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The Cat That #1
The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again
The Cat That, Book 1: A nameless cat lives in a town of dry, unhappy people devoid of moisture, joy and creativity. How did the townspeople get this way? Who stole the moisture? And how can one crafty cat return moisture--and life--to his town? "The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again" tells the tale of how a feline hero discovers these answers. On his journey, he overcomes obstacles with wit and determination, finds new friends in unexpected places, and learns the simple joy--and transcendent power--of helping others.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2008
2 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
James D. Maxon
9 books43 followersJames grew up in the midst of mental illness and depression. He, himself, struggled in school due to a learning disability.
Without a positive male role model, James learned how difficult it can be for children to realize their true potential. Having acquired a love for fantasy at a young age, he began to write stories of his own, providing children and teens with messages of faith, hope, and insight.
Without a positive male role model, James learned how difficult it can be for children to realize their true potential. Having acquired a love for fantasy at a young age, he began to write stories of his own, providing children and teens with messages of faith, hope, and insight.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 12, 2020
I mean it was intriguing when I was younger....
Now it's just. Meh.
It's clean and has good morals.
I have nothing else to say. ;P
Now it's just. Meh.
It's clean and has good morals.
I have nothing else to say. ;P
December 31, 2017
As an adult, this was a fun, easy read/short story, clean and had a good moral. The author clearly intended this to be read as a sort of fable or allegory. Unfortunately, his approach was not consistent. It seemed like he tried to combine the concept of Karma mixed with the golden rule of Christianity. As a Christian, I was irked at the inclusion of concepts that were clearly Biblical at the end of the book, instead of consistently inserting them throughout the book.
The book is marketed toward children as a chapter book. However, because the Biblical portion at the end does not accurately parallel the Bible, I wouldn’t recommend this book to young children. I think that it might be appropriate young adults depending on their maturity level. I would recommend this to an adult looking for an easy read/short story.
The book is marketed toward children as a chapter book. However, because the Biblical portion at the end does not accurately parallel the Bible, I wouldn’t recommend this book to young children. I think that it might be appropriate young adults depending on their maturity level. I would recommend this to an adult looking for an easy read/short story.
June 5, 2012
The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again is a children's chapter book by new author James D. Maxon. Cute, unique, humorous, and engaging are words I'd use to describe this story about a nameless cat who goes on a quest to recover the moisture that was stolen from his town. Giant sponges have drained the town and the people who live there of all their moisture, leaving them lifeless, talentless, and uncaring. The clever cat had fooled the sponges and was the only thing in the town to not get drained. The people and other animals go through the motions of daily life, but there is no joy and before long the cat becomes bored. Out of a selfish desire to improve his own situation he leaves the town and begins his search for the stolen moisture.
On his journey he learns some important lessons about friendship, caring, and selflessness. I love that this book is lesson-focused but not lesson-y. In other words, it's all a very natural part of the story. The biblical references are subtle as well, such as referring to the "creator of life" and a story about "Samuel" from a very important book. There are also a fair amount of good vocabulary-building words throughout, placed in such a way that their meanings are easy to deduce, and they are usually coupled with something fun.
I read the book to my children, a few chapters at a time over the course of three nights. My son is ten and in fifth grade, but while the book is probably about a third grade reading level the story completely held his attention. He would beg for "just one more chapter....pleeeeease..." He LOVED the silly and wildly unrealistic parts like the talking seed and laughed out loud in places. My eight year old daughter loved the more realistic parts.
I did find a couple of typos, and normally would not point that out in a review. But since this is for children it could make them "stumble" on those spots, or make the adult reading out loud have to reread those sentences. But there are only a couple, maybe three at the most.
I highly recommend this for elementary age children. It makes both a great read-aloud or a chapter book for young readers to read on their own.
On his journey he learns some important lessons about friendship, caring, and selflessness. I love that this book is lesson-focused but not lesson-y. In other words, it's all a very natural part of the story. The biblical references are subtle as well, such as referring to the "creator of life" and a story about "Samuel" from a very important book. There are also a fair amount of good vocabulary-building words throughout, placed in such a way that their meanings are easy to deduce, and they are usually coupled with something fun.
I read the book to my children, a few chapters at a time over the course of three nights. My son is ten and in fifth grade, but while the book is probably about a third grade reading level the story completely held his attention. He would beg for "just one more chapter....pleeeeease..." He LOVED the silly and wildly unrealistic parts like the talking seed and laughed out loud in places. My eight year old daughter loved the more realistic parts.
I did find a couple of typos, and normally would not point that out in a review. But since this is for children it could make them "stumble" on those spots, or make the adult reading out loud have to reread those sentences. But there are only a couple, maybe three at the most.
I highly recommend this for elementary age children. It makes both a great read-aloud or a chapter book for young readers to read on their own.
October 13, 2012
This book is a simple story, an allegory of greed vs. giving. It may not be everyone's cup of tea. I, however, found it better than I expected and as a cat lover found the small details describing the cat's behaviors quite entertaining. It is a quick read. The plot is rather predictable and some may be put off by the somewhat heavy moralizing that is found in the second half of the book. Regardless, I found the book to be enjoyable overall.
September 13, 2014
This is what would happen if The Wizard of Oz became more contemplative and borrowed a little from Narnia. A short, inspiring, dryly humorous read about a self-centered cat who sets out to discover what's wrong with the tired, dried up old world he lives in--and ends up learning a lot about himself. A tiny bit preachy in some places near the end, but mostly the author did a great job at making his point in a cute, touching way that didn't make you feel patronized. Deserves 5 stars.
July 2, 2016
A cute and fun story with an inspirational message. This kitty goes on a quest to save the world from the sponges that have sucked up all the water and discovers himself along the way. He also helps others find their true purpose.
A worthy read for young and old.
A worthy read for young and old.
July 4, 2011
What an awesome book! Wish this had been around when I used to read to my kids.
April 18, 2013
In would give this 3 1/2 stars if possible. A quirky little tale designed to teach children about ye consequences of greed through the eyes of an adventurous cat.
April 30, 2013
This was cute but, more for children.
June 13, 2014
My son loved this book. Unlike some stories with cats as the main character, this one was upbeat and positive.
He really enjoyed reading this.
He really enjoyed reading this.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews