Here Comes Cadi

Cadi is a black and white cat with very green eyes who lives at no 1, Abernant Lane, somewhere in Wales. Being a sociable sort, she likes to visit her neighbours each morning, and as she does so, we meet a diverse lot of interesting people. The emphasis here is on multicultural aspects of Wales, along with the fact that Wales has two distinct languages. Some of the neighbours greet Cadi in Welsh: ‘Bore da’, or ‘Shwmai, Cadi’, but Miss Taylor says ‘Hi, Cadi’. Cadi is also offered food at each house, and being a polite pussy, answers, ‘Dim diolch’, no thank you. This use of both English and Welsh in the text is a strength and works extremely well. The illustrations are full of vivid colours, lots of detail, and Carpenter’s signature collages. While set firmly in Wales, this unusual picture book will be enjoyed everywhere, and gives an excellent insight into the diversity of life in the Principality.