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Catvinkle and the Missing Tulips
Award-winning novelist Elliot Perlman’s second book of Catvinkle’s adventures is another wise, wonderful and warm-hearted tale.
When best friends Catvinkle and Ula are asked to defend two sheep accused of eating Amsterdam's tulips, they're not sure what to believe. The sheep say they're innocent, but they do look very sheepish.
To win this case, Catvinkle will need the help of a wolfhound, a llama, two travelling koalas, a pair of Russian bears . . . and a very special bird.
When best friends Catvinkle and Ula are asked to defend two sheep accused of eating Amsterdam's tulips, they're not sure what to believe. The sheep say they're innocent, but they do look very sheepish.
To win this case, Catvinkle will need the help of a wolfhound, a llama, two travelling koalas, a pair of Russian bears . . . and a very special bird.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 29, 2020
1 person is currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Elliot Perlman
19 books331 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 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 12, 2023
Who has been eating Aunty Beehive’s award winning tulips? Not only her tulips, but the beautiful flowers throughout all of Amsterdam have been upended, leaving only stalks and trails of soil behind.
The prime suspects are two sheep, Lambken & Shepsil. Aunty Beehive’s pets, but perhaps not for much longer, unless their innocence can be proven.
Welcome back to the delightful world of Catvinkle, a gorgeous, pampered feline (with a slightly arrogant air), and her pet sibling Ula, a happy go lucky Dalmatian, who was saved from a life on the streets by the kind barber Mr.Sabatni. We first met them in The Adventures of Catvinkle”.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This time, Catvinkle and Uli have to come to the aid of Lambken & Shepsil, to prove they’re not responsible for the demise of Aunty Beehive’s tulips. Though Catvinkle isn’t so keen, as she says they both look “sheepish” and “wooly”. It’s so delightful!
This is a gentle story that shows how appearances can be deceptive, and not to judge anybody by assumptions. That cats and dogs can be friends. And llamas too.
There is a cast of all sorts of animals here, including Russian bears, wolves, and riverine rabbits. And two koalas. What’s not to love! While the focus of the story is around solving the demise of the tulips, and whether or not sheep eat them, there’s also an underlying story about the natural habitat of animals being encroached on by people, as forests are destroyed to make way for human habitation.
Elliot Perlman cleverly includes many lessons here about fairness, jealousy, friendship, being helpful, and most importantly empathy. There is a charming character by the name of The Empathy Bird, which allows others to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. And perhaps understand them better. I would so love if a real Empathy Bird or two could be released into the world. Imagine the changes that could be made.
This installment is again filled with delightful illustrations by Laura Stitzel, which add to the story. And if you look closely enough, there are a lot of tiny details which you may miss at first glance.
WORDS: Elliot Perlman
ILLUSTRATIONS: Laura Stizel
Another gorgeous book that will delight readers of all ages. I’d imagine this would be such a joy to read to or read with a young reader. It just begs to be shared!
The prime suspects are two sheep, Lambken & Shepsil. Aunty Beehive’s pets, but perhaps not for much longer, unless their innocence can be proven.
Welcome back to the delightful world of Catvinkle, a gorgeous, pampered feline (with a slightly arrogant air), and her pet sibling Ula, a happy go lucky Dalmatian, who was saved from a life on the streets by the kind barber Mr.Sabatni. We first met them in The Adventures of Catvinkle”.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This time, Catvinkle and Uli have to come to the aid of Lambken & Shepsil, to prove they’re not responsible for the demise of Aunty Beehive’s tulips. Though Catvinkle isn’t so keen, as she says they both look “sheepish” and “wooly”. It’s so delightful!
This is a gentle story that shows how appearances can be deceptive, and not to judge anybody by assumptions. That cats and dogs can be friends. And llamas too.
There is a cast of all sorts of animals here, including Russian bears, wolves, and riverine rabbits. And two koalas. What’s not to love! While the focus of the story is around solving the demise of the tulips, and whether or not sheep eat them, there’s also an underlying story about the natural habitat of animals being encroached on by people, as forests are destroyed to make way for human habitation.
Elliot Perlman cleverly includes many lessons here about fairness, jealousy, friendship, being helpful, and most importantly empathy. There is a charming character by the name of The Empathy Bird, which allows others to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. And perhaps understand them better. I would so love if a real Empathy Bird or two could be released into the world. Imagine the changes that could be made.
This installment is again filled with delightful illustrations by Laura Stitzel, which add to the story. And if you look closely enough, there are a lot of tiny details which you may miss at first glance.
WORDS: Elliot Perlman
ILLUSTRATIONS: Laura Stizel
Another gorgeous book that will delight readers of all ages. I’d imagine this would be such a joy to read to or read with a young reader. It just begs to be shared!
November 14, 2020
This beautiful tale is a modern classic. It’s so rare to find a novel for this age group that is both literary and entertaining and interwoven with important social justice themes. While this book is perfect for independent readers, as a parent it is a joy to read it to a child. It’s laugh out loud funny for children and adults (creating beautiful bonding moments) and provides endless opportunities for deep and important conversations about inclusion, diversity, equity, empathy, honesty, justice and what it means to be a true friend. And this is just the tip of the iceberg - it’s a springboard for talking about art appreciation and how to apply critical thought to determining what is true or not. The dialogue is so brilliant, unmatched by any books in the genre, and infused with Perlman’s signature values and social critique.
October 17, 2020
The loveable Catvinkle and Ula are back with more exciting adventures, this time with even more friends! My favourite thing about the Catvinkle books is that not only are they fantastic stories for children to enjoy - but they are entertaining and witty - which makes them a pleasure for the adults that are often the ones reading. They are beautiful stories full of valuable lessons about friendship and kindness and are a joy to read from beginning to end. I cannot recommend this book enough.
October 2, 2020
If you and your children and grandchildren loved 'The Adventures of Catvinkle', you'll all be thrilled with Perlman's sequel, 'Catvinkle and the Missing Tulips', which is a great story. The same cast of lovable characters, as well as new and endearing personalities, have a lot to say about our connections with other animals and humans, ideas that resonate deeply in our current Covid world of increasing isolation from others. We learnt from Perlman's previous Catvinkle book that it is possible for cats and dogs not only to learn to live together but also to love each other. Now that is taken to a whole new level where others, including a wonderful little Empathy Bird, have a message and mission that we can all take on board. This is a reassuring tale for children, there is nothing scary to frighten little ones and younger readers. It's a story that puts our problems in perspective and reveals deep bonds in both the animal and human world. And, being Perlman, there is also humour and his unfailing light touch that will bring smiles and belly laughs a-plenty. This is a chapter book that is never boring and will entertain children and those adults who read to them.
January 11, 2025
Perlman Pearls #2
Catvinkle #2
Catvinkle returns in this second adventure complete with sheep and nefarious activities abounding, but it just lacked some of the charm of book #1, still a decent read though.
Catvinkle #2
Catvinkle returns in this second adventure complete with sheep and nefarious activities abounding, but it just lacked some of the charm of book #1, still a decent read though.
November 30, 2021
Its so cute
December 17, 2023
My 8yo daughter has the audio cd of this book, it’s one of her favourite stories and she listens to it regularly.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews