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The City of Lost Cats
A stubborn young girl named Fiona stumbles upon an abandoned house full of stray cats, just as it is threatened by a demolition team, a leadership crisis, and two potentially malicious budgies. Can Fiona save the house and all its inhabitants? A new middle-grade novel by critically acclaimed author Tanya Lloyd Kyi.
When Fiona wanders into an abandoned mansion down by the harbor, she discovers the house is full of stray cats (and two chaotic budgies). Fiona feels a great deal of sympathy for the animals; she understands what it's like to need a safe home. Ever since her parents died, she's been struggling to adjust to the tiny apartment where she and her Aunt Tanis now live. And Aunt Tanis has little time to spare for Fiona, between her job at The Municipal Hall and her horrible, hair-gelled boyfriend.
When the mansion is threatened by a demolition team, Fiona is determined to save "The City" and its residents. But the cats have their own priorities. Cot (short for Cottonball Fluffikins Magnificent III, a name he refuses to acknowledge) has lived in the mansion for two years and is the self-proclaimed king. He's convinced the demolition effort has been organized by the recently arrived budgies. Those birds have got to go!
Cot's feline rival, Piper, is sure she can intimidate the demolition team and force them to leave, if Fiona will simply stay out of her way. And the budgies . . . well, the budgies just want to go home.
As the demolition team begins tearing down the house next door, Fiona looks for any help she can find — at the library, the butcher shop, and even at The Municipal Hall. Can the efforts of one small girl and an assortment of animals stop a luxury condo development? Can they create something better in its place?
It's going to take some quick thinking on the part of Fiona, not to mention the cooperation of all the cats, to give The City a future.
When Fiona wanders into an abandoned mansion down by the harbor, she discovers the house is full of stray cats (and two chaotic budgies). Fiona feels a great deal of sympathy for the animals; she understands what it's like to need a safe home. Ever since her parents died, she's been struggling to adjust to the tiny apartment where she and her Aunt Tanis now live. And Aunt Tanis has little time to spare for Fiona, between her job at The Municipal Hall and her horrible, hair-gelled boyfriend.
When the mansion is threatened by a demolition team, Fiona is determined to save "The City" and its residents. But the cats have their own priorities. Cot (short for Cottonball Fluffikins Magnificent III, a name he refuses to acknowledge) has lived in the mansion for two years and is the self-proclaimed king. He's convinced the demolition effort has been organized by the recently arrived budgies. Those birds have got to go!
Cot's feline rival, Piper, is sure she can intimidate the demolition team and force them to leave, if Fiona will simply stay out of her way. And the budgies . . . well, the budgies just want to go home.
As the demolition team begins tearing down the house next door, Fiona looks for any help she can find — at the library, the butcher shop, and even at The Municipal Hall. Can the efforts of one small girl and an assortment of animals stop a luxury condo development? Can they create something better in its place?
It's going to take some quick thinking on the part of Fiona, not to mention the cooperation of all the cats, to give The City a future.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 4, 2025
14 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Lloyd Kyi
109 books84 followersTanya writes both fiction and non-fiction, often choosing topics related to science, pop culture, or social history—or a combination of the three. She enjoys combining factual research with intriguing narratives, or the life stories of interesting folks.
In her spare time, Tanya likes to run, bake, and read. Her favourite meal is breakfast, her favourite color is blue, and her favourite children’s book is A Wrinkle in Time.
Tanya grew up in Creston, B.C., and now lives in Vancouver with her husband, who claims to be the world's only Burmese occupational therapist. She balances writing time with parenthood, caring for her daughter Julia and her son Matthew.
In her spare time, Tanya likes to run, bake, and read. Her favourite meal is breakfast, her favourite color is blue, and her favourite children’s book is A Wrinkle in Time.
Tanya grew up in Creston, B.C., and now lives in Vancouver with her husband, who claims to be the world's only Burmese occupational therapist. She balances writing time with parenthood, caring for her daughter Julia and her son Matthew.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 14, 2025
It's fine. I enjoyed some of the characters more than others. The pacing drags during the second act and then gallops through the third act. Dex should have gone to jail, not just been fired. Aunt Tanis finally grows up and stops being negligent. Fiona has some nice character development.
May 28, 2025
Fiona, disenchanted with her self-absorbed aunt and the woman's manipulative boyfriend, decides to run away. She ends up stopping at an abandoned mansion, and goes in, looking for some water to drink. She finds, much to her surprise, a bunch of cats who have been living there.
Piper is the first cat to take to Fiona, and Piper is a tough tittle thing, taking on fireworks, and being dismissive of the supposed leader in the mansion, Cot, a black & white male.
Fiona loves the mansion, drawing several pictures of the interior, and is horrified when she sees the construction vehicle outside the mansion, and the demolished house next to it. Unbeknownst to her, the cats are very upset and angry about the beast outside their home which has already quickly destroyed the house beside their sanctuary. The cats begin trying to find ways to stop the beast from moving on to their home. Fiona does also, researching ways to halt the process, and becoming aware of the power of peaceful protest and community from a book the local librarian loans her.
Together, the cats and Fiona find ways to get the neighbourhood involved, and eventually notify the mayor, and expose a little corruption along the way. Fiona also gains a new, better relationship with her aunt, and considers a direction for her life.
I did not expect how much fun this book would be. I loved the cat and their myriad personalities and opinions, as well as heartbreaking stories of how they came to be on their own.
Fiona feels alone and totally misunderstood by her aunt, who does not listen to things Fiona is saying, at first. Her aunt is overwhelmed taking care of a child she never expected to have, and this makes for a conflict-filled relationship that only improves once both learn a little more about each other, which I liked.
I also did not expect this book to tackle such weighty things as affordable housing, a little municipal-level corruption, grief, animal abandonment, and bullying, but by adding in much needed humour, and cats, author Tanya Lloyd Kyi has created an occasionally tense but ultimately enjoyable story.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Tundra Book Group for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Piper is the first cat to take to Fiona, and Piper is a tough tittle thing, taking on fireworks, and being dismissive of the supposed leader in the mansion, Cot, a black & white male.
Fiona loves the mansion, drawing several pictures of the interior, and is horrified when she sees the construction vehicle outside the mansion, and the demolished house next to it. Unbeknownst to her, the cats are very upset and angry about the beast outside their home which has already quickly destroyed the house beside their sanctuary. The cats begin trying to find ways to stop the beast from moving on to their home. Fiona does also, researching ways to halt the process, and becoming aware of the power of peaceful protest and community from a book the local librarian loans her.
Together, the cats and Fiona find ways to get the neighbourhood involved, and eventually notify the mayor, and expose a little corruption along the way. Fiona also gains a new, better relationship with her aunt, and considers a direction for her life.
I did not expect how much fun this book would be. I loved the cat and their myriad personalities and opinions, as well as heartbreaking stories of how they came to be on their own.
Fiona feels alone and totally misunderstood by her aunt, who does not listen to things Fiona is saying, at first. Her aunt is overwhelmed taking care of a child she never expected to have, and this makes for a conflict-filled relationship that only improves once both learn a little more about each other, which I liked.
I also did not expect this book to tackle such weighty things as affordable housing, a little municipal-level corruption, grief, animal abandonment, and bullying, but by adding in much needed humour, and cats, author Tanya Lloyd Kyi has created an occasionally tense but ultimately enjoyable story.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Tundra Book Group for this ARC in exchange for my review.
March 23, 2025
A little girl, a bit lonely misunderstood comes across a grand, albeit decaying mansion home to a rag tag group of cats. With demolition on the horizon, Fiona and her newly acquired feline friends must find a way to save the home!
This is heartwarming and sweet with themes of community, finding ones voice, perseverance; this has everything you'd want in a middle grade book. The cats had a splendid array of personalities but Tarantino, the loveable Maine Coon cat was my favorite.
I listened to the audiobook and I thought it was brilliant--the different voices for the cats made the listening experience even more enjoyable.
This is heartwarming and sweet with themes of community, finding ones voice, perseverance; this has everything you'd want in a middle grade book. The cats had a splendid array of personalities but Tarantino, the loveable Maine Coon cat was my favorite.
I listened to the audiobook and I thought it was brilliant--the different voices for the cats made the listening experience even more enjoyable.
May 16, 2025
DNF @ 65%
My son, when he saw the cover of the book: "It looks like she yeeted that cat out the window." - Jon, Age 10
At first, we absolutely loved this book! We were all laughing so hard when we got to the part about Cot "knowing all about girls" lol!
But then, around 65%, one of the cats found a danger noodle (a small one, but still), and due to my severe phobia, I had a horrific nightmare, which I still remember vividly weeks later. (I actually find it pretty funny that a children's book caused me to have a nightmare. That was new.) Then the next night we continued on, and there were more mentions of it and my kids were just "NOPE NO MORE", as they also are not fans of said terrifying creature which shall not be named. (Honestly, books have "trigger warnings", why aren't there "phobia warnings"?)
Anyway, overall it's a cute book, my kids loved how the POV changed from the girl, to the different cats' perspectives. They didn't like the birds "and their annoying rhyming", but I did!
My kids were probably slightly too old for this book (age 10 and 14), but they love cats so we tried it out!
My son, when he saw the cover of the book: "It looks like she yeeted that cat out the window." - Jon, Age 10
At first, we absolutely loved this book! We were all laughing so hard when we got to the part about Cot "knowing all about girls" lol!
"Cot understood things about girls. They drew you in with a bit of tuna, or the waggle of fingers implying the possibility of tuna. But as soon as you let one approach, you were surrounded by a crowd of others, petting and patting and pulling. Next thing you knew, you were wearing doll pajamas and a nightcap."
But then, around 65%, one of the cats found a danger noodle (a small one, but still), and due to my severe phobia, I had a horrific nightmare, which I still remember vividly weeks later. (I actually find it pretty funny that a children's book caused me to have a nightmare. That was new.) Then the next night we continued on, and there were more mentions of it and my kids were just "NOPE NO MORE", as they also are not fans of said terrifying creature which shall not be named. (Honestly, books have "trigger warnings", why aren't there "phobia warnings"?)
Anyway, overall it's a cute book, my kids loved how the POV changed from the girl, to the different cats' perspectives. They didn't like the birds "and their annoying rhyming", but I did!
My kids were probably slightly too old for this book (age 10 and 14), but they love cats so we tried it out!
May 25, 2025
There is lots to love and lots to learn in this cute story that will appeal to cat lovers of all ages. Fiona is a very inspiring heroine, and anyone who has or has had cats will agree that the only unrealistic thing about the adorable assortment of them she’s trying to rescue is their ability to “talk” to one another in the same language as human beings . I don’t know about the much younger readers for whom this story was intended, but I didn’t want to put it down until I knew how it turned out. And, I can’t help but wonder how many of those readers, unfortunately, may already have firsthand knowledge of some of the social issues, like poverty and unaffordable housing, this book explores.
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August 10, 2025Canada- dnf
Unfortunately I hate all of the humans in this book and it's mainly narrated by them. That's the main reason I dnf'd it. Love the cats though.
Unfortunately I hate all of the humans in this book and it's mainly narrated by them. That's the main reason I dnf'd it. Love the cats though.
March 30, 2025
From the moment I heard Olivia talk about this on the From the Front Porch podcast, I knew I needed to read this. CATS!!!! This lived up to my expectations. Charming, fun and full of heart.
Fiona is an orphan living with her aunt. She feels a little lost after losing her parents and her home. When she stumbles upon an abandoned building full of cats, she makes it her mission to improve it and make a good home for the cats. POV include the cats and Fiona. There are also songs/rhymes from the parakeets. The cats are opinionated and funny. Hearing about their backstory and how they lost their homes was a teeny bit sad…but this is a happy book in the end.Loved watching Fiona grow and overcome her fears. She felt she couldn’t speak up to her aunt and share her needs. But this is middle grade where everything works out, her aunt of course wanted to support her.
Fun book for this adult cat lover.I always wonder what goes through the brain of mine.
Fiona is an orphan living with her aunt. She feels a little lost after losing her parents and her home. When she stumbles upon an abandoned building full of cats, she makes it her mission to improve it and make a good home for the cats. POV include the cats and Fiona. There are also songs/rhymes from the parakeets. The cats are opinionated and funny. Hearing about their backstory and how they lost their homes was a teeny bit sad…but this is a happy book in the end.Loved watching Fiona grow and overcome her fears. She felt she couldn’t speak up to her aunt and share her needs. But this is middle grade where everything works out, her aunt of course wanted to support her.
Fun book for this adult cat lover.I always wonder what goes through the brain of mine.
January 16, 2026
This middle grade novel features Fiona, a headstrong girl, orphaned and living with her previously child-free aunt. Between her "very important" job at Municipal Hall and her dodgy boyfriend, Aunt Tanis barely has time for Fiona's basic needs, let alone helping her adjust to so many changes in her life. Fiona decides to run away from home and discovers an abandoned home of lost animals, affectionately dubbed "The City". She soon discovers that the house is set to be demolished, illegally, and teams up with the feline inhabitants and sympathetic community members to figure out how to fight this injustice.
The novel is partly told from the perspective of the cats (and two cheeky pet birds) who all have their own origin stories about how they were lost or abandoned. Their perspectives about the events in the novel are endearing and there's growth in all the characters. My favourites were the parakeets, Fries and Gravy, who were phenomenal in the audio book version. Their verses are rhyming couplets that are almost sung by the narrator. So fun! There's also interspersed short news stories and community bulletins, highlighting how information is being perceived and filtered through media and the mighty Municipal Hall.
I think this book would be a hit with young animal lovers and calls on a lot of themes (in completely unrealistic but child friendly ways) such as government corruption, the affordable housing crisis, activism, grief, and abandonment.
The novel is partly told from the perspective of the cats (and two cheeky pet birds) who all have their own origin stories about how they were lost or abandoned. Their perspectives about the events in the novel are endearing and there's growth in all the characters. My favourites were the parakeets, Fries and Gravy, who were phenomenal in the audio book version. Their verses are rhyming couplets that are almost sung by the narrator. So fun! There's also interspersed short news stories and community bulletins, highlighting how information is being perceived and filtered through media and the mighty Municipal Hall.
I think this book would be a hit with young animal lovers and calls on a lot of themes (in completely unrealistic but child friendly ways) such as government corruption, the affordable housing crisis, activism, grief, and abandonment.
March 18, 2025
In this heartwarming middle grade novel, Fiona escapes her summer dance class to find an abandoned house, haven to a collection of stray cats (and two lost parakeets). When they learn of the upcoming demolition, Fiona and the cats must find a way to save the house while learning the importance of community and working together. Throughout the story, author Tanya Lloyd Kyi, reveals links between the characters and the house. Newspaper clippings, posters and reports interspersed amongst the chapters provide background information and clues for the reader to follow, and poetic verses that signal the birds’ conversations add an additional break from the prose. Young readers will enjoy the pacing of the book and piecing together the connections that lead to the conclusion. The City of Lost Cats would make a great addition to the read-aloud repertoire of middle grade teachers. Its focus on community, activism and collaboration aligns well with multiple subject areas, and readers will relate to the challenges faced by both animal and human characters. Thank you to Tundra Book Group for providing this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This was actually a cute and dynamic story with several POV that touched on a lot of big topics - housing crisis, loss/grief, and helping abandoned animals.
I especially enjoyed the POV of the birds, which was written in rhyming verse.
This was actually a cute and dynamic story with several POV that touched on a lot of big topics - housing crisis, loss/grief, and helping abandoned animals.
I especially enjoyed the POV of the birds, which was written in rhyming verse.
October 16, 2025
Silver Birch 2026
May 28, 2025
A cute, easy read, which is what I needed. It's one of those middle grade books that definitely feels like it was written for middle schoolers - and there's nothing wrong with that! But a lot of middle grade now has appeal to adults as well. I wouldn't say this was one of them, but it was a sweet book.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration was okay but not my favorite.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration was okay but not my favorite.
April 21, 2025
A middle-grade story about housing crisis told by various POVs including cats? That's something I've never thought I needed to read but here we are.
February 26, 2025
4.5 stars.
A very sweet, poignant, and timely book about a young girl discovering a group of cats living in an old, abandoned mansion set for demolition. The messages in this book couldn't be more relevant, and I hope it inspires kids to speak up for what's right and work towards their own Destinies.
I thought the different perspectives were quite fun to read about, especially the birds. Writing their chapters as call and response poetry was cute and clever, and definitely how I can imagine birds speaking to each other. I just wish they formed more of a proper bond with the cats, but I guess the animals remaining civil by the end was a win in and of itself. Also, generally speaking, who doesn't love animal books told from the animals' perspectives? I certainly do, and aside from the poetic birds, I loved the cats' chapters too. Cot and Piper are quite the pair. A perfect king and queen of the CITI for sure. (I'm guessing they were more or less implied to be mates by the end, given all the king and queen references, right?)
And can I just say: I loved the whole sense of community in this book. All these different characters and their stories coming together in the end, just like the town did to support Fiona's cause? I just adored it. There’s something so sweet, heart-warming, and hopeful to me about these kinds of stories where entire communities or neighborhoods come together for something, be it a celebration or an act of change. It makes me feel a lot better about the world, which is something I could really use, right about now, given our current political/cultural climate. So I thank this book for reminding me that there's still good in the world and that people really can make a difference when we all come together to fight for the same cause. Like I said, I hope this book inspires and empowers the next generation. We really could use more activists like Fiona.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A very sweet, poignant, and timely book about a young girl discovering a group of cats living in an old, abandoned mansion set for demolition. The messages in this book couldn't be more relevant, and I hope it inspires kids to speak up for what's right and work towards their own Destinies.
I thought the different perspectives were quite fun to read about, especially the birds. Writing their chapters as call and response poetry was cute and clever, and definitely how I can imagine birds speaking to each other. I just wish they formed more of a proper bond with the cats, but I guess the animals remaining civil by the end was a win in and of itself. Also, generally speaking, who doesn't love animal books told from the animals' perspectives? I certainly do, and aside from the poetic birds, I loved the cats' chapters too. Cot and Piper are quite the pair. A perfect king and queen of the CITI for sure. (I'm guessing they were more or less implied to be mates by the end, given all the king and queen references, right?)
And can I just say: I loved the whole sense of community in this book. All these different characters and their stories coming together in the end, just like the town did to support Fiona's cause? I just adored it. There’s something so sweet, heart-warming, and hopeful to me about these kinds of stories where entire communities or neighborhoods come together for something, be it a celebration or an act of change. It makes me feel a lot better about the world, which is something I could really use, right about now, given our current political/cultural climate. So I thank this book for reminding me that there's still good in the world and that people really can make a difference when we all come together to fight for the same cause. Like I said, I hope this book inspires and empowers the next generation. We really could use more activists like Fiona.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 27, 2025Even if you are not a feline fan, this charming story features a 12-year-old orphan who acts her age, or slightly younger. Living with her Aunt Tanis after her parents are killed in an accident, Fiona is not happy. She longs to make her Destiny, and to escape from Aunt Tanis' healthy eating and slimy boyfriend. Fiona unsuccessfully runs away but discovers an abandoned mansion inhabited by cats, most of whom used to have humans but have become lost. She wants to help them but is not sure how. The cats could tell her a lot if they could only figure out how to communicate with her. In their own chapters, they reveal their back stories and what life is like in The City, which is what they have called their found home. This sweet and funny story gently takes on civic issues such as affordable housing and community activism while celebrating the bond between humans and pets.
May 12, 2025
This charming tale captivated me from the very beginning. Fiona lives with her Aunt Tanis who adopted Fiona after her parents died. Tanis tries hard to parent Fiona, but she hasn’t quite caught on yet on what it means to be a mother. After being disappointed by her aunt’s inability to keep a promise, as well as scheduling Fiona for things she has no interest in, Fiona runs away. Yes, she does return, but not before she discovers the abandoned mansion filled with cats, as well as a couple of lost birds. This dilapidated mansion is really “The City” where many cats live, eking out an existence on the street for food. Fiona tries to clean the place up, but soon realizes she is better off sleeping at home. When a couple of men show up with an excavator to demolish the building, Fiona has a goal. She is going to save the building for the cats. This story touches on a couple of social issues. Affordable housing, peaceful protests, and government assistance are all briefly addressed. Reconciliation between family members and resolved misconceptions among acquaintances are also a part of the story. Librarians are the heroes of the tale, recommending just the right books to Fiona so she can help save “The City” for the cats. And, of course, the cats are adorable as they talk to each other and try to figure out Fiona’s motives. This book may be geared for middle schoolers, but any age can enjoy the story. The plot is a bit intense at times, but that just adds interest to the story. Fiona’s character shines throughout the book, and the secondary characters are also quite lifelike. The birds are poetic, a nice touch, but the cats really steal the show.
May 16, 2025
Hotel for Dogs meets Parks & Rec plus Cats, wherein young Fiona maybe runs away from home and comes across an abandoned mansion full of cats. She can't change the fact that her aunt's busy and has an annoying boyfriend in public works, but she can help these cats have a better home. But wait, the cats aren't all on the same side, and there's an infestation of parakeets, and her aunt's boyfriend is pushing for demolition and redevelopment, and suddenly Fiona and the cats find themselves at the center of the town's biggest controversy. And all of this started because of some fireworks. I enjoyed the use of mixed print materials like posters or articles to tell the story, and it's a good balance of low stakes and high emotions colliding in small incidents that slowly get out of control. Pick this up for a wild tale of cats, a girl who doesn't want to go to ballet camp, parakeets speaking in verse, community posters, and some not really evil villains who are fond of bulldozers.
Story is told in multi-POV. Yes, many of those are cats.
**Thanks to LibraryThing and the author for the chance to review!**
Story is told in multi-POV. Yes, many of those are cats.
**Thanks to LibraryThing and the author for the chance to review!**
August 6, 2025
A perfect guide for middle-graders to the housing crisis, activism, and the life in municipal politics.
I'm often not a fan of talking animal books. But I've also never finished a book and gone "wow. this book is IDEAL for the middle-grade age-group and deals with some tough subject matter but makes it incredibly approachable for all ages."
This book hosts a wide range of characters from all walks of life that come together to make a difference and fight against government corruption to better their city (get involved in municipal politics!). Some of those people are cats. Two are birds. And two are Librarians! And we love that for them.
The text playing with mediums of information dispersal within the context of the story was a great touch. Readers get to see just how many ways info can be spread about things - from emails and news reports, to flyers and notes left between housemates. Each shows readers how many ways information can get out without a phone/device.
The audiobook is fantastic as well. A lot of characters are given distinct voices and/or ways of speaking that set them and their chapters apart from the main story.
I'm often not a fan of talking animal books. But I've also never finished a book and gone "wow. this book is IDEAL for the middle-grade age-group and deals with some tough subject matter but makes it incredibly approachable for all ages."
This book hosts a wide range of characters from all walks of life that come together to make a difference and fight against government corruption to better their city (get involved in municipal politics!). Some of those people are cats. Two are birds. And two are Librarians! And we love that for them.
The text playing with mediums of information dispersal within the context of the story was a great touch. Readers get to see just how many ways info can be spread about things - from emails and news reports, to flyers and notes left between housemates. Each shows readers how many ways information can get out without a phone/device.
The audiobook is fantastic as well. A lot of characters are given distinct voices and/or ways of speaking that set them and their chapters apart from the main story.
March 21, 2025
I was not expecting a book about young girls, cats and rescuing abandoned pets would also be a story about Canada's housing crisis but I guess even children's books have a way of intertwining with the current issues of the day.
Fiona is a young girl in search of her Destiny. She soon realizes that she needs to rescue the abandoned mansion that houses a community of cats. What begins as a mere clean of the space soon turns into something bigger that brings the whole local community together.
I thoroughly loved the premise of the book. It's a beautiful YA fiction that touches upon issues of parental loss, abandoned pets, tweenage angst and a lot of other clawing topics. It's also a feel good book considering the way the story comes together at the end. But as beautifully written books go, the story could be edited tighter for pace and character depth. I think the cat's POV is written somewhat better than Fiona's POV. Some of her inclinations seem out of the blue making the reader dig for the context.
Nevertheless, pick the book up for a really beautiful feel good story!
Fiona is a young girl in search of her Destiny. She soon realizes that she needs to rescue the abandoned mansion that houses a community of cats. What begins as a mere clean of the space soon turns into something bigger that brings the whole local community together.
I thoroughly loved the premise of the book. It's a beautiful YA fiction that touches upon issues of parental loss, abandoned pets, tweenage angst and a lot of other clawing topics. It's also a feel good book considering the way the story comes together at the end. But as beautifully written books go, the story could be edited tighter for pace and character depth. I think the cat's POV is written somewhat better than Fiona's POV. Some of her inclinations seem out of the blue making the reader dig for the context.
Nevertheless, pick the book up for a really beautiful feel good story!
March 22, 2025
I was not hooked automatically by this book but it quickly caught me up in the story of a young girl who has gone through major traumas and lives with what seems to be an uncaring aunt. She runs away and discovers an abandoned mansion that is the home of a clowder of cats. Cot is the leader but he is being challenged by a young female named Piper. And there is the most wonderful and loving Maine Coon named Tarantino who has his own amazing back story.
An evil employee of the city who happens to be the aunt’s new boyfriend, has a deal with developers to tear down the building behind the back of the mayor. Fiona, the girl, in trying to defeat the two men trying to demolish the building, discovers the cats are only one reason to save it. It is a heritage building that has some unexpected connections to the people involved. It is a great story of how one girl and a clowder of determined cats can change the world. A feel good story that is filled with suspense and emotion, I did not want it to end. Five purrs and two paws up.
An evil employee of the city who happens to be the aunt’s new boyfriend, has a deal with developers to tear down the building behind the back of the mayor. Fiona, the girl, in trying to defeat the two men trying to demolish the building, discovers the cats are only one reason to save it. It is a heritage building that has some unexpected connections to the people involved. It is a great story of how one girl and a clowder of determined cats can change the world. A feel good story that is filled with suspense and emotion, I did not want it to end. Five purrs and two paws up.
April 20, 2025
Such an enjoyable read, it’s often fun and funny, and a little tense here and there, too, as these animals with the help of a fantastic girl, fight to save their home.
This book features multiple POV’s (several cats, a couple humans, and two poetic birds). I know multi-POV isn’t every reader’s cup of tea, but I promise it’s done very well here, there’s no confusing head-hopping, the POV character is named clearly at the top of each chapter. Each character’s personality is vivid and distinct and easy to form an attachment to, and I don’t recall a single instance here where I was bored and eager to be in someone else’s POV, each of these characters very much added to the story and had a little something emotional to pull you in.
If you’re looking for stark realism or a heroine who always adheres to rules and minds the adult in her life, this novel may not be the best fit for you, but I loved just about everything about this story of the lost and the lonely and the community they find in each other.
I received this book through a giveaway.
This book features multiple POV’s (several cats, a couple humans, and two poetic birds). I know multi-POV isn’t every reader’s cup of tea, but I promise it’s done very well here, there’s no confusing head-hopping, the POV character is named clearly at the top of each chapter. Each character’s personality is vivid and distinct and easy to form an attachment to, and I don’t recall a single instance here where I was bored and eager to be in someone else’s POV, each of these characters very much added to the story and had a little something emotional to pull you in.
If you’re looking for stark realism or a heroine who always adheres to rules and minds the adult in her life, this novel may not be the best fit for you, but I loved just about everything about this story of the lost and the lonely and the community they find in each other.
I received this book through a giveaway.
November 1, 2024
Aunt Tanis never listens, ballet is stupid, and Fiona just wants read since all the girls in her class are mean. When Fiona’s parents were in a tragic accident, she began a new life with her aunt, who means well, but sometimes just doesn’t have a clue. So when she signs Fiona up for ballet camp, all bets are off. Fiona decides to skip camp and spend her days visiting a cat city she’s found in an old abandoned mansion. Soon, problems arise when a demolition is planned for the neighborhood abandoned homes. Can Fiona and the cats she’s grown to love save their city together before it’s too late? What a great little extended read for third or fourth graders! This tale has tropes of found family, building community, tiny heroine, making animal and human friends in surprising places. I lived all the well-developed characters and would recommend this book to elementary aged readers.Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc read in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2025
Mourning her parents, who died recently in a car crash, twelve-year-old Fiona runs away to a decrepit mansion on the edge of town. There, she discovers a colony of stray cats, plus a couple of lost parakeets. Fiona dreams of cleaning up the mansion and finding a way to make it an official home for strays, but the arrival of an excavator and a couple of demolition men may put an end to her dreams -- and the cats' home -- for good.
This whimsical story features multiple points of view, including several cats, with poetic interludes from the parakeets. Fiona uses her local library in her quest to save the cats, and the story emphasizes the importance of community action and nonviolent protest. For young cat fanciers, a solidly good story.
This review was written for the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
This whimsical story features multiple points of view, including several cats, with poetic interludes from the parakeets. Fiona uses her local library in her quest to save the cats, and the story emphasizes the importance of community action and nonviolent protest. For young cat fanciers, a solidly good story.
This review was written for the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
November 16, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for the e-arc!
This was a lovely and light middle grade novel following a young girl who, after losing her family, finds a new home and purpose in an abandoned mansion full of stray cats. I loved the way Fiona's character was written, and how her fantasies about finding her "Destiny" morphed into concrete activism to defend the mansion and its cats. The cats were fabulously well written with spot-on cat personalities and mentalities. It was perhaps a little unrealistic that so many things worked out perfectly in the end but then again, I think the world could use some hope right now, unrealistic or not. Over all, this was just thoroughly fun to read and I can't wait to put it in the hands of my students.
This was a lovely and light middle grade novel following a young girl who, after losing her family, finds a new home and purpose in an abandoned mansion full of stray cats. I loved the way Fiona's character was written, and how her fantasies about finding her "Destiny" morphed into concrete activism to defend the mansion and its cats. The cats were fabulously well written with spot-on cat personalities and mentalities. It was perhaps a little unrealistic that so many things worked out perfectly in the end but then again, I think the world could use some hope right now, unrealistic or not. Over all, this was just thoroughly fun to read and I can't wait to put it in the hands of my students.
July 18, 2025
😭😭😭 I loved this book too much! It’s not just about stray cats but also about finding your place, standing up for what matters and the unexpected ways we build a community.
It is told through the voices of a 12 year old girl Fiona, some charming cats, poetic parakeets and a few other cats tbh 😂🐾 Fiona just moved in with her Aunt Tanis after losing her parents. She’s lonely, misunderstood and feeling out of place in her new life. One day she comes upon a mysterious old mansion, it is abandoned, and full of stray cats. To her surprise, the place seems alive with its own strange energy. It’s cozy, charming and a little magical without needing magic.
If you’re a cat lover like me or someone who believes small acts can still make a big difference, this one’s for you. 💛
It is told through the voices of a 12 year old girl Fiona, some charming cats, poetic parakeets and a few other cats tbh 😂🐾 Fiona just moved in with her Aunt Tanis after losing her parents. She’s lonely, misunderstood and feeling out of place in her new life. One day she comes upon a mysterious old mansion, it is abandoned, and full of stray cats. To her surprise, the place seems alive with its own strange energy. It’s cozy, charming and a little magical without needing magic.
If you’re a cat lover like me or someone who believes small acts can still make a big difference, this one’s for you. 💛
March 26, 2025
This is the story of an abandoned mansion... no. This is the story of wild cats. No. This is the story of a girl who becomes an orphan and runs away. No. This is the story of two brothers, but one doesn't want to continue to do wrong things. No. This is a story of destroying a beautiful historical property to build a modern condominium and a girl connecting the community to protest. No. This is the story of two parakeets who have runaway from the fireworks and now are lost. The girl, the house, and the animals are all together in this fight to protect the house. This is a story about community and active voice. Yes. This is a wonderful story.
August 8, 2025
Fiona has lived with her aunt ever since her parents died. Her Aunt Tanis is very busy and doesn't seem too interested in listening to Fiona, so when Fiona is signed up for dance class in the first part of the summer, she decides to cancel the class. Since she has to be somewhere, though, Fiona decides to find a place to be--it turns out there is a decrepit house near the waterfront that is a city of cats. Fiona becomes an activist to save the historic building from demolition and to save the cats. This book is filled with interesting characters, both human and feline and the conflicts come to a natural and satisfying resolution.
December 10, 2024
💛😻Absolutely loved this book. It’s the story of Twelve year old Fiona who has big emotions and even bigger heart. Life changes beyond anyone’s control turn her world upside down. That’s when she meets the adorable, incredible, fun & fluffy residents of Cat City. This book has so much heart and if you are a cat person you will see your fuzzy bestie’s antics reflected expertly on the page. The icing on the cake was the birds who speak in verse, absolutely genius idea! 😻💛 Thank you NetGalley for the sweet read!
March 11, 2025
Pros:
I love getting the different perspective of several cats, the birds and Fiona. It allows us to see what’s happening at different points or learn about the past when our characters can’t easily communicate.
I love that this book teaches the concepts of research, animal rescue, peaceful protest and community in ways that are easy to understand without forcing in the ideas.
Cons:
I want more. I want to see the rescue up and running and new animals coming in and new people learning how to help.
I love getting the different perspective of several cats, the birds and Fiona. It allows us to see what’s happening at different points or learn about the past when our characters can’t easily communicate.
I love that this book teaches the concepts of research, animal rescue, peaceful protest and community in ways that are easy to understand without forcing in the ideas.
Cons:
I want more. I want to see the rescue up and running and new animals coming in and new people learning how to help.
March 2, 2025
I listened to a ALC copy thanks to LibroFM and Tundra Book Group.
Audiobook narration was great. I loved having all the different POVs and they were well differentiated by the narrator. This was put together very well. I loved that it covered a very important topic in a very kid-friendly way. I think it will be very digestible for middle grade readers. There were a lot of characters but they all mattered to the story so it made them easily distinguishable. It was cute and meaningful.
Audiobook narration was great. I loved having all the different POVs and they were well differentiated by the narrator. This was put together very well. I loved that it covered a very important topic in a very kid-friendly way. I think it will be very digestible for middle grade readers. There were a lot of characters but they all mattered to the story so it made them easily distinguishable. It was cute and meaningful.
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