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Cat Pack #1
The Grand Escape
It's a scary world out there.
If only Marco hadn't read a newspaper article about a ranch and become determined to see one. If only Polo hadn't found himself longing for the mother he barely remembered as a soft-warm-wiggle-purr-milk-tongue. Then the two tabbies might have been content to remain pampered house cats forever. But when their owners leave a door open, Marco and Polo can't resist the temptation to escape to the outside world.
Their search for food and a dry place to sleep leads them to Texas Jake and the cats of the Club of Mysteries. Life on the streets is a lot easier with friends, but Marco and Polo have to prove themselves before they can become members of the club. And that means facing the huge mastiff Bertram the Bad, a pack of savage river rats, and a barren landscape that may be the ranch of Marco's dreams -- even if it seems more like a nightmare. Home is starting to look better and better...
Don't miss any of The Cat Pack's adventures.
If only Marco hadn't read a newspaper article about a ranch and become determined to see one. If only Polo hadn't found himself longing for the mother he barely remembered as a soft-warm-wiggle-purr-milk-tongue. Then the two tabbies might have been content to remain pampered house cats forever. But when their owners leave a door open, Marco and Polo can't resist the temptation to escape to the outside world.
Their search for food and a dry place to sleep leads them to Texas Jake and the cats of the Club of Mysteries. Life on the streets is a lot easier with friends, but Marco and Polo have to prove themselves before they can become members of the club. And that means facing the huge mastiff Bertram the Bad, a pack of savage river rats, and a barren landscape that may be the ranch of Marco's dreams -- even if it seems more like a nightmare. Home is starting to look better and better...
Don't miss any of The Cat Pack's adventures.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
4 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
247 books1,035 followersPhyllis Reynolds Naylor was born in Anderson, Indiana, US on January 4, 1933.
Her family were strongly religious with conservative, midwestern values and most of her childhood was spent moving a lot due to her father's occupation as a salesman.
Though she grew up during the Depression and her family did not have a lot of money, Naylor stated that she never felt poor because her family owned good books. Her parents enjoyed reading stories to the children--her father would imitate the characters in Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer--and her mother read to them every evening, "almost until we were old enough to go out on dates, though we never would have admitted this to anyone."
By the time Phyllis reached fifth grade, writing books was her favorite hobby and she would rush home from school each day to write down whatever plot had been forming in her head - at sixteen her first story was published in a local church magazine.
Phyllis has written over 80 books for children and young people. One of these books, "Shiloh," was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1992, was named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and was also Young Adult Choice by the International Reading Association.
Naylor gets her ideas from things that happen to her or from things she has read. "Shiloh" was inspired by a little abused dog she and her husband found. The little dog haunted her so much that she had to write a story about him to get it out of her mind.
Her family were strongly religious with conservative, midwestern values and most of her childhood was spent moving a lot due to her father's occupation as a salesman.
Though she grew up during the Depression and her family did not have a lot of money, Naylor stated that she never felt poor because her family owned good books. Her parents enjoyed reading stories to the children--her father would imitate the characters in Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer--and her mother read to them every evening, "almost until we were old enough to go out on dates, though we never would have admitted this to anyone."
By the time Phyllis reached fifth grade, writing books was her favorite hobby and she would rush home from school each day to write down whatever plot had been forming in her head - at sixteen her first story was published in a local church magazine.
Phyllis has written over 80 books for children and young people. One of these books, "Shiloh," was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1992, was named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and was also Young Adult Choice by the International Reading Association.
Naylor gets her ideas from things that happen to her or from things she has read. "Shiloh" was inspired by a little abused dog she and her husband found. The little dog haunted her so much that she had to write a story about him to get it out of her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
March 1, 2013
This was my absolute favorite book as a younger girl. I found it the other day while cleaning, and I swooned. I can remember reading it with my mom, and then again by myself many times. It's adorable. It is a must-read for any cat lovers, is witty, and is an absolute delight for any child, in my opinion.
December 16, 2011
Two brother cats decide they are tired of being indoor cats and escape to look for that wonderful place called a ranch. On the way, they meet a group of cats living in the loft of a garage, leading the brother cats to a series of adventures. The Grand Escape is light-hearted fun, clearly written for younger readers. The story is told from the cats' perspective and while there is plenty of danger, fairy-tale happiness rules over reality.
Although I enjoyed the story, as an adult, the plot was a bit bland. If I were eight-years-old, I think I would enjoy it more.
Although I enjoyed the story, as an adult, the plot was a bit bland. If I were eight-years-old, I think I would enjoy it more.
October 11, 2009
A wonderful story about two cats, Marco and Polo, who escape from their comfortable life indoors. They begin an adventure as they meet some outdoor cats, and attempt to join a club presided over by Texas Jake. The characters and adventures they have along the way will have you laughing out loud! A great story for all cat lovers!
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May 21, 2025This was one of my favorite books as a kid, and as an adult, I've gotta say I don't really see the magic. But when you're a kid, it's just a fun story about kitties. As an adult, it's really stressful and a little traumatizing. I do think that there's a fair amount that's very accurate to cats, but the story is just constant cats in grave peril, and there's even an animal death, so it's not one I'd want to revisit again in the future.
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July 25, 2025All I can remember about this book is it made a lasting positive impression on me to read about Marco and Polo’s adventures and their ability to read newspapers.
2nd grade read.
2nd grade read.
August 30, 2025
2.75 stars! This book was SOO cute 😭 I love cats, and I love rain, and I love nature; and it just so happens that my three favorite things are incorporated in this middle grade book! Literally made me tear up a few times throughout lol. However, with that said, without going into specifics, there was something that I had wanted to happen in this book, and I regret to say that it didn't :( BUT I saw that there is actually a second book, so I will definitely look into buying the sequel to see if it happens in that one! Overall, such a cute read if you love cats 🥰🐈⬛🤎
May 17, 2018
I'm personally new to GoodReads and therefore decided to start reviewing books I've read in childhood before I ventured on to the ones I read as an adult. It went without saying that I had to start with The Grand Escape.
When I was ten years old, I must have read this book so many times, the pages begged for reprieve. I even read it again in adulthood, just to touch that sweet nostalgia.
I thought Phyllis did an amazing job of bringing a cat's personality to life. The bond shared between the brothers came to life on the page. I don't want to dive too far into it for fear of spoiling the story, but if you're into the sub-genre of four-legged critters, The Grand Escape is a great read. It definitely made the family car trips go by a lot faster for me.
When I was ten years old, I must have read this book so many times, the pages begged for reprieve. I even read it again in adulthood, just to touch that sweet nostalgia.
I thought Phyllis did an amazing job of bringing a cat's personality to life. The bond shared between the brothers came to life on the page. I don't want to dive too far into it for fear of spoiling the story, but if you're into the sub-genre of four-legged critters, The Grand Escape is a great read. It definitely made the family car trips go by a lot faster for me.
December 18, 2020
I found this at a Little Free Library. I don’t know why I picked it up and read the blurb on the back because I rarely read children’s books, but when I saw it was about cats and one who was named Texas Jake, I just had to get it. My son Jake lives in Texas and has nine cats! So we all had a good laugh about it.
Well, I read the book and it’s fun and reveals what cats really think about us!
Well, I read the book and it’s fun and reveals what cats really think about us!
July 13, 2017
I am cleaning out. Yes, even books. I found this children's book I had not read before. It is a delightful tale of 2 brother house cats who want to go Outside. They do, and they have a big adventure. Sweet story.
June 13, 2017
One of my favorite books as a child!
March 18, 2023
I was not expecting to like this, perfect book on a bad day if you like cats
April 1, 2025
This short novel, or maybe it would be classified as a novella is about two cats that lives with Mr. and Mrs Neal in a house in a town....somewhere. They are well taken care of cats, they gets treats and meals and taken to the vet when they don't feel go. But they also are kept inside because the Neals worry that they might get lost of hurt if they go out into the world. The Neals have used water to convince them to stay indoors, but being pelled with water only makes them want to figure out where the water comes from and how to escape being hit by the water.
On top of that, the two cars are brothers and work together nicely. Marco can read from seeing the newspaper on the bottom of his litter box. While Polo can't read, he is really not as bright as Marco, but he is very quick. So the two of them eventually figure out how to avoid the water and go out doors and set out on a great adventure.
They meet other cars, some are unhoused but others have homes where they are given the freedom to go. They even have a club where several of them spend time together. Marco and Polo are new on the scene so they have to prove themselves to the gang by finding the answer to a queston. In the process they find themselves doing some really frightening things and seeing a lot of the area in the town.
Finally they go back home, are welcomed back by the Neals, but now they have two additional young cats and we, as the reader, get a glimpse of other future adventures for both the original pair of brothers and their younger "house mates".
This is really a middle to rather on the young side "adult" reader so there is no real complexity to this story, but if you like cats and "getting into their heads" it is fun brief read.
On top of that, the two cars are brothers and work together nicely. Marco can read from seeing the newspaper on the bottom of his litter box. While Polo can't read, he is really not as bright as Marco, but he is very quick. So the two of them eventually figure out how to avoid the water and go out doors and set out on a great adventure.
They meet other cars, some are unhoused but others have homes where they are given the freedom to go. They even have a club where several of them spend time together. Marco and Polo are new on the scene so they have to prove themselves to the gang by finding the answer to a queston. In the process they find themselves doing some really frightening things and seeing a lot of the area in the town.
Finally they go back home, are welcomed back by the Neals, but now they have two additional young cats and we, as the reader, get a glimpse of other future adventures for both the original pair of brothers and their younger "house mates".
This is really a middle to rather on the young side "adult" reader so there is no real complexity to this story, but if you like cats and "getting into their heads" it is fun brief read.
April 22, 2019
Though the storytelling in this book was fun and my kids enjoyed it, I was rather disappointed: there was no real point to the story. I mean, the cats run away, they have adventures, and nothing really comes of it. So we laughed at the cats' misunderstandings about humans, we held our breath while they battled danger...but it felt pointless, given the ending. Maybe we were supposed to consider the "grass is always greener" adage? Life moves on without you, so your existence isn't especially significant? My kids would probably give it a higher rating, and I'd lean toward a lower rating, so I compromised at 3 stars.
January 2, 2018
I picked this up rather randomly at the library because the idea made me grin. I read it in a whole afternoon, so it's not long, but not too short either.
In this book: Two brother cats, Marco and Polo, used to live at home, but as life went on, they became restless. Eventually, they escape the house and realize the world is a big and scary place. To join a special cat pack, they have to go and complete 3 quests; all of which are dangerous for a cat.
I hope you like it like I did. :) It was cute.
In this book: Two brother cats, Marco and Polo, used to live at home, but as life went on, they became restless. Eventually, they escape the house and realize the world is a big and scary place. To join a special cat pack, they have to go and complete 3 quests; all of which are dangerous for a cat.
I hope you like it like I did. :) It was cute.
April 2, 2025
My mom read this to my brother and I as kids and I still think of it from time to time. So I figured I’d read this to my kids and see if they enjoyed it as well. It definitely doesn’t age perfectly, but we still enjoyed the journey. I have a new appreciation for my mom’s storytelling skills because I 100% think she did this more justice than I could with the way she read this to us. I remember laughing out loud as a kid to some of the “great mysteries” revealed!
There is also zero doubt this author has owned cats before because man does she know their body language!
There is also zero doubt this author has owned cats before because man does she know their body language!
April 13, 2024
Likes:
- The personalities of the two main characters, Marco and Polo, were interesting and cute
- The funny details about how the cats interpret human activities and the world around them—definitely could see my cats thinking some of those things!
- I enjoyed reading it out loud to my cats, and I think they liked it, too :)
Dislikes:
- Some of the challenges that the cats faced weren’t super developed and seemed rushed by the end.
- The personalities of the two main characters, Marco and Polo, were interesting and cute
- The funny details about how the cats interpret human activities and the world around them—definitely could see my cats thinking some of those things!
- I enjoyed reading it out loud to my cats, and I think they liked it, too :)
Dislikes:
- Some of the challenges that the cats faced weren’t super developed and seemed rushed by the end.
May 27, 2024
This is the book that truly got me into reading! I plan on reading it to my kids someday. (I just read it to my cats! I think they really liked it). I think it is hilarious how the whole book is just cats making fun of humans! It is also neat how close these books are to the Warriors series! Texas Jake would definitely be an amazing leader. Also, Marco has the personality of my cat Kylo!
If you like this series, then I suggest:
The Warrors series by Erin Hunter
If you like this series, then I suggest:
The Warrors series by Erin Hunter
December 23, 2019
A warm, charming read that gently teaches us about the dangers that our world poses to our pets, and all the confronting things about not understanding social situations, and the confusion about life and all the weird things it brings our ways. But mostly, it's about understanding the importance of home, and of family.
May 22, 2024
I remember loving this book as a kid. I remembered one part very clearly, but on this read, I realized it was a very minor part. This is about two indoor cats who want to escape to learn what life is like outside. It was so fun to read it again and my kids loved it, too. There are cats, mysteries, and adventure. I was glad it held up well after not reading it for many years.
February 26, 2019
I've read this book before, and forgotten the title! I only remembered the part about the owners splashing water on the cats when they tried to go out, so they'd learn not to. It's still an enjoyable read! A grand adventure indeed for a pair of sheltered cats.
October 5, 2022
This was a favorite of mine when I was a child. I recently found it again! I read this aloud to my two daughters ages 8 and 6. We all loved it! Marco and Polo captured our hearts.
I love that this story also led to us talking a bit about peer pressure and friendship.
I love that this story also led to us talking a bit about peer pressure and friendship.
March 10, 2018
This was very cute and funny - I really enjoyed how the cats interpreted the world, and humans.
August 19, 2018
This book was amazing! Marco and Polo are very cool characters, and I enjoyed the story the whole way through!
December 12, 2018
Super cute and super original. It was the perfect find when I was a third grader trawling the library for my next new obsession.
June 18, 2019
I loved it great story
October 13, 2020
This was the first book my mom gave me when I became a teacher. That was 21 years ago and my kids still love it and want to read the series!
February 15, 2022
Fun book to read with my kids. Especially since we have a cat. It was fun to see how the author shows the world through a cat’s eyes. It had good levels of both adventure and humor.
July 6, 2022
It was very interesting and was very entertaining book to read kept my attention the whole time and honestly I don't even like reading
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January 7, 2023this was a highly entertaining book. the fact that the club of cats the 2 main cats meet think that rain comes from people using umbrellas. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews