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Adventures in Fosterland
Super Spinach
Spinach hates having her own cage in the animal shelter. It’s so boring! She wants to pounce on crinkly balls, chase ribbons, and climb up scratchers with the four feisty kittens that live beside her. But Spinach is sick, so she has to watch from the sidelines.
Then Spinach is taken to the vet’s office, where they fix her right up. Now, she can jump, pounce, and play! The old tomcat at the vet’s said she’d have to be a superhero to get through the procedure so…that must mean she now has superpowers!
Super Spinach is taken to Fosterland, where she gets her own sidekick, a roly-poly kitten named Chickpea, and a superhero uniform that she believes gives her the special powers. But when her super suit is taken away, will Super Spinach still be able to save the day?
Then Spinach is taken to the vet’s office, where they fix her right up. Now, she can jump, pounce, and play! The old tomcat at the vet’s said she’d have to be a superhero to get through the procedure so…that must mean she now has superpowers!
Super Spinach is taken to Fosterland, where she gets her own sidekick, a roly-poly kitten named Chickpea, and a superhero uniform that she believes gives her the special powers. But when her super suit is taken away, will Super Spinach still be able to save the day?
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2022
10 people are currently reading
80 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 14, 2022
As with Emmett and Jez from the first 'Adventures in Fosterland' story, I remember Spinach and Chickpea with fondness from their time as foster kittens with Hannah and her Orphan Kitten Club organisation.
I really enjoyed this fictionalisation of their story, and appreciated the reminder that when we have courage and love with all our hearts, we can do almost anything!
I really enjoyed this fictionalisation of their story, and appreciated the reminder that when we have courage and love with all our hearts, we can do almost anything!
July 27, 2024
First beach read 😍 I can't believe how wonderful this book was! ❤️❤️❤️ Can't wait to read the rest of the series! #Heartfelt #FeelGood #GirlsWhoRead
July 22, 2025
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Spinach spends her time at the animal shelter watching all the other kittens play and get adopted. But she's stuck in her own cage. She has pectus excavatum, which means her rib cage is too small, making it hard for her to run and play like the others. But one day, something amazing happens. Bestowed with a metal chest plate and a super-sock, Spinach gets her super powers, becoming Super Spinach. She'll hone her new skills at Fosterland along with her new friend and sidekick, Chickpea.
The narration follows Spinach, getting a cat's-eye view of her new foster home. Seeing the world from her perspective led to some very humorous descriptions and misunderstandings. It was fun for the reader to piece together what was actually going on.
Cute illustrations that help break up the text. They don't always completely match the descriptions in the narration, but overall they pair well with the story.
Includes a bit of info at the back about the real-life Spinach and Chickpea.
A very fun idea for a book series. Each book follows different animals as they visit Fosterland. The books can be read in any order and this one easily works as a standalone.
A sweet story of bravery, friendship, and believing in yourself. Can definitely see this being popular with young animal lovers.
Spinach spends her time at the animal shelter watching all the other kittens play and get adopted. But she's stuck in her own cage. She has pectus excavatum, which means her rib cage is too small, making it hard for her to run and play like the others. But one day, something amazing happens. Bestowed with a metal chest plate and a super-sock, Spinach gets her super powers, becoming Super Spinach. She'll hone her new skills at Fosterland along with her new friend and sidekick, Chickpea.
The narration follows Spinach, getting a cat's-eye view of her new foster home. Seeing the world from her perspective led to some very humorous descriptions and misunderstandings. It was fun for the reader to piece together what was actually going on.
Cute illustrations that help break up the text. They don't always completely match the descriptions in the narration, but overall they pair well with the story.
Includes a bit of info at the back about the real-life Spinach and Chickpea.
A very fun idea for a book series. Each book follows different animals as they visit Fosterland. The books can be read in any order and this one easily works as a standalone.
A sweet story of bravery, friendship, and believing in yourself. Can definitely see this being popular with young animal lovers.
January 10, 2023
Aww! This book! Based upon the real-life rescue of a kitten with a medical condition who was given a new lease on life with veterinary care, SUPER SPINACH imagines one heroic kitty’s lively adventures with her tiny sidekick, Chickpea.
SPINACH is just right for beginning independent readers of chapter books, and is illustrated with adorable pictures throughout. The book retains an upbeat, positive tone; there is no scary or overwhelming content. Young cat lovers will spot this series and hopefully snap it up.
I love that “Kitten Lady” Hannah Shaw is now writing children’s books. On her YouTube channel and other media, she’s hit on a perfect balance of adorable content and education about important animal welfare issues. Thanks to her approachable, engaging style, Shaw has no doubt helped save many cats’ lives. It’s nice to see pet-related kids’ chapter books written by someone with a genuine interest and knowledge about pet care and welfare.
It’s true, there isn’t a lot of “message” content in SUPER SPINACH—other than the ideas that shelters, foster homes, and vet care can all work together to help cats and kittens. (Which is a lesson in itself—some children’s media still continue to portray these places as dark and scary.) But honestly, the lack of strong messaging may be a boon to this series. In my library at least, “message” books often struggle to find an audience—even when the values being portrayed are fairly popular/noncontroversial. SUPER SPINACH will hopefully get into lots of hands, inspiring a love of both reading and cats.
SPINACH is just right for beginning independent readers of chapter books, and is illustrated with adorable pictures throughout. The book retains an upbeat, positive tone; there is no scary or overwhelming content. Young cat lovers will spot this series and hopefully snap it up.
I love that “Kitten Lady” Hannah Shaw is now writing children’s books. On her YouTube channel and other media, she’s hit on a perfect balance of adorable content and education about important animal welfare issues. Thanks to her approachable, engaging style, Shaw has no doubt helped save many cats’ lives. It’s nice to see pet-related kids’ chapter books written by someone with a genuine interest and knowledge about pet care and welfare.
It’s true, there isn’t a lot of “message” content in SUPER SPINACH—other than the ideas that shelters, foster homes, and vet care can all work together to help cats and kittens. (Which is a lesson in itself—some children’s media still continue to portray these places as dark and scary.) But honestly, the lack of strong messaging may be a boon to this series. In my library at least, “message” books often struggle to find an audience—even when the values being portrayed are fairly popular/noncontroversial. SUPER SPINACH will hopefully get into lots of hands, inspiring a love of both reading and cats.
October 24, 2022
I may not be the target audience for this book—but after hearing Spinach’s story, I couldn’t resist! I grabbed a copy of Super Spinach at Kitten Lady’s CatCon book signing, and was hooked from the first page. It’s just so cute!
This book is an adorable, whimsical adventure that is perfect for kids and cat lovers. The book is inspired by Kitten Lady’s real-life foster kittens, Spinach and Chickpea. I loved seeing the world through the eyes of Spinach and Chickpea, and I learned new things (like about pectus excavvatum, the condition that Spinach was born with) along the way! The illustrations were also delightful and fit the story perfectly. I truly can’t wait to read more in this series. If you love cats and follow Kitten Lady, I highly recommend it. 💜
This book is an adorable, whimsical adventure that is perfect for kids and cat lovers. The book is inspired by Kitten Lady’s real-life foster kittens, Spinach and Chickpea. I loved seeing the world through the eyes of Spinach and Chickpea, and I learned new things (like about pectus excavvatum, the condition that Spinach was born with) along the way! The illustrations were also delightful and fit the story perfectly. I truly can’t wait to read more in this series. If you love cats and follow Kitten Lady, I highly recommend it. 💜
November 12, 2022
Spinach is a kitten waiting patiently in the shelter to be adopted, but when other animals get blue cards and soon find families, she is worried that her blue card will mean she won't leave the shelter soon. In fact, it means that she needs to have a medical procedure to correct her undersized rib cage that is pressing on her lungs and making it hard to breathe. When she comes out of the anesthesia, she realizes that she has a plate on her chest. Combined with the sock vest that her new foster human makes her, Spinach is sure that she has super powers. Helping her in her endeavors is another cat in the foster home, a roly poly kitten named Chickpea. Together, the two have many adventures, like taking a trip down the laundry chute, rescuing a bunch of kittens from a warmer, and using their super powers to predict when their meals will come. They are very invested in the idea that Spinach has special abilities conferred by his plate and super socks, so when that is removed, the two must realize that their powers lie within their hearts.
Good Points
Based on two kittens that were fostered by KittenLady.Org (whose pictures appear on the back cover of the book), this is a fun look at an imagined perspective of a cat who has special needs. Young readers will learn a little about pectus excavatum, Spinach's condition of having a small rib cage, and see that some animals need medical help in the same way that some humans do. I can see young readers being interested in helping rescue cats after reading this book.
There are lots of silly moments where Spinach and Chickpea try to use their "super powers" that will appeal to readers of Bentley's Magic Kitten series, and who enjoy animal books with some fantasy elements. The two show a collaborative effort that will appeal to readers of Citro's Zoey and Sassafras books, and I half expected Spinach to solve more of a mystery than just the kittens in the incubator. Other readalikes include McKay's Lulu and the Cat in the Bag, or one of my all time favorties, Willem's Diva and Flea.
These books have a highly addictive quality due to the fast paced plot, engaging characters, and charming illustrations, so it's goo to know that the third book, Baby Badger (about a kitten named Badger, not an actually badger), comes out in January 2023.
Good Points
Based on two kittens that were fostered by KittenLady.Org (whose pictures appear on the back cover of the book), this is a fun look at an imagined perspective of a cat who has special needs. Young readers will learn a little about pectus excavatum, Spinach's condition of having a small rib cage, and see that some animals need medical help in the same way that some humans do. I can see young readers being interested in helping rescue cats after reading this book.
There are lots of silly moments where Spinach and Chickpea try to use their "super powers" that will appeal to readers of Bentley's Magic Kitten series, and who enjoy animal books with some fantasy elements. The two show a collaborative effort that will appeal to readers of Citro's Zoey and Sassafras books, and I half expected Spinach to solve more of a mystery than just the kittens in the incubator. Other readalikes include McKay's Lulu and the Cat in the Bag, or one of my all time favorties, Willem's Diva and Flea.
These books have a highly addictive quality due to the fast paced plot, engaging characters, and charming illustrations, so it's goo to know that the third book, Baby Badger (about a kitten named Badger, not an actually badger), comes out in January 2023.
February 16, 2023
Spinach is very disappointed she isn't getting adopted like the other kittens at the shelter. Instead she is getting something medical done. After her procedure she has a special plate on her chest and fancy socks to wear, and meets a new friend Chickpea in Fosterland. Spinach thinks the socks and plate give her special powers because she can do so much now she couldn't do before. When the plate and sock are taken away, though, will she lose her powers?
A cute little imagined story of what might be going through a kitten's head. The story is based on a real kitten that Kitten Lady (aka Hannah Shaw) fostered who had a condition called pectus excavatum in which the rib cage is too small. The story is cute and shows how an animal fosterer helps care for a variety of kittens. Kids who also have medical issues may identify with Spinach feeling left behind and then the adjustment to "normal" life when their medical devices/supports are no longer needed.
Notes on content: Spinach's surgery is mentioned but not shown at all.
A cute little imagined story of what might be going through a kitten's head. The story is based on a real kitten that Kitten Lady (aka Hannah Shaw) fostered who had a condition called pectus excavatum in which the rib cage is too small. The story is cute and shows how an animal fosterer helps care for a variety of kittens. Kids who also have medical issues may identify with Spinach feeling left behind and then the adjustment to "normal" life when their medical devices/supports are no longer needed.
Notes on content: Spinach's surgery is mentioned but not shown at all.
August 7, 2023
First sentence: "Pow!" shouted a tiny tabby named Bruce as his paw struck a crinkle ball, sending it flying toward his littermates. "Bam!" called his sister, Sally, as she swiped it out of the air with her fluffy mitts.
Premise/plot: Spinach, a cat, needs corrective surgery that will enable her to live her best life ever and be up for adoption. After the surgery, Spinach wears a super-armor and super-sock. Spinach is convinced she is a superhero--a real one--with actual super-powers. She even finds a sidekick to help her on her adventures. She spends her recovery time at Fosterland and has plenty of adventures...but will her super powers disappear after the special super-suit is gone?
My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. Perhaps even more than the first book in the series. I loved getting to know the characters--mainly kitties--and it was just a great read.
Premise/plot: Spinach, a cat, needs corrective surgery that will enable her to live her best life ever and be up for adoption. After the surgery, Spinach wears a super-armor and super-sock. Spinach is convinced she is a superhero--a real one--with actual super-powers. She even finds a sidekick to help her on her adventures. She spends her recovery time at Fosterland and has plenty of adventures...but will her super powers disappear after the special super-suit is gone?
My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. Perhaps even more than the first book in the series. I loved getting to know the characters--mainly kitties--and it was just a great read.
October 13, 2023
Oh My Heart!
What an incredible story! Spinach had such a strong will. I remember the doctors being concerned about the severity of her condition prior to surgery. But she came through beautifully. This heartwarming story with her best friend Chickpea further shows the power of love.
What an incredible story! Spinach had such a strong will. I remember the doctors being concerned about the severity of her condition prior to surgery. But she came through beautifully. This heartwarming story with her best friend Chickpea further shows the power of love.
May 17, 2024
Daughter review: I liked when Spinach got her “sock suit” and had her powers. How it was about bravery and how the kittens got to stay together forever and ever!
My review: a nice story about healing and overcoming fears, finding family in friends, and finding strength within. Great night time read with the kid!
My review: a nice story about healing and overcoming fears, finding family in friends, and finding strength within. Great night time read with the kid!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
November 30, 2023
So cute! Perfect for young readers.
January 4, 2024
Ruby enjoyed this book
February 22, 2024
Feeling very inspired. Thank you, Kitten Lady!!
May 18, 2024
Oh my goodness, these books are so sweet!! Love reading them with my four year old.
June 12, 2024
Another cute book with a great message for young readers.
May 21, 2025
My daughter loves these books ! It was so cute ❤️
July 18, 2025
Super Spinach needed surgery to make her chest bigger. then she thought she was a super hero! she and chickpea went on lots of super adventures, and then we're adopted together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
“Heroes aren't built from cloth and string. They're built from bravery, and from love.”
When I tell you that I pre-ordered Hannah Shaw's Super Spinach back in October 2021, I am not kidding. Y'all, Hannah Shaw is like a quuen to me {and to all kitties} due to her incredible dedication and devotion to cats, so purchasing anything she publishes is a total no-brainer. Anyway...when this tale appeared on my porch on release day, delving into it immediately was a must; and let me tell you...it is the cutest. If you follow Hannah Shaw {aka Kitten Lady} on social media {which I'm assuming you do}, you likely already know the MCs from this book, Spinach and Chickpea; but seeing their rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption story played out in fiction is the type of treat that will be adored whether you're 1 or 100.
Spinach is not okay with being kept in her own cage at the animal shelter. While some may feel privileged to have their own sleeping space; Spinach feels completely left out. After all, the other kittens at the animal shelter get to spend their days batting crinkly balls about, climbing cat trees, and playing together , while she has to sit out on the sidelines, a silent observer. Spinach kind of understands the reason, she's not healthy like the other kittens and gets worn out very quickly; but that doesn't make her feel any less lonely.
When Spinach is evaluated by a veterinarian, she finally receives a life-changing diagnosis - Spinach has pectus excavatum, a congenital condition that causes the chest to be sunken. The veterinarian knows exactly how to fix Spinach up; and, after surgery, she finally has the ability to play, pounce, and jump! She also has something extra: a metal plate on her chest that has transformed her into... Super Spinach !
Soon Spinach is whisked off to Fosterland by a giant lady where she is provided with two very important things: 1) a variety of super-powered socks to protect her plate; and 2} a super sidekick named Chickpea. With her socks and sidekick with her at all times, Super Spinach is fearless. But then the unthinkable happens...Spinach's super suit socks are taken away, leaving her powerless. Now it's up to Spinach to rely on her powers from within rather than her super suit to save the day; but she may not be up for the challenge.
This book y'all...it put me in my feels. Seeing Spinach and Chickpea star in their own story was truly like a dream come true; and the fact that it was so full of adventure {and accompanied by the cutest illustrations ever!} truly made it that. much. better. For those who don't follow Hannah, The True Story of Spinach and Chickpea accompaniment at the end, along with the real-life photographs of this pawsome duo on the back cover are a welcome addition. I, for one, cannot wait to share this series with my students, as I am positive that they will adore it just as much as I did.
Side note: After reading this book, I realized that this is actually considered the second story in the series, with Emmett and Jez being book number one. If you, like me, make that error, don't sweat it. The books are not based on continuity, and can easily standalone. That said, make sure you buy them both because one dose of cuteness is definitely not enough. I'm now officially counting down the days for Book 3, Baby Badger , to hit shelves!
When I tell you that I pre-ordered Hannah Shaw's Super Spinach back in October 2021, I am not kidding. Y'all, Hannah Shaw is like a quuen to me {and to all kitties} due to her incredible dedication and devotion to cats, so purchasing anything she publishes is a total no-brainer. Anyway...when this tale appeared on my porch on release day, delving into it immediately was a must; and let me tell you...it is the cutest. If you follow Hannah Shaw {aka Kitten Lady} on social media {which I'm assuming you do}, you likely already know the MCs from this book, Spinach and Chickpea; but seeing their rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption story played out in fiction is the type of treat that will be adored whether you're 1 or 100.
Spinach is not okay with being kept in her own cage at the animal shelter. While some may feel privileged to have their own sleeping space; Spinach feels completely left out. After all, the other kittens at the animal shelter get to spend their days batting crinkly balls about, climbing cat trees, and playing together , while she has to sit out on the sidelines, a silent observer. Spinach kind of understands the reason, she's not healthy like the other kittens and gets worn out very quickly; but that doesn't make her feel any less lonely.
When Spinach is evaluated by a veterinarian, she finally receives a life-changing diagnosis - Spinach has pectus excavatum, a congenital condition that causes the chest to be sunken. The veterinarian knows exactly how to fix Spinach up; and, after surgery, she finally has the ability to play, pounce, and jump! She also has something extra: a metal plate on her chest that has transformed her into... Super Spinach !
Soon Spinach is whisked off to Fosterland by a giant lady where she is provided with two very important things: 1) a variety of super-powered socks to protect her plate; and 2} a super sidekick named Chickpea. With her socks and sidekick with her at all times, Super Spinach is fearless. But then the unthinkable happens...Spinach's super suit socks are taken away, leaving her powerless. Now it's up to Spinach to rely on her powers from within rather than her super suit to save the day; but she may not be up for the challenge.
This book y'all...it put me in my feels. Seeing Spinach and Chickpea star in their own story was truly like a dream come true; and the fact that it was so full of adventure {and accompanied by the cutest illustrations ever!} truly made it that. much. better. For those who don't follow Hannah, The True Story of Spinach and Chickpea accompaniment at the end, along with the real-life photographs of this pawsome duo on the back cover are a welcome addition. I, for one, cannot wait to share this series with my students, as I am positive that they will adore it just as much as I did.
Side note: After reading this book, I realized that this is actually considered the second story in the series, with Emmett and Jez being book number one. If you, like me, make that error, don't sweat it. The books are not based on continuity, and can easily standalone. That said, make sure you buy them both because one dose of cuteness is definitely not enough. I'm now officially counting down the days for Book 3, Baby Badger , to hit shelves!
December 2, 2024
Spinach is a little kitten who lives in her own cage at a shelter. Spinach knows there is something different about her, she can’t climb and run like the four kittens who live in the cage across the room from her, even walking to the water bowl makes her wheeze. So instead she just watches the other kittens have fun without her, daydreaming of being able to join them. As the other cats get blue cards clipped on to their kennels, signalising that they will soon be be adopted, Spinach gets a white card, meaning she has to see the vet. After surgery, she can pounce and play like any other cat! She goes to a place called Fosterland to recover, where she even gets her own purrsonal assistant, and the best thing is, Spinach isn’t Fosterland’s only kitten!
This tale is perfect for all cat lovers alike, not just children, with a good lesson in it about finding your inner strength. There are some parts in this book that definitely made me laugh as the two little kitties explore all of Fosterland from top to bottom, practicing their “super powers”. This definitely should be on your to be read list.
This tale is perfect for all cat lovers alike, not just children, with a good lesson in it about finding your inner strength. There are some parts in this book that definitely made me laugh as the two little kitties explore all of Fosterland from top to bottom, practicing their “super powers”. This definitely should be on your to be read list.
June 14, 2022
it’s a wonderful book! it’s well written and is based off a great story. I have been watching the kitten lady videos for a few years now and was so excited about these books. I read it in a little over an hour. Don’t underestimate it , just because it’s a kid book doesn’t mean it has a good story line.
November 14, 2022
Very sweet story for young and old
Sweet story that has a great lesson for everyone to learn. I have followed this author as she saves the live of these sweet little ones. She has such a wonderful way to tell the story of their lives.
Sweet story that has a great lesson for everyone to learn. I have followed this author as she saves the live of these sweet little ones. She has such a wonderful way to tell the story of their lives.
June 19, 2022
Adorable! And even more sweet considering I followed the real life Spinach and Chickpea's adoption story.
June 26, 2022
Another great title in the Adventures in Fosterland series. I look forward to future books.
August 16, 2022
Maybe I've read too many cat books lately???
August 24, 2022
If you’re emotional, this one is a hard one to start, I cried so much through the first few chapters. But Spinach is a fighter.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews