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Poppy's Place #1
The Homemade Cat Café
Isla Palmer is CRAZY about cats ? SUPER-IN-LOVE crazy ? but her vet-nurse mum has never let her have one. Then Isla meets Poppy, a gorgeous cat in need of a loving home, and comes up with the perfect way to convince Mum.
It?s not long before Poppy has transformed life at the Palmers? ? everyone is happier, especially Gran, and even Isla?s older sister Tilda admits she likes having Poppy around. But Poppy isn?t the only one in need of a home and soon their house is full of cats. With Mum at her wits? end, Isla needs to come up with a plan and fast!
It?s not long before Poppy has transformed life at the Palmers? ? everyone is happier, especially Gran, and even Isla?s older sister Tilda admits she likes having Poppy around. But Poppy isn?t the only one in need of a home and soon their house is full of cats. With Mum at her wits? end, Isla needs to come up with a plan and fast!
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2016
4 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 23, 2016
I was nearing a bit of a reading-slump and wanted something cute, fun and easy to read and Poppy's Place ticked all these boxes. Plus Lucy Truman illustrations are beautiful so that was an extra bonus.
Isla is likable and kind, plus utterly cat mad. There probably isn’t has much character depth as there could be for Isla (or the rest of her family and friends) but I didn’t mind. In a way it’s quite nice to just have a straightforward character profile and for this story it’s suitable.
I just enjoyed everything about Poppy's Place from page one.
Isla is likable and kind, plus utterly cat mad. There probably isn’t has much character depth as there could be for Isla (or the rest of her family and friends) but I didn’t mind. In a way it’s quite nice to just have a straightforward character profile and for this story it’s suitable.
I just enjoyed everything about Poppy's Place from page one.
January 24, 2023
Potrzebowałam tej książki na ten dzień 🧡.
Bardzo miła powieść dla młodszych czytelników i czytelniczek.
Chociaż końcówka bardzoo abstrakcyjna.
Bardzo miła powieść dla młodszych czytelników i czytelniczek.
Chociaż końcówka bardzoo abstrakcyjna.
August 18, 2025
Even though this is a children’s book, I really enjoyed it myself. It’s such a lovely story about Isla, a young girl who adores cats and convinces her mom to take in a stray. Soon there are more cats, but Isla finds a heartwarming way to keep them all. Beyond the adorable cats, it’s also a gentle story about family, healing, and love after loss.
December 28, 2024
Bardzo prościutka historia z kochanymi koteczkami i jedną dziewczyną, która marzy, by zatrzymać w domu każdego kota. Jeśli dziecko kocha koty, to zakocha się w tej książce. Niestety po tym, też może wpaść na pomysł przygarnięcia każdego zwierzaka.
November 20, 2022
another book from my childhood that i picked up off my shelf because i forgot to pick up new books from the library.
but that’s okay because i love this book.
i always have, i always do and i always will.
the only other person I know who loves cats as much as I do, is Isla.
this book probably even sparked my confidence in my love for cats way back in like 4th grade.
I was like “oh my gosh cats are amazing”
and then i went to go hug my cat and i was like “i’m obsessed”
and i have been obsessed ever since.
i think i may have even surpassed Isla in the amount of love i have for cats.
cats own my heart.
but that’s okay because i love this book.
i always have, i always do and i always will.
the only other person I know who loves cats as much as I do, is Isla.
this book probably even sparked my confidence in my love for cats way back in like 4th grade.
I was like “oh my gosh cats are amazing”
and then i went to go hug my cat and i was like “i’m obsessed”
and i have been obsessed ever since.
i think i may have even surpassed Isla in the amount of love i have for cats.
cats own my heart.
January 14, 2024
Themes/Representation:
Hearing-Aid User (sibling)
Glasses Wearer MC
Cats
Siblings
Family
A cute story perfect for every cat lover! The perfect palette cleanser all about cats. A short read that took me a casual hour to read, with gorgeous pictures within. I loved that there was representation so naturally woven within the story, like Isla being a MC who wears glasses and her brother Milo wears hearing aids. There’s also diverse side characters within Isla’s friend group.
This isn’t a story just about cats though, there’s every day life issues like loneliness, friendship and starting a new school. Overall this was a great story for middle-grade age kids.
Hearing-Aid User (sibling)
Glasses Wearer MC
Cats
Siblings
Family
A cute story perfect for every cat lover! The perfect palette cleanser all about cats. A short read that took me a casual hour to read, with gorgeous pictures within. I loved that there was representation so naturally woven within the story, like Isla being a MC who wears glasses and her brother Milo wears hearing aids. There’s also diverse side characters within Isla’s friend group.
This isn’t a story just about cats though, there’s every day life issues like loneliness, friendship and starting a new school. Overall this was a great story for middle-grade age kids.
May 16, 2024
Ależ to była przyjemna książka! Moja pierwsza myśl była taka: ,,to będzie jedna z tych powieści, które zachwyciłyby mnie w dzieciństwie, ale teraz nie zrobi na mnie zbyt dużego wrażenia''. I myliłam się bardzo, bo ,,Kocia kawiarenka'' jest świetna! Może nie będzie moim życiowym ulubiencem, ale naprawdę dobrze się bawiłam, czytając ją. Podoba mi się kreacja bohaterów, wątek pisania opowiadań przez Islę, w ogóle cała rodzina Palmerów jest przeurocza, no i to zakończenie – takie... jak w jakiejś kreskówce Disney'a! Naprawdę pozytywne zaskoczenie!
May 1, 2022
Middle grade. Cats. Family and friends.
Story: Isla loves cats. But she's not allowed to have one because her mom is a vet. One day a cat at the vet is to be sent to the cat shelter, but there's no room, so it comes home with Isla.
Language: Near present, UK, b&w illustrations.
Characters: Isla, her mum, her older sister Tilda, younger brother Milo, gran and cats!
Lots of fun, can't wait for the next!
Story: Isla loves cats. But she's not allowed to have one because her mom is a vet. One day a cat at the vet is to be sent to the cat shelter, but there's no room, so it comes home with Isla.
Language: Near present, UK, b&w illustrations.
Characters: Isla, her mum, her older sister Tilda, younger brother Milo, gran and cats!
Lots of fun, can't wait for the next!
April 28, 2020
This short , enjoyable book is great , especially if you love cats 🐈, like myself.I would recommend it to anyone from the ages of 8 to 11 , possibly 12 at a push . It’s fun . Even though this is the second time I have read this book 📖, I really enjoyed it.
May 25, 2021
I didn't have any expectations before reading this book. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It was well-written, easy and relaxing reading with a story that has an entertaining rhythm. I will definitely read the others one. Have your kitty and coffee close and you will not see the time pass!
June 19, 2021
So amazingly cute and adorable. A perfect cozy read.
June 28, 2021
A cute enjoyable read about cats. Now I’ve got to get the rest of the books because I want more cats to read. 😂
December 31, 2021
maybe I don't like it because of my serious dislike for cats but I did not find this book as amazing as the reviews made it out to be.
June 21, 2023
Such a sweet book with no stereotypical tropes! It was funny and a good book for all ages!
August 21, 2024
This book was amazing! I would give it 6 stars if I could! Really recommend. Read it in a couple of hours! Poppy is super cute and so are benny’s kittens! Heartwarming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
I would have loved this as a kid. I wish it was longer though, it feels like the whole series could have easily been one longer book rather than multiple short ones
March 9, 2016
I won a free copy of a sneak preview (the first two chapters) of this book from the publisher Stripes at Little Tiger Press.
Synopsis:
All Isla has ever wanted is a cat. She loves everything about them but especially that "it was impossible to be sad with a cat around." Isla has a notebook with a list of nine reasons why they should get a cat - but her mum won't even listen to number one! Her mum works at the vets and is constantly "going on about how grown-ups didn't like to bring their work home with them. Isla couldn't understand this at all. If Mum worked in a pizza restaurant, Isla was sure that she wouldn't have a problem bringing her work home with her then." So until she can convince her mum, she decides that she will spend the summer holidays hanging around at the vets and make do with looking after the animals there.
In one of the cages at the vets is a cat. A clever, sweet, silky soft cat. With no owner and no home...... Isla needs to find a good reason- no the best ever reason- to convince her mum to let them keep it.....
When Gran comes to stay with them she takes Isla back to visit the cat and sees how fond they are of each other. Mum is coerced into agreeing to let the cat come back with them as a "temporary" measure (we've all heard that before and know only too well where it leads.....!!) Isla names the cat Poppy.
And then she comes up with the most perfect idea which will allow her to keep the cat. She will open a cat cafe!
Both myself and my daughter, who is 7, enjoyed reading 40 page extract (full book is 192 pages) from the opening of the novel. Isla is an engaging, bright child and her lists are entertaining and fun. The plot moves along quickly with lots of dialogue and extracts from Isla's notebook to break up the text. The interaction with her siblings is realistic and humorous and it was a very tempting sneak preview which had us both keen to read more.
There are some lovely illustrations to go alongside the writing. There is just enough of them to make the book visually appealing and ensure the full pages of text are not intimidating for less confident readers but not too many to make it seem too young or babyish. The illustrations are stylish, contemporary and original without being cartoony or "disney-like". The illustrator, Lucy Truman, is influenced by all things vintage and this is reflected in their attraction.
Poppy's Place is going to be a whole series of adventures based around Isla's cat cafe ("cat cafe or catastrophe?!") which will be ideal for reluctant readers and enthusiastic readers alike. The first book comes out on March 10th and the next instalment will be out in July. It will be a perfect read for any Holly Webb fans (of which my daughter must be number one!). I think these will be a lovely set of stories about nimals and friendship with a very likeable main character. They will suit girls between the ages of 8-11 years.
This is Katrina Charman's first novel - if you don't count her epilogue to "Matilda" which she wrote when she was 11! She was winner of "Undiscovered Voices" in 2014 and I think her writing shows an assured understanding of her target audience and a confident, easy style that will capture her readers' attention and interest. The concept of a cat cafe sounds like a great conceit and full of huge potential.
Synopsis:
All Isla has ever wanted is a cat. She loves everything about them but especially that "it was impossible to be sad with a cat around." Isla has a notebook with a list of nine reasons why they should get a cat - but her mum won't even listen to number one! Her mum works at the vets and is constantly "going on about how grown-ups didn't like to bring their work home with them. Isla couldn't understand this at all. If Mum worked in a pizza restaurant, Isla was sure that she wouldn't have a problem bringing her work home with her then." So until she can convince her mum, she decides that she will spend the summer holidays hanging around at the vets and make do with looking after the animals there.
In one of the cages at the vets is a cat. A clever, sweet, silky soft cat. With no owner and no home...... Isla needs to find a good reason- no the best ever reason- to convince her mum to let them keep it.....
When Gran comes to stay with them she takes Isla back to visit the cat and sees how fond they are of each other. Mum is coerced into agreeing to let the cat come back with them as a "temporary" measure (we've all heard that before and know only too well where it leads.....!!) Isla names the cat Poppy.
And then she comes up with the most perfect idea which will allow her to keep the cat. She will open a cat cafe!
Both myself and my daughter, who is 7, enjoyed reading 40 page extract (full book is 192 pages) from the opening of the novel. Isla is an engaging, bright child and her lists are entertaining and fun. The plot moves along quickly with lots of dialogue and extracts from Isla's notebook to break up the text. The interaction with her siblings is realistic and humorous and it was a very tempting sneak preview which had us both keen to read more.
There are some lovely illustrations to go alongside the writing. There is just enough of them to make the book visually appealing and ensure the full pages of text are not intimidating for less confident readers but not too many to make it seem too young or babyish. The illustrations are stylish, contemporary and original without being cartoony or "disney-like". The illustrator, Lucy Truman, is influenced by all things vintage and this is reflected in their attraction.
Poppy's Place is going to be a whole series of adventures based around Isla's cat cafe ("cat cafe or catastrophe?!") which will be ideal for reluctant readers and enthusiastic readers alike. The first book comes out on March 10th and the next instalment will be out in July. It will be a perfect read for any Holly Webb fans (of which my daughter must be number one!). I think these will be a lovely set of stories about nimals and friendship with a very likeable main character. They will suit girls between the ages of 8-11 years.
This is Katrina Charman's first novel - if you don't count her epilogue to "Matilda" which she wrote when she was 11! She was winner of "Undiscovered Voices" in 2014 and I think her writing shows an assured understanding of her target audience and a confident, easy style that will capture her readers' attention and interest. The concept of a cat cafe sounds like a great conceit and full of huge potential.
September 12, 2024
s. 71 „Ale chystala jsem se pozvat Grace a Alici, aby se seznámily s Poppy.“
Tu Grace, které v noci psala e-mail, protože je na prázdninách v Cornwallu? (s. 54, 55)
A zítra bude na přespávačce? (s. 72)
s. 91 Pan Evans Byl zhruba stejně starý jako babička.
Podle obrázku na s. 95 je pan Evans velmi zachovalý. Až by se dalo říct, že vypadá jako její syn.
s. 120 Pochybuju, že je tak snadné chytit vyplašenou myš. Jen tak do ruky, když hezky zašmátráte pod postelí.
Neviděly se „pár týdnů“, i když prázdniny teprve začaly?
Zajímalo by mě, kde je tatínek. O tatínkovi tam není ani slovo.
s. 43 Zkousla si ret
s. 46 odpověděla máma a oba jim lípla pusu
Tu Grace, které v noci psala e-mail, protože je na prázdninách v Cornwallu? (s. 54, 55)
A zítra bude na přespávačce? (s. 72)
s. 91 Pan Evans Byl zhruba stejně starý jako babička.
Podle obrázku na s. 95 je pan Evans velmi zachovalý. Až by se dalo říct, že vypadá jako její syn.
s. 120 Pochybuju, že je tak snadné chytit vyplašenou myš. Jen tak do ruky, když hezky zašmátráte pod postelí.
Neviděly se „pár týdnů“, i když prázdniny teprve začaly?
Zajímalo by mě, kde je tatínek. O tatínkovi tam není ani slovo.
s. 43 Zkousla si ret
s. 46 odpověděla máma a oba jim lípla pusu
March 6, 2016
Do you have a cat-loving child in your life? Then this is probably the book for them. Eleven-year-old Isla is crazy for cats, but despite her mum working at a nearby vets, Isla isn’t allowed any pets. But when her lonely grandmother comes to stay for the summer, and a lovely abandoned cat is brought in for treatment, Isla sees her chance to do something good – and gain herself a cat into the bargain.
With a little help from her older sister and little brother, Isla soon ends up looking after more cats than she bargained for – now all she has to do is find a way to convince her mum to let her keep them.
This book is great. Isla and her family are fun characters, the cats are very cute and the story itself skips along quite quickly with lots of lovely illustrations to keep slower readers interested. It’s not just about cats, though, there’s also a bit about taking care of the elderly and living with a teenager as well as a younger brother who is self-conscious about his hearing aid. It’s about family life and living with pets, as well as the good animals can do.
Perfect for any young animal lovers in your life, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Isla’s cat-themed adventures in the future.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
With a little help from her older sister and little brother, Isla soon ends up looking after more cats than she bargained for – now all she has to do is find a way to convince her mum to let her keep them.
This book is great. Isla and her family are fun characters, the cats are very cute and the story itself skips along quite quickly with lots of lovely illustrations to keep slower readers interested. It’s not just about cats, though, there’s also a bit about taking care of the elderly and living with a teenager as well as a younger brother who is self-conscious about his hearing aid. It’s about family life and living with pets, as well as the good animals can do.
Perfect for any young animal lovers in your life, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Isla’s cat-themed adventures in the future.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
March 30, 2020
W skład cyklu Kocia kawiarenka Katariny Charman wchodzą cztery książki:
Poppy i inne koty
Wielkie otwarcie
Kocie walentynki
Sekrety i tajemnice
Mimo to można bez problemu czytać każdą z tych części osobno, bo czytelnik zostaje dobrze poinformowany w każdym tomie o poprzednich losach Isli Palmer, jej ludzkiej i kociej rodzinie. Znajdziemy tu historię nastolatki, Isli, która totalnie zakochana jest w kotach. Pomaga często swojej mamie leczyć zwierzęta w lecznicy, ale ciągle jej mało. Niestety ze względu na pracę mama nie pozwala trzymać w domu zwierząt. Do tego zaczyna brakować miejsc w przytulisku dla zwierząt, do którego dotąd trafiały podrzucane dość często pod lecznicę zwierzęta. Dziewczyna wpada więc na pomysł, że można by było zrobić coś nowego: dom tymczasowy dla kotów połączony z kawiarenką. Stroną internetową zajęłaby się jej siostra, pieczeniem słodkości babcia i młodszy brat, za to ona i koleżanki marketingiem i pomocą w kelnerowaniu. Niestety nie zawsze wszystko idzie po ich myśli. Ale co to dla zakochanej kociary!
Więcej na https://konfabula.pl/psierociniec-koc...
Poppy i inne koty
Wielkie otwarcie
Kocie walentynki
Sekrety i tajemnice
Mimo to można bez problemu czytać każdą z tych części osobno, bo czytelnik zostaje dobrze poinformowany w każdym tomie o poprzednich losach Isli Palmer, jej ludzkiej i kociej rodzinie. Znajdziemy tu historię nastolatki, Isli, która totalnie zakochana jest w kotach. Pomaga często swojej mamie leczyć zwierzęta w lecznicy, ale ciągle jej mało. Niestety ze względu na pracę mama nie pozwala trzymać w domu zwierząt. Do tego zaczyna brakować miejsc w przytulisku dla zwierząt, do którego dotąd trafiały podrzucane dość często pod lecznicę zwierzęta. Dziewczyna wpada więc na pomysł, że można by było zrobić coś nowego: dom tymczasowy dla kotów połączony z kawiarenką. Stroną internetową zajęłaby się jej siostra, pieczeniem słodkości babcia i młodszy brat, za to ona i koleżanki marketingiem i pomocą w kelnerowaniu. Niestety nie zawsze wszystko idzie po ich myśli. Ale co to dla zakochanej kociary!
Więcej na https://konfabula.pl/psierociniec-koc...
April 25, 2016
Best book EVER!! The illustrations are cute and had me going aww a lot. It wasn't until after I read Isla's tale that I saw what cat cafes are like - I so want to go to one! Isla doesn't get to open the cafe in this book, but all the preparations are made after a lot of convincing her family it's a good idea.
I love how much Poppy the cat changes Isla's grandmother, animals are miraculous in the comfort they can give when life is tough. I love how eventually Isla's whole family chip in to make the business worthwhile, everyone using their own unique skills to help the business get going. The issues Isla faces aren't insurmoumtable but I did hold my breath in a few places. I'm so excited about book 2, and very eager to reread this book!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
I love how much Poppy the cat changes Isla's grandmother, animals are miraculous in the comfort they can give when life is tough. I love how eventually Isla's whole family chip in to make the business worthwhile, everyone using their own unique skills to help the business get going. The issues Isla faces aren't insurmoumtable but I did hold my breath in a few places. I'm so excited about book 2, and very eager to reread this book!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
April 14, 2016
The “purfffect” start to a new series for animal lovers. Isla desperately wants a cat but her Mum, a vet, is reticent. Poppy, an adorable homeless cat, changes her mind and the family's lives. Their home becomes a cat sanctuary and cafe, giving them all a purpose and helping forge stronger family ties. Will the new business be a catastrophe or can they all work together? Charmingly illustrated throughout this is great for young confident readers.
May 2, 2016
This is a charming and engaging book for young cat lovers. Isla is desperate to have a cat of her own but her mother has always refused. Then an encounter with a stray cat changes everything.
The story is fun, with sympathetic characters and sparkling humour. The warmth of the family relationships comes across beautifully, and the illustrations add to the charm.
The story is fun, with sympathetic characters and sparkling humour. The warmth of the family relationships comes across beautifully, and the illustrations add to the charm.
October 15, 2021
4/5. Lekka, przyjemna książka dla dzieci. Bardzo szybko się ją czyta.
April 9, 2022
fajna i przyjemna, idealna dla dzieci od 8 do 12 lat:)
April 23, 2023
wholesome. thats it 👍
March 29, 2025
Such a sweet story!
Having a cat cafe in your home seems like an awesome idea, until there's too many cats! That's what this book is about and it's such a cute little read.
Having a cat cafe in your home seems like an awesome idea, until there's too many cats! That's what this book is about and it's such a cute little read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews