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The Adventures of Catvinkle
A brilliantly charming and beautifully illustrated story about a friendship that knows no bounds.
Catvinkle is a sleek and satisfied housecat, whose hobbies include baby-shoe dancing and snoozing (but mainly snoozing). Ula is a damp and down-at-heel dalmation whose owners have abandoned her, and she's too hungry to have any hobbies.
Together they make an unlikely pair, but Catvinkle falls head over heels for Ula's delicious musky scent, and soon they are best friends. But trouble is on the horizon in the shape of Catvinkle's nemesis, Twinkiepaws...
Oh, and one last thing: Catvinkle can fly!
Catvinkle is a sleek and satisfied housecat, whose hobbies include baby-shoe dancing and snoozing (but mainly snoozing). Ula is a damp and down-at-heel dalmation whose owners have abandoned her, and she's too hungry to have any hobbies.
Together they make an unlikely pair, but Catvinkle falls head over heels for Ula's delicious musky scent, and soon they are best friends. But trouble is on the horizon in the shape of Catvinkle's nemesis, Twinkiepaws...
Oh, and one last thing: Catvinkle can fly!
128 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2018
6 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Elliot Perlman
20 books332 followersElliot Perlman is an Australian author and barrister. He has written two novels and one short story collection. His work "condemns the economic rationalism that destroys the humanity of ordinary people when they are confronted with unemployment and poverty". This is not surprising in a writer who admires Raymond Carver and Graham Greene because they "write with quite a strong moral centre and a strong sense of compassion". However, he says that "Part of my task is to entertain readers. I don't want it to be propaganda at all. I don't think that for something to be political fiction it has to offer an alternative, I think just a social critique is enough". He describes himself, in fact, as being interested in "the essence of humanity" and argued that exploring this often means touching on political issues.
Perlman often uses music, and song lyrics, in his work to convey an idea or mood, or to give a sense of who a character is. However, he recognises that this "is a bit of a risk because the less familiar the reader is with the song, the smaller the pay off.
Perlman often uses music, and song lyrics, in his work to convey an idea or mood, or to give a sense of who a character is. However, he recognises that this "is a bit of a risk because the less familiar the reader is with the song, the smaller the pay off.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 9, 2022
”Just because someone says they don’t think you can do something doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, right? We don’t have to be what someone else says we are.”
An utterly delightful and delicious book. Catvinkle is a beautiful, fluffy, pampered, over-indulged white furball, who wears a bright red ribbon on the tip of her tail. Life is good until, to Catvinkle’s horror, Ula (a dalmatian) comes to her home.
Catvinkle’s owner Mr Sabatini, finds Ula lost and alone on his morning coffee run, and can’t help but rescue her. Being kind hearted and an animal lover, he’s unable to leave Ula wandering the streets. It turns out that Ula has been mistakenly left behind when her family moved homes. And Mr Sabatini thinks it might be a good thing for Catvinkle to have a friend…
Will this unlikely pairing of cat & dog hit it off, and end up the best of friends? We join Catvinkle and Ula on their adventures in their Nederland neighbourhood. We get to meet the local cats, dogs and a llama (yes, a llama). I told you this story was delicious, didn’t I.
A wonderful “tail” of friendship. Pure magic. Gorgeously illustrated by Laura Stizel, this book will have you saying “Ahhhhhh” many times over.
Although a light-hearted book, there are serious themes bubbling under the surface. The story brings to the fore celebrating our differences, accepting each other, and not making assumptions based on appearances.
While aimed at a younger readership, don’t let this stop you. Read it and let this book embrace you in a hug. L💕ved.
WORDS: Elliot Pearlman
ILLUSTRATIONS: Laura Stizel
🐾🐾
An utterly delightful and delicious book. Catvinkle is a beautiful, fluffy, pampered, over-indulged white furball, who wears a bright red ribbon on the tip of her tail. Life is good until, to Catvinkle’s horror, Ula (a dalmatian) comes to her home.
Catvinkle’s owner Mr Sabatini, finds Ula lost and alone on his morning coffee run, and can’t help but rescue her. Being kind hearted and an animal lover, he’s unable to leave Ula wandering the streets. It turns out that Ula has been mistakenly left behind when her family moved homes. And Mr Sabatini thinks it might be a good thing for Catvinkle to have a friend…
Will this unlikely pairing of cat & dog hit it off, and end up the best of friends? We join Catvinkle and Ula on their adventures in their Nederland neighbourhood. We get to meet the local cats, dogs and a llama (yes, a llama). I told you this story was delicious, didn’t I.
A wonderful “tail” of friendship. Pure magic. Gorgeously illustrated by Laura Stizel, this book will have you saying “Ahhhhhh” many times over.
Although a light-hearted book, there are serious themes bubbling under the surface. The story brings to the fore celebrating our differences, accepting each other, and not making assumptions based on appearances.
While aimed at a younger readership, don’t let this stop you. Read it and let this book embrace you in a hug. L💕ved.
WORDS: Elliot Pearlman
ILLUSTRATIONS: Laura Stizel
🐾🐾
September 30, 2018
Elliot Perlman has written a beautiful classic tale, with themes that reference racism and xenophobia.
It is a truly accessible and wonderful story that grows from the first biased encounter between two beings, a cat and a dog, from different worlds, into a mutually rewarding bond. The story drew me in gently and gradually and was increasingly addictive.
I recognised Catvinkle and Ula the dalmation in myself, we all have elements of both in our makeup.
In particular, I liked the lively dialogue that seemed so natural and especially the occasional big word that flashed across the page, usually in a humorous way.
found myself reading some sentences out aloud, as perhaps I imagine I might do one day to my grandchildren. I'm sure they will be a most appreciative audience, as was I.
The black and white illustrations are charming.
It is a truly accessible and wonderful story that grows from the first biased encounter between two beings, a cat and a dog, from different worlds, into a mutually rewarding bond. The story drew me in gently and gradually and was increasingly addictive.
I recognised Catvinkle and Ula the dalmation in myself, we all have elements of both in our makeup.
In particular, I liked the lively dialogue that seemed so natural and especially the occasional big word that flashed across the page, usually in a humorous way.
found myself reading some sentences out aloud, as perhaps I imagine I might do one day to my grandchildren. I'm sure they will be a most appreciative audience, as was I.
The black and white illustrations are charming.
January 19, 2019
Set in Amsterdam, a lost dalmation is invited home by hairdresser and all-round gentleman, Mr Sabatini. It’s here dog Ula meets the indomitable Catvinkle.
I adored this story.
Through these characters (and an array of others) themes of manners & respect, friendship, bravery, truth and trust are played out.
There is even a philosophical cat named Schrodinger. Cat puns playfully appear throughout, along with dancing cats, a llama and a real-life dog chase.
Adventure, big-themes and lovely illustrations (from Laura Stitzil) make this book a delight for all ages.
It would make a great class read-aloud for younger children (aged 6-9). With teaching notes available online.
If you’d like to hear the author interviewed about the writing of this book head over to @wordsnnerds_pod.
I adored this story.
Through these characters (and an array of others) themes of manners & respect, friendship, bravery, truth and trust are played out.
There is even a philosophical cat named Schrodinger. Cat puns playfully appear throughout, along with dancing cats, a llama and a real-life dog chase.
Adventure, big-themes and lovely illustrations (from Laura Stitzil) make this book a delight for all ages.
It would make a great class read-aloud for younger children (aged 6-9). With teaching notes available online.
If you’d like to hear the author interviewed about the writing of this book head over to @wordsnnerds_pod.
September 5, 2021
Bof, bof, bof... très déçue. J'ai trouvé toute l'histoire un peu forcée. Je n'ai pas réussi à accrocher et surtout, il y a bien trop de leçons de vie pour "être gentil", "aimer son prochain" etc. Plein de bons sentiments mais avec des gros sabots.
Par contre les dessins sont superbes ^^
Par contre les dessins sont superbes ^^
February 28, 2019
We love Elliot Perlman's novels for grown-ups (Seven Types of Ambiguity, The Street Sweeper, and Three Dollars) and were thrilled when he turned his hand to writing for children. The Adventures of Catvinkle is an immensely engaging book with strong and memorable characters. Selfish Catvinkle and poor neglected Ulla evolve during the story in a way kids really identify with! We loved the humour, even when dealing with themes of prejudice, bigotry, bullying and tolerance, and adored the delightful evocative illustrations conjuring up Catvinkle’s world in Amsterdam. The publishers did a wonderful job as the book is beautiful to hold and leaf through. It is aimed at kids aged 8-11 (my sister's older kids laughed their ways through it) but our 5 and 7 year olds loved it. They still talk about Catvinkle and Ulla. A delight for grown-ups and little ones!
January 17, 2019
Bought several copies of the book as gifts for kids ... so thought I should proof read! I loved Elliot's book The Street Sweeper, so I was sure Catvinkle wouldn't disappoint. Beautiful tale of friendship, trust, loyalty, love, standing up for a mate. Any kid (or young at heart adult) will really enjoy this story, whether you are a cat lover or a dog lover.
February 3, 2019
With several layers of humour, this book about an unlikely friendship between a cat and a dog will delight readers of all ages. Themes of friendship, courage, resilience and standing up for what you believe in.
May 5, 2019
Excellent book to read to kids, for kids to read to themselves, or for adults to enjoy on their own! Great lessons to be learnt and some great little gags in there for the adult reader. Shrodinger's bit was hilarious.
July 6, 2019
Beautiful book about friendship.
October 6, 2019
This book is great for catlovers.
January 20, 2019
I was lucky enough to receive a bound proof copy of “The Adventures of Catvinkle” with a signed message from Perlman, when I was working at my local bookshop. I remember getting really excited to read it and thinking how I could potentially use it as a school text for my teaching.
The result: a fairly decent read with cute animal characters and a strong message of tolerance.
Is it particularly exciting? Honestly, no.
There is a surprising amount of dialogue for a children’s book and not a lot of action until halfway, and even that scene is one of three scenes where the characters are moving and not just discussing things.
When the dialogue is happening, it’s clever and hilarious with lots of phrases and puns to make you giggle.
I found it very obvious that this was Perlman’s first children’s book, however it still got a few chuckles out of me (especially when referring to a certain Llama).
Respectable 3.5 stars.
The result: a fairly decent read with cute animal characters and a strong message of tolerance.
Is it particularly exciting? Honestly, no.
There is a surprising amount of dialogue for a children’s book and not a lot of action until halfway, and even that scene is one of three scenes where the characters are moving and not just discussing things.
When the dialogue is happening, it’s clever and hilarious with lots of phrases and puns to make you giggle.
I found it very obvious that this was Perlman’s first children’s book, however it still got a few chuckles out of me (especially when referring to a certain Llama).
Respectable 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2025
Perlman Pearls #1
Catvinkle #1
Book about a cat and a dog and friendship etc is quite charming and is really about acceptance and veiled anti-racism which works quite well and is an important message for all, but particularly in the USA where racists are elected and appointed to positions of power.
Will it have any effect?
Have you seen the USA lately....
Catvinkle #1
Book about a cat and a dog and friendship etc is quite charming and is really about acceptance and veiled anti-racism which works quite well and is an important message for all, but particularly in the USA where racists are elected and appointed to positions of power.
Will it have any effect?
Have you seen the USA lately....
February 15, 2022
Read in French (« Les aventures de Catvinkle »)
If you are like me deeply tired of those rivalries between cats and dogs often shown in fiction, this is your book !
A very cute tale about difference and acceptance, set among an animal society in Amsterdam, and written with tenderness .
If you are like me deeply tired of those rivalries between cats and dogs often shown in fiction, this is your book !
A very cute tale about difference and acceptance, set among an animal society in Amsterdam, and written with tenderness .
April 3, 2019
I loved this story about a spoiled cat whose owner brings home a dog one day, and the adventures that ensue. A great story about friendship, bravery, and loyalty.
December 9, 2019
Clever, funny. Great characters. A nice, happy read. Hope to see more of Catvinkle.
November 28, 2020
Lovely middle grade book. Looking forward to the sequel.
July 20, 2025
This story book reminds me of when someone makes friends with someone different from other people and other people don't like it.
July 23, 2023
A cat and a dog cross the divide of social norms to become friends. The first half of the book is mostly dialogue to set up the ‘gentle’ action. In this story children and animals can understand each other but not adults. I liked the setting in Amsterdam with cute illustrations but found the addition of secret magic tail flying unnecessary. It would suit young timid animal loving readers?
October 27, 2018
A lovely story with some serious issues, review will appear on my blog soon.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews