Cat Nights: A Great Fall and Halloween Read for Kids

by Jane Manning

Meet Felicity Witch.

For her entire life Felicity has wanted to turn herself into a cat. But witches may only perform this particular spell when they are 263 years old. Finally (finally) the magical day arrives—Felicity Witch's 263rd birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Poof!

Now Felicity has a sleek coat and a long, graceful tail. She has a soft nose and speedy paws! Felicity loves being a cat. Will she ever be happy as her ordinary witchy self again?

Meow

Genres: Picture Books, Halloween, Cats, Childrens, Fantasy, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2008

About the author

Illustrator of many books for children. Her memories of being a young girl riding her favorite horse, Killarny, provided some of the inspiration for Cindy Ellen. She lives in Deep River, Connecticut.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Felicity is finally 263 years old - the age when a witch is allowed to use the spell to turn herself into a cat. Felicity finds that she LOVES experiencing life as a feline. HOWEVER - there are rules about just how often she can become a kitty . . . and serious consequences for those who break the rules.

I liked this one, particularly the artist's artwork. I also enjoyed the fact that though the book concerns witches, it's not set at Halloween. After all, witches are busy all year 'round, you know.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felicity was a witch with one desire: to try life as a cat! The idea of having whiskers, and being able to see in the dark, held great appeal for her, and when she finally(!) turned 263 - the age at which witches are allowed to transform themselves into felines - she lost no time, chanting: "Give me whiskers and moonlight sight, / as I become a cat tonight. / My witchy self will now be gone, / but I'll return by break of dawn!" Reveling in her nighttime explorations, Felicity began to lose sight of an important rule: that a witch could only turn herself into a cat nine times, before becoming stuck in feline form...

Apparently based upon an old Irish legend concerning witches and cats, Jane Manning's Cat Nights is an engagingly witchy tale that emphasizes the importance of being yourself - whoever you are meant to be. Manning's accompanying watercolor illustrations are an absolute delight, full of humor, and lots of quirky detail. I do wish that, in her brief afterword, the author had given her source for this Irish folk legend, but that is really my only criticism. Overall, an excellent title, one I would recommend to anyone looking for witchy picture-books in general, or Halloween-appropriate selections in particular.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rats! I read a spoiler, a single sentence review. I guess I can tolerate spoilers for a picture book.

And it didn’t matter. This book is so charming. There are so many wonderful lines, I wanted to quote many, but I don’t want to take away the fun of others reading this book so I’ll just share this bit of alliteration that appears (at least) twice: “whole witchy world” and then I’ll leave the rest for other readers to read and enjoy for themselves.

This story is funny and sweet and truly perfect for cat appreciators.

What’s funny is that overall I loved the illustrations, but in some pictures didn’t like the cats so much, but most of the pictures are really wonderful.

There is a short author’s note at the end about the nine lives of cats, and telling how this story is based on an Irish legend. (In this story, Felicity the witch can turn into a cat 8 times. Any more and there are consequences.)

[Victoria Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book, with an explanation about the origins of the cats have nine lives folk tale.

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a old Irish legend, where a cat's nine lives come from.

I wouldn't want to transfigure into a cat at any point but I guess it's preferable to being a witch.

[Erica Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be a cat too.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter brought this book home from her school library. Now for a kid who loves witches and cats this was a perfect read for her. We loved that our main character got to experience Turing into a cat and that she got to decide if she wanted to stay that way or stay a witch. If my daughter had her choice she’d be a cat hahah. The artwork was colourful and really cute.
We would recommend this book for sure.

[Camille Rickis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story about a witch who wanted to be a cat so bad that she was willing to be a cat permanently despite warnings from her family was, in my opinion, a little pointless and without positive morals or themes. While it was a very fun and colorful book with an interesting premise, many of the aspects went unexplained and assumed, which was at times confusing.

[Jacque Brin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the part when her cousins are waving goodbye because I think she will have a good time when she leaves. I don't like the part where she leaves her cousins because it is sad. I like how the witches all like different things. I like the one that is reading the best.

I would recommend this book for kids under twelve.

[Emily Bily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear, this book was written about me.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny story about a girl that wants to be a cat more than she wants anything else. It's based on and Irish story from where the 9 lives come from. It's perfect for Halloween.

[Little Seesaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an interesting spin on a cat having nine lives.

[Emily Bily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be prepared for a surprise ending... Felicity's family actually lets her do what makes her happy!

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

A witch figures out her identity as a cat. This could be helpful for some people.

[Karine Lelièvre · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a story about doing what makes you happy and in this witch's case it was to be a cat.

[anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow did this really encapsulate everything I would've loved to read about as a kid

[Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat Nights by Jane Manning tells the enchanting tale of a witch named Felicity. She has just celebrated her 263rd birthday. This means that she now has the ability to change herself into a cat!

After her first transformation, Felicity starts to notice how different the world is through a cat's eyes. She can see better, run faster and smell things she has never smelled before. Being a cat is amazing!

Every night, Felicity experiences something new in her cat form. But, her fun comes at a price. She is only allowed to turn herself into a cat eight times. On the ninth time, she will not be able to turn back into a witch, but will remain a cat forever!

In an effort to curb her kitty cravings, her loving aunts cast a spell over Felicity to diminish her desire for the life of a cat. But does their spell do more harm than good? Will Felicity ever be able to change into a cat again?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. The layout of the book is wonderful and the illustrations are fantastic. One truly feels as if they are out on a moonlight ramble with Felicity in the cool fall air. Children of all ages will love this non-spooky Halloween tale for years to come.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can I resist a story about a young(ish) girl who can turn herself into a cat? Felicity's pleasure at being a cat and doing all the things a cat does was something I could relate to. The story is based on an Irish legend that witches can turn themselves into cats and back into humans again only 8 times. If they do it a ninth time, they remain a cat. Felicity must decide whether she wants a cat's life or a witch's life. Her cousins all want her to remain human. So this is also a story about allowing someone to be an individual and make their own choices, if you care about their happiness. (Interesting--Felicity means "happiness") I enjoyed this story and think it would make a nice Halloween read, especially for cat lovers.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever wonder where the term Nine Lives comes from. You thought it was because you have seen a cat jump from a moving car and survive RIGHT? Well it comes from an Irish Legend of "Cat Nights" A witch can turn its self into a cat for 8 nights, but if it turns itself into a cat the 9th night it is permanent.

I like the pictures, I like the authors note at the end explaining the history, but the premise disturbed me a touch.

In the vane of Skippy Jon Jones...I want him to be happy that he is a cat and not a dog..be happy with who and what you are.

This witch is happy being a witch but loves the adventure of being cat. This book isn't about changing who you are it is about following your bliss...being a cat is the witches bliss...so you can't fault her for that!!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Felicity's 263rd birthday, she is finally (FINALLY) able to change herself into a cat (among other things). She loves being a cat and even though her cousins Wanda, Willa, and Woo, remind her that she can only change herself into a cat eight times without remaining permanently a cat...she forgets! OOPS....This is an adaptation of an old Irish legend which the saying a cat has nine lives comes from. Wonderful, magical illustrations accompany this fun story for kids.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a pretty cute book. The story revolves around the Irish legend of Cat Nights and about how witches can turn themselves into cats eight times and the ninth time they stay cats and this is where the saying Cats have nine lives comes from.

The pictures are bright and fun and the story itself is cute! There is a post at the end explaining all about the legend of Cat Nights.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book about a witch who, after her 263rd birthday can finally change herself into a cat. The only problem is that after the ninth time of changing yourself into a cat, you become a cat permanently.

Felicity loves being a cat and changes herself into one for 8 days running.

The other witches want her to stop before its too late. What will Felicity do?

[Trisha Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would not mind being turned into a cat. Cats are my favorite type of animals next to bunny rabbits. I had never heard of the old Irish saying about cat nights. It is interesting and very cool! I had always wondered about why people say cats have nine lives and now I have some of the answers :) Love yours cats<3

[Gianna Mosser · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son just so happens to really wish he could transform into a cat, so the plot was perfect. I also appreciated the back matter note about the origin of "nine lives." I just wanted Felicity to explain why being a cat is so great, but then again I wish Atticus could explain that as well.

[Robin Raines-Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you ever wonder where the saying "A cat has nine lives" comes from? The author's note at the end of this cute book will answer your question. Fun story with nice illustrations for Halloween or any time. Cat lovers will definitely relate to this story.

[Tina B · Rating 1 out of 5]

"witch, cats, decides to become a cat permanently"

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun halloween book about witches. We really like this story about a witch who can't wait to be a cat.

[Tanya Wadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book about witches... kids all loved it.

[Ana C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE THERE IS A WITCH TURNING 263 YEARS OLD AND SHE IS ABLE TO TURN INTO A CAT AND HER SHOES CURL UPAND SHE IS ABLE TO CAST HER FIRST LOVE SPELL.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for kids who love cats!!! My daughter loves this book....over and over!!