendship and teamwork. It also kicks off what appears to be a new series arc, as only one of the three orbs has been recovered by the end of the book.

This short, cutesy graphic novel isn’t particularly memorable, but it will likely be enjoyed by fans of the previous volumes.

Recommended as an optional purchase for ages 5-8. Thanks to HarperCollins for the copy via the Southeast Ohio Young Adult Media Group.