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Adventures in Fosterland
Emmett and Jez
From New York Times bestselling author Hannah Shaw—also known as Kitten Lady—comes the first book in an exciting and heartwarming new chapter book series following kittens and other baby animals in Fosterland!
When a tiny piglet named Emmett bounces off the truck carrying his mother and siblings, he’s lost, hungry, and stuck on the side of the road. He has no idea where he’s supposed to go, or where he belongs.
Then a giant scoops Emmett up and takes him to a wonderful, magical place called Fosterland, where he meets a kitten named Jez. Emmett has a lot of questions, and once he hears all about life as a kitten, he decides it’s much better than being a piglet. So, Emmett decides to just become a kitten instead! Problem solved.
But as both Jez and Emmett grow older and realize they might be headed off to different forever homes, Emmett will have to confront his fears and face the scariest question of Is there a Foreverland out there for him?
When a tiny piglet named Emmett bounces off the truck carrying his mother and siblings, he’s lost, hungry, and stuck on the side of the road. He has no idea where he’s supposed to go, or where he belongs.
Then a giant scoops Emmett up and takes him to a wonderful, magical place called Fosterland, where he meets a kitten named Jez. Emmett has a lot of questions, and once he hears all about life as a kitten, he decides it’s much better than being a piglet. So, Emmett decides to just become a kitten instead! Problem solved.
But as both Jez and Emmett grow older and realize they might be headed off to different forever homes, Emmett will have to confront his fears and face the scariest question of Is there a Foreverland out there for him?
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2022
8 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Shaw
16 books138 followersHannah Shaw is a kitten rescuer, humane educator, author, and unwavering animal advocate who has dedicated her life to finding innovative ways to protect animals. Her project, Kitten Lady, strives to create global change in the way we perceive and treat the tiniest and most vulnerable felines: orphan kittens.
Kitten Lady provides educational media, training resources, and instructional workshops and consulting services that help individuals and animal shelters learn how to save the lives of kittens--in a fun and engaging format.
Shaw is the author of the upcoming book Tiny But Mighty (Penguin Random House, 2019) and the upcoming children’s book Kitten Lady’s Big Book of Little Kittens (Simon and Schuster, 2019.) She has been featured as a guest expert on Animal Planet's My Cat From Hell, and her work has been profiled in People Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and other media outlets around the world. Shaw was awarded the 2017 Advocate of the Year award by CatCon Worldwide and the 2018 Advocacy Award by Kitten Rescue LA. She was named one San Diego City Beat’s “People of the Year” for 2018.
Kitten Lady provides educational media, training resources, and instructional workshops and consulting services that help individuals and animal shelters learn how to save the lives of kittens--in a fun and engaging format.
Shaw is the author of the upcoming book Tiny But Mighty (Penguin Random House, 2019) and the upcoming children’s book Kitten Lady’s Big Book of Little Kittens (Simon and Schuster, 2019.) She has been featured as a guest expert on Animal Planet's My Cat From Hell, and her work has been profiled in People Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and other media outlets around the world. Shaw was awarded the 2017 Advocate of the Year award by CatCon Worldwide and the 2018 Advocacy Award by Kitten Rescue LA. She was named one San Diego City Beat’s “People of the Year” for 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 11, 2023
Precious! Read for summer Scrabble challenge 2023. I am going to add all of them in the series. I have decided to order copies for my classroom. What a feel good read!
January 23, 2023
Emmett, a tiny piglet, has started life on the wrong hoof. He’s taken a tumble from a truck and was left behind on the roadside. Thankfully, a kind person rescues him and takes him to a wondrous world of warm beds and yummy snacks—Fosterland—and a new friend, a kitten named Jez who is simply convinced that Emmett must be an especially unusual-looking fellow cat. But Emmett isn’t so sure…
“Kitten Lady” Hannah Shaw has hit a sweet spot with her social media channels: adorable baby animals being helped at her Orphan Kitten Club rescue coupled with educational pet welfare content. It’s so nice to see someone genuinely knowledgeable about pet care step into the admittedly crowded world of animal-related junior novels. Unfortunately, some other authors’ works end up sending messages that are detrimental to animal welfare—such as depictions of buying animals from pet shops or allowing them to have “oops” litters.
EMMETT AND JEZ is just right for early independent readers getting started with chapter books—or for read aloud! The tone is upbeat and light and never too sad or scary for the intended audience. Nor is there heavy-handed messaging that could turn off mainstream audiences. All in all, the Fosterland books are appealing, high-interest titles that belong in every elementary school and public library.
Best of all, Emmett and Jez are real animals—a piglet and a kitten who were cared for and adopted out by Shaw’s fostering and rehabilitation clinic. The pair really did have an adorably bonded friendship, and the book jacket includes their delightful photos and real-life story.
“Kitten Lady” Hannah Shaw has hit a sweet spot with her social media channels: adorable baby animals being helped at her Orphan Kitten Club rescue coupled with educational pet welfare content. It’s so nice to see someone genuinely knowledgeable about pet care step into the admittedly crowded world of animal-related junior novels. Unfortunately, some other authors’ works end up sending messages that are detrimental to animal welfare—such as depictions of buying animals from pet shops or allowing them to have “oops” litters.
EMMETT AND JEZ is just right for early independent readers getting started with chapter books—or for read aloud! The tone is upbeat and light and never too sad or scary for the intended audience. Nor is there heavy-handed messaging that could turn off mainstream audiences. All in all, the Fosterland books are appealing, high-interest titles that belong in every elementary school and public library.
Best of all, Emmett and Jez are real animals—a piglet and a kitten who were cared for and adopted out by Shaw’s fostering and rehabilitation clinic. The pair really did have an adorably bonded friendship, and the book jacket includes their delightful photos and real-life story.
June 11, 2024
This was completely adorable, and I also loved the illustrations.
July 27, 2024
Huge Kitten Lady fan! Can't wait to read the rest in the series! 😄🐾😻🐖
May 29, 2023
4.5 Ohmigosh, I cried! This tiny little book is so good! As a fellow kitten fosterer, I support everything’s Hannah Shaw does, and this book does not disappoint. I love that it’s an adorable, touching way to teach compassion to our younger generations. I’ll be looking to purchase copies for all of the elementary libraries in the school district where I teach (over time because there are over 20!)
However, as an educator with a degree in English and as a grammarian as a hobby (don’t I sound like the most fun person at a party?), I do have to deduct a half a star for Shaw’s redundant usage of the object pronoun “us” as a subject. For example, on page 23 a sentence states, “Consider yourself lucky, because us foster kittens have it good in Fosterland.” The correct sentence should read, “…WE foster kittens…” this error is repeated in several places throughout the book, and since our young readers who are just learning correct grammar and usage will be reading Shaw’s Fosterland books, I very much wish they were grammatically correct. It seems like the editors at Simon and Schuster should have caught this error since it’s a rather simple one. Maybe someone will read this review and corrections will be made in future printings. Maybe not. Regardless, the story is absolutely heart-warming and made my very middle-aged heart cry. Highly recommend.
However, as an educator with a degree in English and as a grammarian as a hobby (don’t I sound like the most fun person at a party?), I do have to deduct a half a star for Shaw’s redundant usage of the object pronoun “us” as a subject. For example, on page 23 a sentence states, “Consider yourself lucky, because us foster kittens have it good in Fosterland.” The correct sentence should read, “…WE foster kittens…” this error is repeated in several places throughout the book, and since our young readers who are just learning correct grammar and usage will be reading Shaw’s Fosterland books, I very much wish they were grammatically correct. It seems like the editors at Simon and Schuster should have caught this error since it’s a rather simple one. Maybe someone will read this review and corrections will be made in future printings. Maybe not. Regardless, the story is absolutely heart-warming and made my very middle-aged heart cry. Highly recommend.
June 1, 2022
Obviously I’m not in the age range for this book, but I have been following Hannah for years and remember Emmett and Jez’s friendship, and how Emmett and Hugo bonded once they both came to Farm Animal Refuge. When I saw this ARC where I work I knew I had to have it!
It was really cute to see these animals turned into characters in a children’s book that talks about acceptance and being true to yourself. Very adorable and the illustrator even got Emmett’s little dark patch in the depiction.
Definitely would recommend for young readers!
It was really cute to see these animals turned into characters in a children’s book that talks about acceptance and being true to yourself. Very adorable and the illustrator even got Emmett’s little dark patch in the depiction.
Definitely would recommend for young readers!
July 12, 2022
Having followed Hannah Shaw (the Kitten Lady) on social media for many years, I remember Emmett and Jez's 'fosterland' story in real life, and to see it play out in a book was definitely very adorable!
I enjoyed the lesson that we can be friends even if we're different, and can find our own happily-ever-after.
I enjoyed the lesson that we can be friends even if we're different, and can find our own happily-ever-after.
June 9, 2022
A wonderful book to warm your heart.
I loved this story because it’s not only about a pig and a kitten but two souls in bad need of love that found it together, if only humans could be so loving.
I loved this story because it’s not only about a pig and a kitten but two souls in bad need of love that found it together, if only humans could be so loving.
November 12, 2022
When a tiny pig, Emmett, bounces off a truck, he doesn't know what to do. He asks a bee for help, but is eventually found by a giant human who takes him to a rescue. There, he finds toys, a bowl of food, and a cozy bed. In that bed is a brown, fuzzy animal named Jez who invites him to snuggle and starts to show him the ropes of Fosterland where they are living. Jez, who has lost a leg, informs Emmett that he is a kitten who must have had damage to his tale. The two become fast friends who take joy in cardboard boxes, climbing the insurmountable obstacle of the couch, and manage to get into the human's food. Jez questions Emmett's taste, since he doesn't like vegetables, and questions how he can be friends with birds and bees, but the two get along and grow a lot. When Emmett realizes that he's a pig, will this affect how the two friends spend their time when they are adopted into Foreverland?
Good Points
This series, which is based on real cases that come through KittenLady.Org's rescue, is perfect for readers who are just starting to enjoy chapter books. Even the books are a slightly smaller size, and perfect for smaller hands. There are plenty of black and white illustrations of the two animals that are very charming. Photographs of the real animals appear on the back cover and are super cute!
The tone preserves the perspective of the animals, and young readers will be pleased that they know more about the world than Emmett knows. Jez is a friendly cat who gets into a little bit of trouble but takes care of his friend very well. There are good lessons in making the best of a situation and adapting to new surroundings.
I'm a big fan of increasing awareness of animal rescue missions, and the Adventures in Fosterland series is especially interesting because it goes a bit beyond the typical cat and dog rescues. Hand this to readers of Florence's My Furry Foster Family, Hale's Class Pets, May's Scaredy Pug, and Selfors Wedgie and Gizmo who like a combination of easier text and illustrations that support it.
Good Points
This series, which is based on real cases that come through KittenLady.Org's rescue, is perfect for readers who are just starting to enjoy chapter books. Even the books are a slightly smaller size, and perfect for smaller hands. There are plenty of black and white illustrations of the two animals that are very charming. Photographs of the real animals appear on the back cover and are super cute!
The tone preserves the perspective of the animals, and young readers will be pleased that they know more about the world than Emmett knows. Jez is a friendly cat who gets into a little bit of trouble but takes care of his friend very well. There are good lessons in making the best of a situation and adapting to new surroundings.
I'm a big fan of increasing awareness of animal rescue missions, and the Adventures in Fosterland series is especially interesting because it goes a bit beyond the typical cat and dog rescues. Hand this to readers of Florence's My Furry Foster Family, Hale's Class Pets, May's Scaredy Pug, and Selfors Wedgie and Gizmo who like a combination of easier text and illustrations that support it.
August 7, 2023
First sentence: Thud! The whole world seemed to be spinning around Emmett as he hit the pavement and rolled into a ditch. Ouch. That hurt! Little Emmett brushed himself off and lifted his head, which was now throbbing, and squinted as he watched a truck disappear into the distance.
Premise/plot: Emmett, a pig, becomes best friends with Jez, a cat. These two meet in Fosterland. Emmett is the only of his kind--at least at that time. So he spends a good bit of time thinking he's a cat just like Jez. And Jez is happy to treat him as such. But as the two grow up, their differences become more and more undeniable. Will Emmett (and Jezz) find their forever homes?
My thoughts: This series is written by Hannah Shaw, aka KITTEN LADY. These characters are based (somewhat loosely) on her own past fosters. The book is told exclusively from Emmett's point of view. And the focus is never on any of the humans, just on other animals. I liked this one very much.
Premise/plot: Emmett, a pig, becomes best friends with Jez, a cat. These two meet in Fosterland. Emmett is the only of his kind--at least at that time. So he spends a good bit of time thinking he's a cat just like Jez. And Jez is happy to treat him as such. But as the two grow up, their differences become more and more undeniable. Will Emmett (and Jezz) find their forever homes?
My thoughts: This series is written by Hannah Shaw, aka KITTEN LADY. These characters are based (somewhat loosely) on her own past fosters. The book is told exclusively from Emmett's point of view. And the focus is never on any of the humans, just on other animals. I liked this one very much.
May 20, 2024
Plot: A Pig called Emmet is found and brought home by the Foodfairy human. Emmet meets Jez the cat. They become friends, chase each other in a box, and climb Mountain Couch. Emmet figures he's a pig. Jez goes into a cat box and Emmet moves to the farm.
Characters: Jez is my favourite character because she is a cat. The Foodfairy is my least favourite because they're a human.
My opinion: Yes, I did like the book. My favourite part is when Emmett meets Jez because it is just so wholesome :)
Recommend: Yes I would recommend this book to people my age. It is also inspired by a true story and the cat only has 3 legs!
Eva B - Year 4 - Summer 2024
Characters: Jez is my favourite character because she is a cat. The Foodfairy is my least favourite because they're a human.
My opinion: Yes, I did like the book. My favourite part is when Emmett meets Jez because it is just so wholesome :)
Recommend: Yes I would recommend this book to people my age. It is also inspired by a true story and the cat only has 3 legs!
Eva B - Year 4 - Summer 2024
August 31, 2022
I started following the Kitten Lady on Instagram and just adore the work she does. When I found out she was writing kid’s books, I knew I had to get my hands on them. I’ve also been trying to read to my kids more, so we’ve been reading this every night and just finished it tonight. It was such an adorable book! There are a few illustrations to keep it interesting enough for my 5 year old. My kids love animals so this content was just right for them. We can’t wait to read the second in the series!
April 26, 2023
i just finished having this read to me by my sister sara. she was a wonderful storyteller,and we had storytime for several evenings. much better than ending the day with the usual horrible news.
this is a sweet story about a pig named emmett that we are both big fans of. he lives at farm animal refuge in southern california,and we follow him and all his friends online. jez the kitten was his first best friend.
hannah shaw,the kitten lady,wrote this beautiful book and it was so much fun! great stories for kids of any age!
this is a sweet story about a pig named emmett that we are both big fans of. he lives at farm animal refuge in southern california,and we follow him and all his friends online. jez the kitten was his first best friend.
hannah shaw,the kitten lady,wrote this beautiful book and it was so much fun! great stories for kids of any age!
December 4, 2022
I read this to my six year old and we both loved it. It’s based on a real fostering case and told in a very cute way from the animals’ POV. Sweet line drawings add to the early chapter book enjoyment. My kid cried when the two go off to separate forever homes, but we talked about how their needs were different and they had each other in fosterland when they needed each other and made new friends in their forever homes.
September 10, 2022
This book is really cute! It has actual glitter on the cover! The illustrations are very cute too! The story was a nice little tale of two best friends, even though they are different they discovered how lucky they are and are happy! I definitely almost cried cause the story is so sweet and touching! Honestly I would buy as many of these books as Hannah is willing to write!
October 13, 2023
A Beautiful Story!
I love these books, not just for the wonderful, heartwarming story itself. You see, I remember watching it all happen on Hannah’s YouTube channel, and you can too. Just go to Kitten Lady, and you can see all the true life adventures from these amazing books. It just makes reading them that much better. Happy reading!
I love these books, not just for the wonderful, heartwarming story itself. You see, I remember watching it all happen on Hannah’s YouTube channel, and you can too. Just go to Kitten Lady, and you can see all the true life adventures from these amazing books. It just makes reading them that much better. Happy reading!
June 22, 2024
Would have never read this if I had known how it would end. I might be an adult but it really makes me want to cry. The story is pretty bland but I gave it a pass because it’s a children’s story (even though I’ve read plenty of children’s stories that were well-written) but the ending made my stomach turn. It feels worse knowing this is based on a true story.
December 17, 2024
adorable and fun
Such a cute view of small animals in their beginning lives. Their communication and caring for each other was precious. Animals have a lot of love to give and share. I loved this happy story. I’m from LaMesa area and know the area well
Such a cute view of small animals in their beginning lives. Their communication and caring for each other was precious. Animals have a lot of love to give and share. I loved this happy story. I’m from LaMesa area and know the area well
July 14, 2025
Emmett a baby pig. Jez is a three-legged kitten. They become best friends when they are being fostered together. In the end, Jez goes to a new home, and Emmett goes to live on a farm. They are both very happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2022
Every library should have this book!
June 26, 2022
This is such a cute story about a rescue piglet and a foster kitten. I don’t normally read kid lit but I would even recommend it to adults who like animal stories.
August 6, 2022
Very cute children's book, and I love the Kitten Lady!
August 10, 2022
So cute. I love the personification of these little guys that I followed for months on instagram, and to get to see a peak into their sort of make believe life was just so adorable.
January 11, 2023
Very cute, hoping it could spark conversations about animal product alternatives?
January 19, 2023
My daughter liked the jokes and the friendship between the cat and pig. I thought the writing was meh but the story is cute.
April 6, 2023
A sweet delightful book sure to please the young animal-loving reader.
August 6, 2023
Fantastic debut by my favorite humane educator/animal rescuer!
October 5, 2023
Daughter review: I loved the story of Emmett and Jez and how they were friends and got their dreams. I loved they had friends at the end and all the happy animals.
November 25, 2023
A heartwarming story based on true events. After reading it, I immediately had to see what these cuties were up to now.
March 16, 2025
This true cute story was one my daughter loved !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews