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The Sign of the Cat
Talking cats, a missing princess, swordfights with villains, and secret identities combine in this epic tale of bravery and self-discovery on the high seas.
Duncan is very smart. He also has a most unusual gift. So why does his mother encourage him to be perfectly average and insist he only get mediocre grades ? His special talent is the ability to talk to cats―but Duncan longs more than anything for academic success. When Duncan rebels and gets a perfect test score, people start taking notice of him. And it turns out that some of those people may not have the best intentions . . . not by a long shot.
From the same author of The Secret of Zoom and Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat , Lynne Jonell delivers another magical and unforgettable adventure in The Sign of the Cat .
Duncan is very smart. He also has a most unusual gift. So why does his mother encourage him to be perfectly average and insist he only get mediocre grades ? His special talent is the ability to talk to cats―but Duncan longs more than anything for academic success. When Duncan rebels and gets a perfect test score, people start taking notice of him. And it turns out that some of those people may not have the best intentions . . . not by a long shot.
From the same author of The Secret of Zoom and Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat , Lynne Jonell delivers another magical and unforgettable adventure in The Sign of the Cat .
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2015
About the author
Lynne Jonell
20 books91 followersLynne Jonell is an author (and occasional illustrator) of sixteen books for children, from picture books to novels for ages 8-12, all with an element of fantasy: magical hamsters, talking cats, tiny planes with a secret fuel, rodents with special powers, and more. Her novel Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat won the Minnesota Book Award; her latest book, The Sign of the Cat, is a swashbuckling sea adventure. Coming in 2018 is Far Sight, Deep Time, a time-travel novel set at her ancestral castle in Scotland.
Her books have received starred reviews in Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Sesame Street Parents, and have been published in nine languages. She teaches writing at the Loft Literary Center, is married and has two sons, and lives in Plymouth, Minnesota.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/lynnej...
Her books have received starred reviews in Horn Book, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Sesame Street Parents, and have been published in nine languages. She teaches writing at the Loft Literary Center, is married and has two sons, and lives in Plymouth, Minnesota.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/lynnej...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 4, 2015
Huge thank you to Raincoast Books for this ARC!
What an imaginative book! I'll admit, this is the first Lynne Jonell book I've read, though her name was not unfamiliar to me since she's a household name in middle grade. The Sign of the Cat has the eader following a young boy named Duncan, who just happens to be able to communicate with cats.
I loved Duncan as a protagonist. He's someone who has a lot of personal struggles, he's not the most liked kid, isn't the best at making friends, and his family tends to put him down because of how smart he is. To the point where they want him to get low grades so he won't "cause a scene" (seriously, who says that to their kid?). A lot of the book is focused on both the grand journey that Duncan takes, but it's also about his personal progress in becoming a person he can be satisfied with. He has a lot of personal growth, and becomes such a strong character by the end of the story, both in body and mind.
My actual favourite character was Fia. She was just so sassy and fun, and her stubbornness was somewhat entertaining as well. A lot of the characters in this story are highly entertaining and a lot of fun. They keep the story moving, and it's fun to be whisked away into a world with talking cats. Seriously, TALKING CATS. How awesome is that? Let's be honest, most of think our pets are talking to us as is.
The Sign of the Cat is such an engrossing adventure story, offering readers a little of romance, mystery, and thrills from start to finish. I can easily see this book being a hit with younger readers, especially those who dig a fun, epic journey, or to those who love the idea of talking kitty cats. I definitely can see this book being quite the hit with middle graders who want to read a grand adventure.
What an imaginative book! I'll admit, this is the first Lynne Jonell book I've read, though her name was not unfamiliar to me since she's a household name in middle grade. The Sign of the Cat has the eader following a young boy named Duncan, who just happens to be able to communicate with cats.
I loved Duncan as a protagonist. He's someone who has a lot of personal struggles, he's not the most liked kid, isn't the best at making friends, and his family tends to put him down because of how smart he is. To the point where they want him to get low grades so he won't "cause a scene" (seriously, who says that to their kid?). A lot of the book is focused on both the grand journey that Duncan takes, but it's also about his personal progress in becoming a person he can be satisfied with. He has a lot of personal growth, and becomes such a strong character by the end of the story, both in body and mind.
My actual favourite character was Fia. She was just so sassy and fun, and her stubbornness was somewhat entertaining as well. A lot of the characters in this story are highly entertaining and a lot of fun. They keep the story moving, and it's fun to be whisked away into a world with talking cats. Seriously, TALKING CATS. How awesome is that? Let's be honest, most of think our pets are talking to us as is.
The Sign of the Cat is such an engrossing adventure story, offering readers a little of romance, mystery, and thrills from start to finish. I can easily see this book being a hit with younger readers, especially those who dig a fun, epic journey, or to those who love the idea of talking kitty cats. I definitely can see this book being quite the hit with middle graders who want to read a grand adventure.
April 1, 2016
I found this really very good! I thought I could see what was going to happen most of the time and often I was completely wrong. I liked the respect that both people and felines got in this book. I was rather shocked by what the villain was engaging in but it also occurred to me that it might make kids think about what makes this horrid behavior ok for other species of animals. I can't say more without giving away some parts of the plot. I was delighted to have a hero who liked school and wanted to do well. I'm hoping there might be a sequel to this since I just plain liked a number of the characters, including Duncan, the hero. Highly recommended to lovers of fantasy who want something original in fantasy!
February 15, 2017
My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Henry Holt and Co. for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This book was a DNF for me. It was a tad to juvenile, BUT I can see where the appeal would be for younger readers who like cats, action, adventure and sailing/pirates. Definitely one I would recommend for sure, just not one I personally enjoyed.
It did have one of my pet peeves, the Harry Potter syndrome of "the adults know best, but they won't tell the children WHY and WHAT is going on, because just kids, causing the youth to make poor decisions based off of lack of information". I HATE that trope.
Three stars because I can see the potential, it just wasn't for me and the above pet peeve.
This book was a DNF for me. It was a tad to juvenile, BUT I can see where the appeal would be for younger readers who like cats, action, adventure and sailing/pirates. Definitely one I would recommend for sure, just not one I personally enjoyed.
It did have one of my pet peeves, the Harry Potter syndrome of "the adults know best, but they won't tell the children WHY and WHAT is going on, because just kids, causing the youth to make poor decisions based off of lack of information". I HATE that trope.
Three stars because I can see the potential, it just wasn't for me and the above pet peeve.
February 11, 2025
Still one of my all time favorites. This top shelf book has earned a spot on my middle shelf, where I keep the masterpieces. The double twist was amazing and the earl was a great villain. heh oxymoron
November 27, 2015
**for grades 4-7**
Duncan McKay is tired of his quiet life on Dulle island (pun intended) in the island kingdom of Arvidia where he is constantly cautioned by his mother to not stand out, to not do well in school and to always wear his leather cap buckled under his chin. Even though Duncan longs for adventure and attending The Academy at Capital City, nothing can top his desire to know about his father who died when he was a toddler, especially since his mother will only tell him one small detail a year--on his birthday.
Despite his mother’s orders to the contrary, Duncan enjoys seeing the new ships that come to his town’s port and is thrilled one day to meet the Earl of Merrick and tour his ship. The Earl is famous throughout the kingdom for trying to rescue the princess after she was kidnapped by the bad Duke Charles and sailed away. The King still hopes his daughter will be found, but it’s been many years now and no news. Now the King’s health is failing and kittens are being reported missing throughout the islands of Arvidia. Is the whole kingdom in peril?
Soon Duncan is setting sail with the Earl and beginning a wave of adventures with only a little kitten as his loyal companion--it’s helpful that Duncan is a rare human who knows how to speak cat because he will soon face the most evil of men--a kitten squisher who loves to eat actual kitty pot pie. (this part of the story is not for the squeamish cat lovers).
Tweens looking for a fantasy adventure full of danger, mystery and cats will like this story of Duncan’s growth from a boy into a young man who ends up facing more trouble than even he could have ever imagined.
Duncan McKay is tired of his quiet life on Dulle island (pun intended) in the island kingdom of Arvidia where he is constantly cautioned by his mother to not stand out, to not do well in school and to always wear his leather cap buckled under his chin. Even though Duncan longs for adventure and attending The Academy at Capital City, nothing can top his desire to know about his father who died when he was a toddler, especially since his mother will only tell him one small detail a year--on his birthday.
Despite his mother’s orders to the contrary, Duncan enjoys seeing the new ships that come to his town’s port and is thrilled one day to meet the Earl of Merrick and tour his ship. The Earl is famous throughout the kingdom for trying to rescue the princess after she was kidnapped by the bad Duke Charles and sailed away. The King still hopes his daughter will be found, but it’s been many years now and no news. Now the King’s health is failing and kittens are being reported missing throughout the islands of Arvidia. Is the whole kingdom in peril?
Soon Duncan is setting sail with the Earl and beginning a wave of adventures with only a little kitten as his loyal companion--it’s helpful that Duncan is a rare human who knows how to speak cat because he will soon face the most evil of men--a kitten squisher who loves to eat actual kitty pot pie. (this part of the story is not for the squeamish cat lovers).
Tweens looking for a fantasy adventure full of danger, mystery and cats will like this story of Duncan’s growth from a boy into a young man who ends up facing more trouble than even he could have ever imagined.
August 13, 2015
Duncan McKay lives with his mother on the island of Arvidia and knows how to speak and understand the language of cats. His fearful mother is full of secrets, including information about his deceased father and mysteriously does not want him to excel at anything. In addition to Duncan’s questions about his identity, kittens on the island are disappearing, the king is seriously ill, and the successor to the throne, princess Lydia, is missing which means the evil earl could become king. Drugged and tricked, Duncan finds himself on a dangerous sea voyage uncovering facts about himself, his father, the missing kittens, and the plight of his island home. This rousing, thoroughly enjoyable, adventurous romp, told in wonderful prose, will have older tweens, cat lovers, and others wishing this book had many more chapters.
Sharyn H. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
May 22, 2020
This was a really great book, I don't know if there are more, please tell me if so! I loved the spunky behavior of the cats, it is so much like my own!😃 I really would love to see a Sign of the Cat two, but if there isn't one, the book is already great by itself!
June 24, 2018
I really loved this middle grade offering. The cats are an obvious draw themselves of course but it was well constructed apart from its feline charm.
The plot kept one guessing enough to be engaged (I finished in one long sitting), there were interesting lovable characters (if not perhaps the most fleshed out- though I’d say it was easily on par with Narnia in that regard), the dialogue wasn’t anything you’d find in Austen but there were moments that drew chuckles and I was satisfied on that score for the age group it is intended to appeal to.
The narrative had its insightful moments, and the writing itself was pleasant. I’d think the vocabulary employed would be largely comfortable but stretching (in a good way) for most 4th-6th graders, though obviously that depends on the child.
The only warning I would have for very young sensitive animal loving children is that the villain might be a tad dark for them. I’m certain I would have cried and been furious at a couple points as a child and probably would have ranted to family and friends about how despicable he was. One part drew a “well, F***!” from me as it is, and a couple descriptions made me a bit squeamish but they were not graphic and I’m pretty squeamish about such things in general. I would gladly recommend it to most any kiddo I know or even an adult who really likes cats. :P
The plot kept one guessing enough to be engaged (I finished in one long sitting), there were interesting lovable characters (if not perhaps the most fleshed out- though I’d say it was easily on par with Narnia in that regard), the dialogue wasn’t anything you’d find in Austen but there were moments that drew chuckles and I was satisfied on that score for the age group it is intended to appeal to.
The narrative had its insightful moments, and the writing itself was pleasant. I’d think the vocabulary employed would be largely comfortable but stretching (in a good way) for most 4th-6th graders, though obviously that depends on the child.
The only warning I would have for very young sensitive animal loving children is that the villain might be a tad dark for them. I’m certain I would have cried and been furious at a couple points as a child and probably would have ranted to family and friends about how despicable he was. One part drew a “well, F***!” from me as it is, and a couple descriptions made me a bit squeamish but they were not graphic and I’m pretty squeamish about such things in general. I would gladly recommend it to most any kiddo I know or even an adult who really likes cats. :P
May 27, 2020
The Sign of the Cat, by Lynne Jonell, is a epic adventure story. Duncan McKay is your average, ordinary boy. Largely because his mother tells him to be one. Why doesn't his mother want him to ace his tests at school? Or be the best in a fencing match? Why does she make him wear a cap that covers his hair? And what would happen if Duncan, just once, does his very best at something? Add in the secret ability to talk to cats (not a super power, just a second language) and Duncan is set to be something above average. Especially when he's kidnapped by...well, you'll just have to read it to find out! (AR level 5.4, Lexile 770)
I really enjoyed the talking cats in this story. From Duncan's mentor and teacher Grizel, to the fiesty kitten Fia, to the ever-so-proper tiger Brigader, the cats steal the story every time they come across the page. I enjoy how Duncan learns and grows throughout the story. A big part of the story is about trust--who to give it to, how it's earned, how it can be betrayed. I recommend this book for everybody wanting an adventure that ends with the bad guy getting what he deserves and the hero being well rewarded. And cat lovers. I really want a tiger for a friend now. While I did figure out who the bad guy was WAY before Duncan did, I didn't feel like it ruined the story.
I really enjoyed the talking cats in this story. From Duncan's mentor and teacher Grizel, to the fiesty kitten Fia, to the ever-so-proper tiger Brigader, the cats steal the story every time they come across the page. I enjoy how Duncan learns and grows throughout the story. A big part of the story is about trust--who to give it to, how it's earned, how it can be betrayed. I recommend this book for everybody wanting an adventure that ends with the bad guy getting what he deserves and the hero being well rewarded. And cat lovers. I really want a tiger for a friend now. While I did figure out who the bad guy was WAY before Duncan did, I didn't feel like it ruined the story.
May 12, 2017
This was such a fantastic book! I read it out loud to my girls, and we were all really entertained. A boy, Duncan, who can speak Cat, tricky nobles, kidnapping (and kitten-napping) and adventure on the high seas, a lost princess, hidden identities, a military tiger ... fun and excitement on every page! My only issue was the weakness of Duncan's mother's character, but I guess his mom's bad decisions played into his adventure. Also, there was some uneven pacing, but none of us minded. The conversations with the cats - who have excellent advice and observations as well as very funny tricks - more than made up for that. A satisfying ending, and "cat justice" for the very bad, bad guys.
November 5, 2020
3.5 ⭐
quando comecei a ler esse livro achei que fosse odiar, as primeiras 150 páginas são bem chatinhas mas depois as coisas vão se encaminhando e ficando interessantes. esse é o tipo de livro que eu adoraria ter lido aos 12 anos quando estava tendo meu primeiro contato com a leitura, ele tem uma pegada mais infantil e os acontecimentos são bem previsíveis pra quem já tá acostumado a ler há muito tempo. esse é o único motivo pra eu não ter dado no mínimo 4 estrelas e meia. li no tempo errado. mas adorei!
quando comecei a ler esse livro achei que fosse odiar, as primeiras 150 páginas são bem chatinhas mas depois as coisas vão se encaminhando e ficando interessantes. esse é o tipo de livro que eu adoraria ter lido aos 12 anos quando estava tendo meu primeiro contato com a leitura, ele tem uma pegada mais infantil e os acontecimentos são bem previsíveis pra quem já tá acostumado a ler há muito tempo. esse é o único motivo pra eu não ter dado no mínimo 4 estrelas e meia. li no tempo errado. mas adorei!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2018
Pure fun; great read-aloud. My eleven year old son LOVED it, reading it on his own after hearing it at school, and recommending it to our family. My eight and five year old daughters also enjoyed it; wide appeal.
The story keeps a steady pace, though it is predictable at times for an adult audience. This made the journey no less enjoyable, though. The character of the felines was hilarious and true to kitty nature. Recommended for any chapter book reader and animal lover.
The story keeps a steady pace, though it is predictable at times for an adult audience. This made the journey no less enjoyable, though. The character of the felines was hilarious and true to kitty nature. Recommended for any chapter book reader and animal lover.
July 25, 2025
I am stupefied as to why Monroe, TN has banned this book from schools. It is a Young Adult book, and does talk about some violence against kittens, but is not graphic. The worst language comes from a kitten who calls a villain a "Daughter of a Corpulent Pig."
There is no sex, no gender identity discussions, there is simple triumph of good over evil, personal growth and discovery, and perseverance. I enjoyed it. I started it as soon as it arrived, and finished in 3 hours.
There is no sex, no gender identity discussions, there is simple triumph of good over evil, personal growth and discovery, and perseverance. I enjoyed it. I started it as soon as it arrived, and finished in 3 hours.
June 7, 2017
Duncan is an above-average boy (he actually knows the secret language of cats!) who must live a below-average life. But all that gets turned upside-down when he is kidnapped. Luckily he can rely on the help of cats, both small and large, to not only free himself, but solve some long-standing mysteries of his country. A very fun read! A great addition to my talking cats bookshelf!
October 22, 2018
A young boy who was cheated out of his noble position seeks justice through his bravery and ability to communicate with cats. I found the whole thing kind of silly but my 5 year old accepted the premise at face value and enjoyed it. The story was long for his age and the noble relationships required extra explanation as these relationships motivated several plot lines.
June 12, 2020
From the boys' shelf--I gave this one to my youngest a few years ago, since he's so enamored with cats, but I never got around to reading it myself. Cats are important characters here, but it's really about a boy finding out who he is and what he can do when captured by villains and taken to sea. Great story!
September 23, 2020
This was cute and fun and just right to read to my 9 year old. About half way through, my teenage boy also started listening. There's cats, sailing, mysterious islands and identities. And I liked that there was no jumping around between various settings and characters. Just a good, straight forward adventure story.
January 12, 2024
This has got to be one of my favorite kids books. It’s made for tweens but it’s just as witty for anyone. It's a super cute and nostalgic story that I always enjoy to reread. My favorite librarian used to read this to us and do voices for each character, giving the tiger a haughty British accent. Just an enjoyable feel good read. Plus, there’s a sarcastic tiger! What more could you want?
February 14, 2018
Duncan McKay is restless, when a mysterious stranger arrives
at his home.
Jonell's plot reminded me of two classics: Kidnapped and Treasure Island.
It also made me think of the more recent: Life of PI.
A fun maritime adventure.
at his home.
Jonell's plot reminded me of two classics: Kidnapped and Treasure Island.
It also made me think of the more recent: Life of PI.
A fun maritime adventure.
March 8, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. It's not very well known, so a lot of people haven't read it, but it is awesome. It is about a boy who can speak cat, and is told by his mother to stay hidden, and stay in the middle. He doesn't know his father, and when he begins to discover who his father is, he is forced to leave the island. The beginning is a lot of introductions, so stay with it! A few chapters in, you will be hooked from cover to cover. Discover the world of cats with The Sign of the Cat.
September 17, 2017
Although the storyline had promise, it was far too predictable and long for me. Others may like it.
February 4, 2018
4.5 stars
February 24, 2020
A gripping novel for anyone person with a taste of advanture and an interest in the goings of cats.
April 28, 2020
Very exciting and engaging story for older kids or adults.
Read
May 12, 2020Very engaging book with interesting themes.
October 30, 2020
This story has a special spot in my heart! If you want adventure, then you should read this!!
Read
July 5, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Drugging
Death of a father from murder by stabbing
Near-drowning incident
Kidnapping
Animal death
Animal abuse
Drugging
Death of a father from murder by stabbing
Near-drowning incident
Kidnapping
Animal death
Animal abuse
July 24, 2021
A very interesting book that is Definitely one of my favorites
January 26, 2022
A fun middle school adventure. Believable characters and an exciting story. Fun that the boy can speak the language of cats. My favorite character was Fia the kitten.
December 13, 2023
Read again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews