Ginger Finds a Home

Sumptuously produced, this landscape format picture book begins with endpapers in a soft green. We graduate to dusty pink and then to cream as we reach the title page and onwards, Voake's scratchily expressive pen illustrations with hints of wash well accommodated by this aesthetic whole. The story is simple yet rich in symbolism - a homeless ginger cat is discovered by a little girl who provides plates of food and at first keeps a tactful distance. As trust grows she moves closer but when she invites Ginger home he panics and all may be lost - but the reader may guess that the bond established is too important to break. With its large point size text and dramatic moments, this story will delight new readers as well as becoming a bedtime favourite.