Cats at the Campground

Animal Ark [GB Order] #52

by Ben M. Baglio, Ann Baum (Illustrator), Linda Chapman (Ghostwriter)

This newest Animal Ark title will provide cozy reading for animal lovers everywhere. With sales of over 6 million books worldwide, the Animal Ark franchise is a hit with young readers.

Mandy and James have discovered a stray cat and her kittens behind old Wilfred Bennett's house. But the next time they visit, she's moved her family into a trailer on Sam Western's campsite! Sam Western has no patience for animals -- particularly cats. If Mandy and James can't tempt the cats out of the trailer, Sam Western will handle them himself.

Can Mandy save the cat and her kittens in time?

Genres: Animals, Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade, Cats, Realistic Fiction, Juvenile

137 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

About the author

Ben M. Baglio created the brief for two series of children's books - Dolphin Diaries and Animal Ark. Dolphin Diaries features a girl and her family from Florida, who travel around the world as marine biologists and study dolphins. Animal Ark features two children who work together to help animals and solve animal-related mysteries. The books were written by commissioned writers in the UK under Baglio's instruction using the pseudonym Lucy Daniels. Each ghostwriter is named with a 'Special Thanks' on the copyright page.

Using his real name he also wrote the book series The Pet Finders Club, featuring a group of three children who search for peoples lost pets.

Reviews

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a review of the American Scholastic edition, attributed to the fake author name of Ben Baglio. When it was originally published in the UK by Hodder, it was attributed to the fake author name of Lucy Daniels and under the title, Cats in the Caravan. Perhaps Scholastic thought that American kids could not ever understand what the word "caravan" meant. The word is used multiple times in the American edition, so why not the title? Anyway, the real author was veteran Animal Ark Universe ghostwriter Linda Chapman.

Many Animal Ark books are stand alone novels, meaning that you don't need to read all of the previous books to understand the one you hold in your hot little hands. However, you absolutely need to read Horse in the House, Owl in the Office, and just about any book with Sam Western in it to fully get the impact of this one. Mandy's fear that the mother cat and kittens would be killed is justified, although not really articulated in the book.

This was a decent read, even for adults wanting to read something short and a bit different. Just be prepared for some predictability. Like most Animal Ark books, this has two plots. The A plot is trying to save the mother cat and kittens. The B plot is the recovery of Dylan the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, who had to have spinal surgery. I personally like it when the Animal Ark books focus on pet health and medical conditions, but others might be a little grossed out.

There is a little about Russian Blue cats here. Despite the name, the cats are grey. They're only called Russian Blues, because that sells better than Russian Greys. It shows you that, despite popular misconception, even pedigreed pets become strays.

Betty Hilder also gets a vacation in this book, but I can't see her having any friends left after she gets back. Apparently, a friend was trying to care for the shelter all by herself, and having a horrible time of it. You just can't have one person run an animal shelter, Betty.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a huge fan of animal ark when I was little. My favorite Animal Ark books were always the ones about the dogs, cats, or horses. I got this animal ark book in a collection boxed set of four animal ark books on cats. I do not think this one is as well written as Kittens in the Kitchen but I still thought this was a very cute story.

Mandy and James discover a stray cat has given birth to three adorable baby kittens in a campground. However, this stray cat is extremely wild and Sam Western, the owner of the campground, does not want any cats on his property. Therefore, Mandy and James only have a little bit of time to try and tame the mother and take all the cats off the place.

Overall, I thought this story was fairly well written and realistic in its portrayal of those who do not like animals. The plot was fairly predictable but since this is designed for fairly young readers I did not see this as a big problem. While I did not enjoy this as much as I remember when I was younger I still think this is a cute, easy read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son loves any book where cats are involved. He really loved this book and got emotionally drawn into the story. He really wanted the cats to be okay.

Mandy and James find a stray cat and her three kittens in a barn and need to find a safe, warm place for them. When they find the mother and kittens have moved into a caravan of Sam Western, they only have a limited time before Sam "will get rid of them". They try to gain the mother cat's trust, once they do that they can then find good homes for the cats. Can they get the mother cat's trust in time? Can they find good homes for the cats?

My son was happy with the ending. 😻

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 8-year-old daughter loved this book and insisted that I read it, too. I don't share her passion for animals so it took some effort to get into the story at first, but once the drama started I was hooked. Kids like my daughter who aspire to become veterinarians will like this one, as the main character is the daughter of two veterinarians and she actively helps them in their clinic (which happens to be attached to their home, so they pretty much work around the clock). Spoiler alert: it's a happy ending.

[Naomi towns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at goodwill before but I never read it. but I finally read it now and it was actually a good book. this is suppossed to be book 32 . my faverite character is Mandy preety sure shes one of those cats on the cover of the book I love cats there my faverite animal . and dogs are cute to . I never read the whole intire book before . these are rare to find I only found one once and never again

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With no access to library bools, I'm rereading books I loved when i was little

[Lianna Kendig · Rating 4 out of 5]

(LL)
Another great story, however, it would be nice if they chose different animals. They are repeating dogs, cats, and horses at about six or seven stories of each so far and of the books I own.

[Amber Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the intention of the story! Recommend for younger readers or if you’re like me. Rereading childhood favorites.

[Emily Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very simple read, suitable for a young reader interested in pets, especially cats. This is part of the animal ark range which is very popular with young children. My criticism of this particular book is that the Mother of the main character of this book is referred to as Doctor Emily throughout....i found this annoying...children probably wouldn't though!

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book on the recommendation of my little sisters-in-law while my husband and I were first dating. It was cute, it was sweet, it took me all of a half hour to read but didn't make me want to read anymore.

[Abigail Elrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people just see differently than others ecspecially when it comes to animals.

[Caitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because it had animals like cats and dogs but me I love cats there like a mini version of a tiger my favorite animal in the hole world.

[Rose]

JF Bag

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was so cool how they got the kittens out.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

intense book

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy and James had trouble with a family of cats.Sam Western is not happy to see them in one of his campers.My favorite part was when they found the family.Auryn 7yo

[Bowoo · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a horrible book, and I could barely keep reading, it was so uninteresting, but since my mother's motto of books is to keep reading and finish it no matter how boring it is, so i did.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was wonderful. I wish I had read it sooner!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one! This is the last book I read of animal ark,although I am uncertain if I finished it. I knew it was time to move onto new challenging and grown up books ( age 11 )

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely children's book about rescuing a stray cat and her kittens. Some good little cat facts for children to learn

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book,I think it was very interesting. I liked at the end when Mandy was surprised when Sam was not going to hurt them, but give them a good home.

[Aryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really great to read. I really recommend this to animal lovers. I bet it will melt your heart

[Taylor Troncin]

Loved this series when I was younger. Still a huge animal lover and would like to read the rest of this series!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have loved this when I was a child!

[Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it for a book report. It was really good actually. But through the whole book I said someone’s name wrong.

[Mallory Tabler · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this series

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy and James must save a litter of kittens from Sam Western.

[Alexandra Lindner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!