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Catalyst
Zoe must figure out how to keep a giant kitten safe in this magical adventure about change, expectation, and accepting all for who they truly are—regardless of shape or size.
Zoe named the kitten Pipsqueak, because she was so tiny, and promised to always take care of her. Then the kitten grew. And grew. Now she’s bigger than a horse—and talking as well! Fleeing into the woods to escape the curious eyes of the Internet, Zoe and her best friend, Harrison, must keep the giant cat hidden as they desperately search for a way to return her to normal size. If they don’t succeed, Pipsqueak may never be safe again. But why did she grow so large in the first place? And what if trying to change her back leads to even greater danger?
Zoe named the kitten Pipsqueak, because she was so tiny, and promised to always take care of her. Then the kitten grew. And grew. Now she’s bigger than a horse—and talking as well! Fleeing into the woods to escape the curious eyes of the Internet, Zoe and her best friend, Harrison, must keep the giant cat hidden as they desperately search for a way to return her to normal size. If they don’t succeed, Pipsqueak may never be safe again. But why did she grow so large in the first place? And what if trying to change her back leads to even greater danger?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
38 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Beth Durst
42 books6,989 followersSarah Beth Durst is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty-five books for adults, teens, and kids, including cozy fantasy The Spellshop. She's been awarded an American Library Association Alex Award, as well as a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Several of her books have been optioned for film/television, including Drink Slay Love, which was made into a TV movie and was a question on Jeopardy! She lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat. Visit her at sarahbethdurst.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 19, 2020
This is such a gorgeously fun and immersive MG fantasy, set in contemporary Massachusetts with a heroine I adored, along with all of her wonderfully real family and friends - and her even more amazing ever-growing kitten (who gets big enough to ride on before long)! My 7-year-old and my 11-year-old both loved it so much, and so did I. It had SUCH a strong sense of wonder, along with characters (both human and animal) that I loved - their whole world felt so real to me, and my kids and I are all now happily imagining all the adventures they will have after the (perfect) ending of this standalone book. VERY highly recommended!
December 29, 2021
Ahoy there mateys! This was a random audiobook pick based on the author and the fact that there was a giant cat on the cover. A cat that won't stop growing. This book was silly and nonsensical. I couldn't get over the silliness. I did not really like the plot much but I did love the two best friends' relationship in this one. And the mouse. The mouse rocked. Not sad that I read it but I do like many of the author's other books better. This felt too young for me even though I read other books in this age range all the time. Arrr!
January 17, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
I LOVE Durst's middle grade novels! And the covers of all her books are adorable. Catalyst was a fun, quick read that upper elementary students will love.
Poor Zoe... all she wants is a pet to care for and call her own but trouble starts when the extremely tiny kitten she has found (and is hiding from her family) begins to grow exponentially. Makes me want a giant cat of my own to ride on. Who wouldn't want that?
I LOVE Durst's middle grade novels! And the covers of all her books are adorable. Catalyst was a fun, quick read that upper elementary students will love.
Poor Zoe... all she wants is a pet to care for and call her own but trouble starts when the extremely tiny kitten she has found (and is hiding from her family) begins to grow exponentially. Makes me want a giant cat of my own to ride on. Who wouldn't want that?
February 10, 2022
What a charming, heartwarming, adventure of a story. This has my heart, I loved it! Zoe named the kitten Pipsqueak, because she was so tiny, & promised to always take care of her. Then the kitten grew. And grew. Now she's bigger than a horse -- & talking as well! Fleeing into the woods to escape the curious eyes of the Internet, Zoe & her best friend, Harrison, must keep the giant cat hidden as they desperately search for a way to return her to normal size. If they don't succeed, Pipsqueak may never be safe again. All the characters in here are fantastic, as is their dynamic. From Zoe’s family, her best friend Harrison & his cousin/their babysitter Surita, to Pipsqueak..so good! This was so engaging, adventurous, & entertaining. Pipsqueak of course has my whole heart(I’m also quite found of Buttermouse & Kermit!). No matter her size, she was the most adorable, sweetest, best cat ever. Big messages in here on loving & accepting others as they are, not trying to change them. Zoe & Harrison’s friendship was the absolute best. I loved them. Surita was hilarious, & I love what her character brought to the story. Such a great read. An adorable kitten that grows bigger than an elephant that you can ride, & she talks??!! Yes please! The journey the kids & the cat take was such a great adventure as well. Loved it. The ending had so many twists & I loved them all. I was wondering how things were going to be explained, & come together, & I loved what the author did. Oh! There’s even a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reference in here! One of my favorite all time shows ever, so I LOVED that! Lol Highly recommend! STUNNING cover by the amazing Brandon Dorman too!💜
July 24, 2024
3.5 stars.
Zoe discovers that her adorable, tiny kitten , whom she names Pipsqueak, is growing incredibly fast. And there are news reports of other strange creatures in the area. When Pipsqueak grows too large to hide, Zoe and her best friend Harrison, with the help of his cryptid-loving older cousin Surita, must get Pipsqueak to Zoe's aunt, who also is fascinated by cryptids and mythical beasts.
The problem is, Zoe's mum and aunt are no longer speaking, so Zoe, Harrison and Pipsqueak head out, with Surita providing cover, across countryside and forests, to join up with aunt Alecia in New Hampshire, where they discover some very surprising things about Zoe and her family.
This is a fun little story about friendship, but also about being open to new points of view and ideas, and adventure. The characters were well drawn, and author Sarah Beth Durst does something I really liked: when things got to a certain point, Zoe decided to actually talk to her family, after initially rejecting the possibility that her elders could be sympathetic to the very strange things happening to her cat.
Now, though this is a standalone, I wonder just how many other creatures Zoe will find and help to safety, with Harrison's and likely their families' help.
Zoe discovers that her adorable, tiny kitten , whom she names Pipsqueak, is growing incredibly fast. And there are news reports of other strange creatures in the area. When Pipsqueak grows too large to hide, Zoe and her best friend Harrison, with the help of his cryptid-loving older cousin Surita, must get Pipsqueak to Zoe's aunt, who also is fascinated by cryptids and mythical beasts.
The problem is, Zoe's mum and aunt are no longer speaking, so Zoe, Harrison and Pipsqueak head out, with Surita providing cover, across countryside and forests, to join up with aunt Alecia in New Hampshire, where they discover some very surprising things about Zoe and her family.
This is a fun little story about friendship, but also about being open to new points of view and ideas, and adventure. The characters were well drawn, and author Sarah Beth Durst does something I really liked: when things got to a certain point, Zoe decided to actually talk to her family, after initially rejecting the possibility that her elders could be sympathetic to the very strange things happening to her cat.
Now, though this is a standalone, I wonder just how many other creatures Zoe will find and help to safety, with Harrison's and likely their families' help.
June 9, 2020
A must for kids who love cats and fantasy, and just fine for grown-ups who also love both, though since grownups no longer have to worry about deceiving parents ( though I wouldn't tell my own mother that I was riding on the back of a giant kitten to the White Mountains, I wouldn't stress about deceiving her) it's not quite as relatable as it is for 12 year olds….
June 13, 2020
I just finished reading this sweet, funny, poignant, adorable book and I'm already thinking about just starting it all over again, I loved it that much! The conversation is well done, especially between the parents and their kids: witty, teasing, loving. The animals are so interesting! Who hasn't wanted their pet to talk to them? All cat lovers will be wishing for their own Pipsqueak to ride and snuggle and TALK TO. I also want a Buttermouse; too cute!
July 18, 2024
Super cute story
September 4, 2020
Once there was a kitten. I know that sounds like a cheesy start, but that's what happened in the book. The kitten was so small it could fit in the palm of your hand. A girl named Zoe found the kitten one day. She named the kitten Pipsqueak, because it was so small. She took it home and decided to take care of it. Zoe kept the kitten in her bed, and let Pipsqueak sleep with her. When she woke up the next morning, though, she couldn't find Pipsqueak. Instead, a fully grown cat was there. Pipsqueak had grown.
By the third day, Pipsqueak had grown to the size of a medium sized dog. And a few days later, Pipsqueak was bigger than a horse, and she was able to talk and read! Now that's what I call extraordinary. Just remember that Zoe still hasn't told her parents about how Pipsqueak is so big...
But bigger questions still remain. And then there are reports in the news of a flying poodle, who was taken away and tested on by scientists. Zoe is worried that Pipsqueak will also be taken away, and Pipsqueak is also worried.
Zoe comes up with a plan to take Pipsqueak to her aunt Alecia's house, because Alecia works with strange animals and said she will be able to help Zoe. But the problem is that her house is many hundreds of miles away. And they also have to not be seen. So that's a huge problem. But eventually they do make it, and realize that they can't change Pipsqueak back. But that's not it. Pipsqueak doesn't really want to be changed back, and neither do all of the other extraordinary animals that Zoe has taken with her, like the green dog with many teeth and the multicolored flying mouse. And after Zoe meets the mouse, she realizes that they like being the way they are, and all of them have to accept that.
OMG. I know I normally do a really long thing back here, but this time I only have 3 things to say:
1. Best book ever.
2. I think you will like this book if you like books about strange animals, and a pinch of magic with an extra large dollop of fantasy.
3. I would say the age range for this book is 8+, because Zoe does a lot of lying to her parents about Pipsqueak so that her parents don't tell the whole world and scientists take Pipsqueak away, and I think that kids younger than that might start lying too, and that wouldn't be good.
By the third day, Pipsqueak had grown to the size of a medium sized dog. And a few days later, Pipsqueak was bigger than a horse, and she was able to talk and read! Now that's what I call extraordinary. Just remember that Zoe still hasn't told her parents about how Pipsqueak is so big...
But bigger questions still remain. And then there are reports in the news of a flying poodle, who was taken away and tested on by scientists. Zoe is worried that Pipsqueak will also be taken away, and Pipsqueak is also worried.
Zoe comes up with a plan to take Pipsqueak to her aunt Alecia's house, because Alecia works with strange animals and said she will be able to help Zoe. But the problem is that her house is many hundreds of miles away. And they also have to not be seen. So that's a huge problem. But eventually they do make it, and realize that they can't change Pipsqueak back. But that's not it. Pipsqueak doesn't really want to be changed back, and neither do all of the other extraordinary animals that Zoe has taken with her, like the green dog with many teeth and the multicolored flying mouse. And after Zoe meets the mouse, she realizes that they like being the way they are, and all of them have to accept that.
OMG. I know I normally do a really long thing back here, but this time I only have 3 things to say:
1. Best book ever.
2. I think you will like this book if you like books about strange animals, and a pinch of magic with an extra large dollop of fantasy.
3. I would say the age range for this book is 8+, because Zoe does a lot of lying to her parents about Pipsqueak so that her parents don't tell the whole world and scientists take Pipsqueak away, and I think that kids younger than that might start lying too, and that wouldn't be good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
January 3, 2024DNF. I've sat on this review for a long time. I keep trying to finish this book and getting angry all over again.
Listen, I get I'm not the target audience, but that's kind of the point here. When you're writing middle grade, you can't have parents who are emotionally abusive and then not challenge it on the page. You're just teaching kids that these are acceptable things and ways to be treated.
Anyway, thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group, Clarion Books, & NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Listen, I get I'm not the target audience, but that's kind of the point here. When you're writing middle grade, you can't have parents who are emotionally abusive and then not challenge it on the page. You're just teaching kids that these are acceptable things and ways to be treated.
Anyway, thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group, Clarion Books, & NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2020
I absolutely positively adored this book! Enchanting story for young and old alike - especially cat lovers! Can't wait to introduce Pipsqueak and Zoe and Harrison et al to my grand kids!
June 29, 2021
Love this author and was not sure where the story was going till the second half for sure. Loved how everything got solved and would love another book in the other land.
October 29, 2024
Всъщност колкото и да е странна историята - на мен лично определено ми хареса!
Пък и накрая е важно посланието ☺️
Пък и накрая е важно посланието ☺️
October 25, 2025
I couldn't stand the "mother" and how much her family seems so hate her; but a cute story. The ending was a bit of a let down, hopefully they get more time together than just here and there.
February 15, 2024
This was a cute story.
I liked the cat Pipsqueak who becomes a giant cat and her relationship with Zoe - her human friend companion. I thought she sounds cute!
There is also a talking mouse and dog, which is a plus for me! I like stories with animals.
I loved the dynamic of relationships in the overall story.
To me it felt a bit short on the storyline though. I can’t tell you why it’s more of a feeling that there was something missing.
I did like this more than Even and Odd by Sarah Beth Durst.
I liked the cat Pipsqueak who becomes a giant cat and her relationship with Zoe - her human friend companion. I thought she sounds cute!
There is also a talking mouse and dog, which is a plus for me! I like stories with animals.
I loved the dynamic of relationships in the overall story.
To me it felt a bit short on the storyline though. I can’t tell you why it’s more of a feeling that there was something missing.
I did like this more than Even and Odd by Sarah Beth Durst.
June 4, 2020
Originally published at Woodpecker Books. Read the full review!
Eleven-year-old Zoe finds a baby kitten just before her birthday. And like any regular adolescent, she has a strong desire to keep said kitten. Harrison, her friend and neighbor, agrees. And reluctantly, so do her parents. Her mom requests that Pipsqueak, the tiny baby kitten, is contained without making a mess all over the house. But this becomes difficult for Zoe. Especially since after a few days, Pipsqueak is six feet long.
Zoe can only think of one person that might be able to help. Aunt Alecia. The only adult she knew who still believes in unicorns. Too bad she lives hours away and off the grid. Without finding any other solution, Zoe and Harrison decide to risk everything and take Pipsqueak for an unforgettable journey into the mountains.
First, I found the premise of the story to be quite enjoyable. A cat that grows out of control and a cross-country trek while riding a feline seems like the perfect middle grade setup. Zoe’s precarious position generates a decent amount of empathy. Harrison is a believable and quirky character with some comic relief. And as the magic of the world begins to open up, I found myself drawn into the story. This will no doubt be a delight to middle grade readers.
As for characters, Surita left a sour taste in my mouth. Her many pop-culture references are geared toward an older audience. She mentions movies from the nineties and comes across as a bit of a know-it-all. I also did not appreciate that she was teaching her younger compatriots how to create an entire ruse and disappear off the grid for a week. Granted, her plan involved riding a giant cat to the mountains, but there was no redeeming this scene for me. Thankfully, Zoe chooses truth even when it wasn’t necessary.
Finally, Zoe’s character arc fell a bit flat. From the very first moment, she lied and then confessed about the kitten. Then pages later, she was in the same exact situation. Well, not quite the same. The problem she experienced in the first few pages just grew – literally – to a disconcerting level. She had to learn the same lesson twice.
This feline fiasco will be a hit for middle grade readers. With colorful characters and extravagant circumstances, this will pull the reader in from the first few pages and not let go. It’s funny. It’s outlandish. And in many ways, it’s true to life. While Zoe is dealing with a giant cat, her brother and best friend is preparing to leave and study overseas. She’s mourning the loss of what was without any indication of what will be. And even her kitty surprise that she finds causes more grief than not.
In the end, I’m glad that she chose to come forward. Kids have a difficult enough time sharing with their parents what is going on in their lives. Reinforcing this dynamic will only lead to more isolation between parent and child. Furthermore, there are direct positive consequences for her decision to tell the truth. Put all of this in front of a backdrop that demonstrates loving family dynamics, and you have a story that can grow right along with its reader… as well as Pipsqueak.
Eleven-year-old Zoe finds a baby kitten just before her birthday. And like any regular adolescent, she has a strong desire to keep said kitten. Harrison, her friend and neighbor, agrees. And reluctantly, so do her parents. Her mom requests that Pipsqueak, the tiny baby kitten, is contained without making a mess all over the house. But this becomes difficult for Zoe. Especially since after a few days, Pipsqueak is six feet long.
Zoe can only think of one person that might be able to help. Aunt Alecia. The only adult she knew who still believes in unicorns. Too bad she lives hours away and off the grid. Without finding any other solution, Zoe and Harrison decide to risk everything and take Pipsqueak for an unforgettable journey into the mountains.
First, I found the premise of the story to be quite enjoyable. A cat that grows out of control and a cross-country trek while riding a feline seems like the perfect middle grade setup. Zoe’s precarious position generates a decent amount of empathy. Harrison is a believable and quirky character with some comic relief. And as the magic of the world begins to open up, I found myself drawn into the story. This will no doubt be a delight to middle grade readers.
As for characters, Surita left a sour taste in my mouth. Her many pop-culture references are geared toward an older audience. She mentions movies from the nineties and comes across as a bit of a know-it-all. I also did not appreciate that she was teaching her younger compatriots how to create an entire ruse and disappear off the grid for a week. Granted, her plan involved riding a giant cat to the mountains, but there was no redeeming this scene for me. Thankfully, Zoe chooses truth even when it wasn’t necessary.
Finally, Zoe’s character arc fell a bit flat. From the very first moment, she lied and then confessed about the kitten. Then pages later, she was in the same exact situation. Well, not quite the same. The problem she experienced in the first few pages just grew – literally – to a disconcerting level. She had to learn the same lesson twice.
This feline fiasco will be a hit for middle grade readers. With colorful characters and extravagant circumstances, this will pull the reader in from the first few pages and not let go. It’s funny. It’s outlandish. And in many ways, it’s true to life. While Zoe is dealing with a giant cat, her brother and best friend is preparing to leave and study overseas. She’s mourning the loss of what was without any indication of what will be. And even her kitty surprise that she finds causes more grief than not.
In the end, I’m glad that she chose to come forward. Kids have a difficult enough time sharing with their parents what is going on in their lives. Reinforcing this dynamic will only lead to more isolation between parent and child. Furthermore, there are direct positive consequences for her decision to tell the truth. Put all of this in front of a backdrop that demonstrates loving family dynamics, and you have a story that can grow right along with its reader… as well as Pipsqueak.
May 24, 2020
Lots of things are changing for almost 12-year-old Zoe. She's grown 4 inches and now towers over her best friend Harrison. Her brother Alex has graduated from high school and won a scholarship to a school in Paris. Her mother has taken a new job with the mayor's office. And her family is getting ready to start on a big remodeling project. Zoe wishes that things would just stay the same for a while.
Zoe has always been the kid who rescues animals in need. Her mom says she can't bring anymore home after the "skunk incident" though. When Zoe finds a tiny kitten between the garage and the garbage can, she doesn't quite know what to do. She decides to bring the kitten in and hide her in her room - just for the night. But she never expects what will happen next.
Zoe names the tiny kitten Pipsqueak and falls in love with her. She promises to always take care of her. So when her kitten starts to grown unusually fast, Zoe has quite a dilemma. Her parents agree to let her keep the kitten if she agrees to be completely responsible for its care. When the kitten grows to become a full size cat in three days and begins to talk, Zoe and Harrison don't know what to do.
It doesn't help that there have been sightings of other unusual animals including a green dog and a flying poodle which are bringing unwanted attention to Zoe's neighborhood. And Pipsqueak keeps growing. Zoe moves her to the garden shed when she gets to be the size of a large dog and still needs to keep her secret both from her family and from reporters who are looking for unusual animals.
Zoe wants to find a way to change Pipqueak back into an ordinary size cat and hopes her Aunt Alecia who believes in unusual things will be able to help her. But the two kids along with Pipsqueak, a rainbow colored mouse with wings, and the green dog have to find a way to travel the hundreds of miles to Aunt Alecia's house to get her help.
They all have lots of adventures and close calls as they find their way to Aunt Alecia's and then even farther into the White Mountains before they learn the secrets Aunt Alecia is keeping.
This was an excellent story about friendship and promises and the way things change even when you don't want the to. I loved the characters and the magic.
Zoe has always been the kid who rescues animals in need. Her mom says she can't bring anymore home after the "skunk incident" though. When Zoe finds a tiny kitten between the garage and the garbage can, she doesn't quite know what to do. She decides to bring the kitten in and hide her in her room - just for the night. But she never expects what will happen next.
Zoe names the tiny kitten Pipsqueak and falls in love with her. She promises to always take care of her. So when her kitten starts to grown unusually fast, Zoe has quite a dilemma. Her parents agree to let her keep the kitten if she agrees to be completely responsible for its care. When the kitten grows to become a full size cat in three days and begins to talk, Zoe and Harrison don't know what to do.
It doesn't help that there have been sightings of other unusual animals including a green dog and a flying poodle which are bringing unwanted attention to Zoe's neighborhood. And Pipsqueak keeps growing. Zoe moves her to the garden shed when she gets to be the size of a large dog and still needs to keep her secret both from her family and from reporters who are looking for unusual animals.
Zoe wants to find a way to change Pipqueak back into an ordinary size cat and hopes her Aunt Alecia who believes in unusual things will be able to help her. But the two kids along with Pipsqueak, a rainbow colored mouse with wings, and the green dog have to find a way to travel the hundreds of miles to Aunt Alecia's house to get her help.
They all have lots of adventures and close calls as they find their way to Aunt Alecia's and then even farther into the White Mountains before they learn the secrets Aunt Alecia is keeping.
This was an excellent story about friendship and promises and the way things change even when you don't want the to. I loved the characters and the magic.
January 26, 2023
Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I borrowed a copy of this on audiobook from my library.
Thoughts: I listened to this on audiobook and it was a fun audiobook to listen to. It is a cute middle grade fantasy about family, friends, and magical animals. I have picked up a couple middle grade reads again lately and I am finding they just aren't for me, but that doesn't mean this wasn't a good story. I think I enjoyed middle grade reads more when my son was in that age group and also reading these types of books.
The story follows Zoe who finds a small kitten that she names Pipsqueak. She gets reluctant permission to keep Pipsqueak from her parents...and then Pipsqueak starts to grow and talk! Zoe has promised to take care of Pipsqueak and she ends up trying to hide the changes in Pipsqueak from her parents. Things get more complicated when other pets start displaying strange magical features as well.
This was a cute middle grade read. The magical animals were adorable. Zoe has a decent relationship with her family and a close friendship with Harrison, her best friend. The themes in the book are about taking responsibility for your commitments and coming of age. There is a lot about friendship and family and change as well. Zoe is very sad that her older brother is going off to college and has to learn that change can be a good thing.
There are some fun twists at the end of the book and I enjoyed finding out why the animals changed even if it felt a little far-fetched. This is definitely intended for a middle grade audience and I don't think adults will enjoy it as much. The writing pattern, concepts, and plot are fairly simple. It is a well written and fun read that I think kids of all ages will enjoy.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this isn't my favorite Durst book, I prefer her young adult and adult novels. However, it was a fun and cute read that I think kids will enjoy. There are positive messages throughout the story and the whole book has a positive feel in general. There's a lot in here about family, friendships and growing up...and of course a giant magical talking cat who was incredibly adorable! I probably won't pick up more of Durst's middle grade books, but I will definitely continue to seek out her adult and young adult novels. Durst is an excellent writer that I enjoy reading.
Thoughts: I listened to this on audiobook and it was a fun audiobook to listen to. It is a cute middle grade fantasy about family, friends, and magical animals. I have picked up a couple middle grade reads again lately and I am finding they just aren't for me, but that doesn't mean this wasn't a good story. I think I enjoyed middle grade reads more when my son was in that age group and also reading these types of books.
The story follows Zoe who finds a small kitten that she names Pipsqueak. She gets reluctant permission to keep Pipsqueak from her parents...and then Pipsqueak starts to grow and talk! Zoe has promised to take care of Pipsqueak and she ends up trying to hide the changes in Pipsqueak from her parents. Things get more complicated when other pets start displaying strange magical features as well.
This was a cute middle grade read. The magical animals were adorable. Zoe has a decent relationship with her family and a close friendship with Harrison, her best friend. The themes in the book are about taking responsibility for your commitments and coming of age. There is a lot about friendship and family and change as well. Zoe is very sad that her older brother is going off to college and has to learn that change can be a good thing.
There are some fun twists at the end of the book and I enjoyed finding out why the animals changed even if it felt a little far-fetched. This is definitely intended for a middle grade audience and I don't think adults will enjoy it as much. The writing pattern, concepts, and plot are fairly simple. It is a well written and fun read that I think kids of all ages will enjoy.
My Summary (4/5): Overall this isn't my favorite Durst book, I prefer her young adult and adult novels. However, it was a fun and cute read that I think kids will enjoy. There are positive messages throughout the story and the whole book has a positive feel in general. There's a lot in here about family, friendships and growing up...and of course a giant magical talking cat who was incredibly adorable! I probably won't pick up more of Durst's middle grade books, but I will definitely continue to seek out her adult and young adult novels. Durst is an excellent writer that I enjoy reading.
August 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! The concept was just as fun as it sounds, and I think Durst did a great job portraying kids at this age as believable, rather than making them read as an extreme on either end (far too childish or far too mature). I also appreciated how modern life was handled: phones were used realistically instead of being ignored or written off to create artificial problems, Surita was driving age and felt like a good addition without it being a poorly written too-easy fix. The story itself went at a good pace, and I thought the ending tied things together really well and was an excellent way to wrap things up.
There were a couple things that frustrated me. Firstly, I don’t think anyone, especially a kids' book should be encouraging the idea of an outside cat. It’s terrible for the cat and worse for the environment. Please keep your cats indoors. It bothered me that it was presented in a way that made it seem loke a logical way for kids to talk their parents into it as they might end up trying that and succeeding, which will contribute to the problem. Secondly, there’s basically a whole chapter where the characters spend forever not knowing what the “green creature” was, even though by that point it was blatantly obvious it was the dog and they had been talking about it for a long while beforehand. And they saw a picture of it online. And it was the primary reason they went out on their adventure (to find more weird animals and see what could be done). It felt like forced confusion, which was irritating, especially since the plot was otherwise really strong.
Other than that, I thought the book was great overall! The adventure was great, the story was (mostly) written well, and the ending really landed. Definitely a fun read, even if I wish a few details had been handled differently.
There were a couple things that frustrated me. Firstly, I don’t think anyone, especially a kids' book should be encouraging the idea of an outside cat. It’s terrible for the cat and worse for the environment. Please keep your cats indoors. It bothered me that it was presented in a way that made it seem loke a logical way for kids to talk their parents into it as they might end up trying that and succeeding, which will contribute to the problem. Secondly, there’s basically a whole chapter where the characters spend forever not knowing what the “green creature” was, even though by that point it was blatantly obvious it was the dog and they had been talking about it for a long while beforehand. And they saw a picture of it online. And it was the primary reason they went out on their adventure (to find more weird animals and see what could be done). It felt like forced confusion, which was irritating, especially since the plot was otherwise really strong.
Other than that, I thought the book was great overall! The adventure was great, the story was (mostly) written well, and the ending really landed. Definitely a fun read, even if I wish a few details had been handled differently.
June 9, 2020
Sarah Beth Durst's latest middle-grade fantasy centers on a giant kitten named Pipsqueak. Well, actually, Pipsqueak started out really tiny but overnight, after she is rescued by soon-to-be-twelve Zoe, starts growing. And growing. And... GROWING. In a little over a week, Pipsqueak is bigger than a mountain lion. And talking and reading books. Zoe doesn't know whether to be utterly delighted with her new companion (she's been quite down, anticipating her older brother's departure to college) or terrified that tabloids and scientists are going to find Pipsqueak and take her away, making Pip's life a misery. How can she keep her safe? Taking her friend Harrison and his older cousin Surita into her confidence, she hatches a plan to get Pipsqueak to her Aunt Alecia, who lives at a sanctuary in New Hampshire and knows all about unusual animals. It will take some serious sneaking around, like lying to Zoe and Harrison's parents that they're at Surita's summer camp, and riding Pipsqueak to New Hampshire. And some of that riding might involve hopping from roof to roof to avoid being seen down on the ground. It sounds like lots of fun except for the fact that Zoe is expecting Aunt Alecia to "fix" Pipsqueak, as in somehow make her a regular housecat again. Can she? And even if she could, should she?
This is a sweet fantasy about learning to accept change and situations that don't meet your expectations. Sometimes the best way to learn about and accept change is to be a catalyst for change. The novel is a good selection for summer reading for children between the ages of ten and thirteen years of age.
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sweet fantasy about learning to accept change and situations that don't meet your expectations. Sometimes the best way to learn about and accept change is to be a catalyst for change. The novel is a good selection for summer reading for children between the ages of ten and thirteen years of age.
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2024
I love the cover of this book and there are elements to like. The plot is definitely original but it isn’t developed well, and hence, rather boring. None of it is remotely believable. A good fantasy book makes you believe in the possibilities. Likewise, the characters are syrupy sweet, with about two inches of depth.
Zoe wants a cat, but her parents say no. So when a tiny kitten shows up, she hides it in her room. When it is the size of a full-grown cat after just one day, she and her friend, Harrison, take it to the vet thinking something is seriously wrong. Of course, the vet doesn’t believe her. So she keeps the cat, Pipsqueak, hidden until she can think of a plan. But the cat keeps growing. And then talking. And even reading. Soon it outgrows the shed. The only one who might be able to return Pipsqueak to its original size is her aunt. So she hatches a plan to travel to Vermont with Harrison on Pipsqueak’s back, camping along the way. When she finally reaches her aunt, she learns the truth about why Pipsqueak is the way he is and what she (Zoe) has to do with it.
This story had potential, but I found none of the characters realistic. Reactions to a fast growing, talking cat have minimal emotional believability, and the relationship between Zoe and her brother is almost nauseating, it’s so far from reality. As for the plot, the author fails to make it convincing. What should be fantastical and interesting, isn’t. The reason given for how these animals come to be the way they are just isn’t satisfying. The page length clearly makes this a middle grade book, but the tone and plot make it more appropriate for younger kids.
Zoe wants a cat, but her parents say no. So when a tiny kitten shows up, she hides it in her room. When it is the size of a full-grown cat after just one day, she and her friend, Harrison, take it to the vet thinking something is seriously wrong. Of course, the vet doesn’t believe her. So she keeps the cat, Pipsqueak, hidden until she can think of a plan. But the cat keeps growing. And then talking. And even reading. Soon it outgrows the shed. The only one who might be able to return Pipsqueak to its original size is her aunt. So she hatches a plan to travel to Vermont with Harrison on Pipsqueak’s back, camping along the way. When she finally reaches her aunt, she learns the truth about why Pipsqueak is the way he is and what she (Zoe) has to do with it.
This story had potential, but I found none of the characters realistic. Reactions to a fast growing, talking cat have minimal emotional believability, and the relationship between Zoe and her brother is almost nauseating, it’s so far from reality. As for the plot, the author fails to make it convincing. What should be fantastical and interesting, isn’t. The reason given for how these animals come to be the way they are just isn’t satisfying. The page length clearly makes this a middle grade book, but the tone and plot make it more appropriate for younger kids.
August 20, 2022
Sarah Beth Durst's CATALYST features a gigantic talking cat. If that's enough to entice you, you're the target audience for this book, and you'll have a perfectly enjoyable time.
Zoe, the protagonist, rescues what she thinks is an ordinary stray kitten, whom she names Pipsqueak. But Pipsqueak grows huge, alarmingly quickly, and Zoe doesn't know what to do. Her attempts to restore Pipsqueak to an ordinary size unravel old family secrets, lead to unexpected allies, and prompt semi-disastrous adventures, which feature other magical animals sprinkled in along the way. The characters are distinct and complex (I particularly enjoyed Surita, Zoe's almost-goth, conspiracy-theory-loving babysitter), and Pipsqueak the cat is satisfyingly feline in her thoughts and behavior, enough to make her both convincingly alien and yet also sympathetic.
I think the thing that really sets this book apart, though, is the loving relationship that Zoe has with her family. In earlier decades, a middle-grade book with this setup would likely have as a source of tension, "you can't trust anyone with your secret, except maybe your best friend", but Zoe (and said best friend) find a few other allies in unexpected places. Ultimately, Pipsqueak's best outcome depends on Zoe's vulnerability and trust, which is a refreshingly positive and nuanced message about the best way to take care of those you love.
Positive, gentle, warm, and fun, CATALYST is a win-win--uplifting for young readers and satisfying emotional comfort-food for any adult cat-loving fantasy fan.
Zoe, the protagonist, rescues what she thinks is an ordinary stray kitten, whom she names Pipsqueak. But Pipsqueak grows huge, alarmingly quickly, and Zoe doesn't know what to do. Her attempts to restore Pipsqueak to an ordinary size unravel old family secrets, lead to unexpected allies, and prompt semi-disastrous adventures, which feature other magical animals sprinkled in along the way. The characters are distinct and complex (I particularly enjoyed Surita, Zoe's almost-goth, conspiracy-theory-loving babysitter), and Pipsqueak the cat is satisfyingly feline in her thoughts and behavior, enough to make her both convincingly alien and yet also sympathetic.
I think the thing that really sets this book apart, though, is the loving relationship that Zoe has with her family. In earlier decades, a middle-grade book with this setup would likely have as a source of tension, "you can't trust anyone with your secret, except maybe your best friend", but Zoe (and said best friend) find a few other allies in unexpected places. Ultimately, Pipsqueak's best outcome depends on Zoe's vulnerability and trust, which is a refreshingly positive and nuanced message about the best way to take care of those you love.
Positive, gentle, warm, and fun, CATALYST is a win-win--uplifting for young readers and satisfying emotional comfort-food for any adult cat-loving fantasy fan.
February 20, 2023
I've often wondered why so many novels for young readers have to be focused on saving the world or overthrowing a fascist government. Whatever happened to adventure stories about a boy and his dog, or a girl and her pony? So a fantasy about two kids trying to rescue a giant cat would seem to be right up my alley.
Zoe and her neighbor Harrison live in suburban Massachusetts, and one night she discovers a tiny kitten and does the proper thing by deciding to adopt and protect it. Then the kitten starts growing, and also talking, while stories of flying dogs and other magic animals begin appearing on the news. Zoe will have to find a way to conceal her over-sized pet from her parents and an inquisitive news media while discovering the truth behind these strange events.
There's a definite challenge in trying to fit this type of adventure story into a modern setting. References to the internet, cameras, and other technology drop in throughout the book. Making such things actually work in the story is difficult, and it did not really ring true to the way children relate to technology. There are some cute and original moments in Catalyst but also several parts that are slow-paced and dull. So overall, three stars, and I'll keep looking for the next great story about a kid and their animal.
Zoe and her neighbor Harrison live in suburban Massachusetts, and one night she discovers a tiny kitten and does the proper thing by deciding to adopt and protect it. Then the kitten starts growing, and also talking, while stories of flying dogs and other magic animals begin appearing on the news. Zoe will have to find a way to conceal her over-sized pet from her parents and an inquisitive news media while discovering the truth behind these strange events.
There's a definite challenge in trying to fit this type of adventure story into a modern setting. References to the internet, cameras, and other technology drop in throughout the book. Making such things actually work in the story is difficult, and it did not really ring true to the way children relate to technology. There are some cute and original moments in Catalyst but also several parts that are slow-paced and dull. So overall, three stars, and I'll keep looking for the next great story about a kid and their animal.
May 24, 2020
Catalyst by Sarah Beth Durst
First, I must point out I am a huge anthropomorphism fan. Second I am a huge fan of Sarah Beth Durst. Now both of these items are relative to my enthusiasm for the style and the author not to my less than diminutive size. This is a book written for children and I am in close contact with my inner child, ergo I love it. Zoe finds a very small kitten and the story begins there but it is sly in it’s introduction of magic to the plot.
For me the message of this book is that you need to accept who you are and to be happy in your own skin. I have no idea if that was Durst’s message but it is what I felt. I like that message. I like the fact the Durst is encouraging kids to be comfortable with their self-identity.
In addition, the story is captivating and captures the insecurities of being a child and the fears that your truths will not be seen or noticed.
This is a story about a young girl, her best friend and the marvelous cat she adopts.
I highly recommend it.
First, I must point out I am a huge anthropomorphism fan. Second I am a huge fan of Sarah Beth Durst. Now both of these items are relative to my enthusiasm for the style and the author not to my less than diminutive size. This is a book written for children and I am in close contact with my inner child, ergo I love it. Zoe finds a very small kitten and the story begins there but it is sly in it’s introduction of magic to the plot.
For me the message of this book is that you need to accept who you are and to be happy in your own skin. I have no idea if that was Durst’s message but it is what I felt. I like that message. I like the fact the Durst is encouraging kids to be comfortable with their self-identity.
In addition, the story is captivating and captures the insecurities of being a child and the fears that your truths will not be seen or noticed.
This is a story about a young girl, her best friend and the marvelous cat she adopts.
I highly recommend it.
June 30, 2025
Als Zoe een schattig klein katje vind vlak bij haar huis neemt ze het mee naar binnen. Haar ouders zijn wel gewend dat Zoe dieren mee naar huis neemt en hebben haar dat eigenlijk verboden. Vooral haar moeder heeft daar moeite mee, maar een katje is wel iets anders dan een stinkdier en ze mag het katje houden op de voorwaarden dat ze voor de kat zorgt en hij op haar kamer blijft en, als hij groter wordt, in de tuin.
Dolblij neemt Zoe het katje mee naar haar kamer. Als ze de andere ochtend wakker wordt is het geen katje mee, maar een grote kat. En hij blijft groeien. Ze houdt Pipsqueak lange tijd verborgen maar vertelt wel alles tegen haar buurjongen en beste vriend Harrison. Als het verstoppen steeds moeilijker wordt besluiten ze naar Tante Alecia te gaan die wel een heel eind reizen bij hen vandaan woont. Maar daar bedenken ze een plan voor. En met hulp van Harrison's nicht Surita vertrekken ze op een lange trektocht waar ze voor een grote verrassing komen te staan.
Dolblij neemt Zoe het katje mee naar haar kamer. Als ze de andere ochtend wakker wordt is het geen katje mee, maar een grote kat. En hij blijft groeien. Ze houdt Pipsqueak lange tijd verborgen maar vertelt wel alles tegen haar buurjongen en beste vriend Harrison. Als het verstoppen steeds moeilijker wordt besluiten ze naar Tante Alecia te gaan die wel een heel eind reizen bij hen vandaan woont. Maar daar bedenken ze een plan voor. En met hulp van Harrison's nicht Surita vertrekken ze op een lange trektocht waar ze voor een grote verrassing komen te staan.
November 9, 2025
About Strong Friendship and Accepting Change
Catalyst by Sarah Beth Durst is about Zoe, a 12-year-old who loves animals, and her best friend Harrison who loves video games and is always there for her. The book is aimed at older children. I love the strong friendship portrayed in this book, which not only includes Zoe and Harrison, but also the friendship between Zoe and her unusual cat Pipsqueak. This book is also about change. Zoe’s brother Alex will be leaving home to go to college and part of his room will be remodeled. Her mom has recently changed jobs. The kitten Zoe found is growing at an unusual speed and developing in extraordinary abilities.
I like animals, so I liked the magical animals. Other than that, there isn’t magic in the world - no magic spells, no wizards - so it focuses on issues a child could be experiencing. I enjoyed it.
Catalyst by Sarah Beth Durst is about Zoe, a 12-year-old who loves animals, and her best friend Harrison who loves video games and is always there for her. The book is aimed at older children. I love the strong friendship portrayed in this book, which not only includes Zoe and Harrison, but also the friendship between Zoe and her unusual cat Pipsqueak. This book is also about change. Zoe’s brother Alex will be leaving home to go to college and part of his room will be remodeled. Her mom has recently changed jobs. The kitten Zoe found is growing at an unusual speed and developing in extraordinary abilities.
I like animals, so I liked the magical animals. Other than that, there isn’t magic in the world - no magic spells, no wizards - so it focuses on issues a child could be experiencing. I enjoyed it.
July 7, 2020
A heart-warming story about change, growing up, and learning to let go, Catalyst is a quick and fun read that makes you believe in magic just around the corner. When Zoe finds a tiny kitten and convinces her parents to let her keep it she doesn't know it will end in a cross-country journey with her best friend Harrison while her parents think they're at a sleep-away camp. But the kitten, Pipsqueak, is growing at an alarming rate, there are sightings of a neon green dog, and a mouse has sprouted butterfly wings. Zoe, Harrison, and Pipsqueak go on a grand journey to try and find out what's happening while Zoe grapples with the possibility that there may not be a solution. Fans of Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume will likely enjoy this fantastic adventure.
June 18, 2025
middle grades, upper elementary
third-person POV
standalone
AR test available
A cute story about Zoe, who finds a kitten the day before her 12th birthday and is astonished when it keeps growing and growing and growing... Zoe struggles to hide Pipsqueak but enlists the help of her next door neighbor and best friend, Harrison. There are several other sightings of unusual animals which causes a media circus. Zoe writes to her Aunt Alecia for help, who tells Zoe to come to her cabin in the woods. Harrison and Zoe manage to travel there and along the way pick up a couple of other very unusual animals.
Aunt Alecia explains the magic, but Zoe and crew decide to go home and explain to their families what has happened. Of course there is a happy ending.
third-person POV
standalone
AR test available
A cute story about Zoe, who finds a kitten the day before her 12th birthday and is astonished when it keeps growing and growing and growing... Zoe struggles to hide Pipsqueak but enlists the help of her next door neighbor and best friend, Harrison. There are several other sightings of unusual animals which causes a media circus. Zoe writes to her Aunt Alecia for help, who tells Zoe to come to her cabin in the woods. Harrison and Zoe manage to travel there and along the way pick up a couple of other very unusual animals.
Aunt Alecia explains the magic, but Zoe and crew decide to go home and explain to their families what has happened. Of course there is a happy ending.
January 2, 2021
I love Durst’s middle-grade fantasy – with one exception, they always feature wonderful female protagonists experiencing really cool fantasy constructs, in a tidily self-contained book that leaves the reader wholly satisfied. This book is no exception. It takes a terrific concept – a feline Clifford – and runs with it, examining how the world would actually react to a gargantuan pet instead of cheerfully going along with it and paying the animal no heed. Along the way, the book proves to be a good meditation on growing up, friendship, and family.
Also, the giant cat is adorable. I don’t even like cats, but I really want to ride Pipsqueak.
Also, the giant cat is adorable. I don’t even like cats, but I really want to ride Pipsqueak.
February 11, 2022
I read this book with my daughter and she loved it. We finished the book and could not fathom that was the end. We wanted more of Zoe and her giant cat. To me to reason for the adventure and the instant forgiveness at the end was a little far fetched, but it’s a Middle grades kids book… so silliness and poor decisions are a given ;) We loved the characters! Her best friend was funny and brought a fun dynamic to the story. My personal favorite character was Buttermouse. He was so vain it was perfect. My daughter loved this book so much that she picked up Spark- another book by Sarah Beth Durst.
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