Cat and the Stinkwater War

Saunders’ first novel for children is a fast-paced, entertaining body-slip adventure. A mysterious package arrives at the home of 10-year-old Cat for her archaeologist father. It’s from his former mentor and friend Professor Katzenberg, who died two years earlier. Inside is a white stone with magic powers and within a few pages Cat has inadvertently transformed herself into a cat.

Her new cat’s-eye view of the world is lovingly described as is the cats’ way of life. The cats have a royal family, organised religion and belief in an after-life. Cat’s own cat Eric, cat name General Nigmo Biffy, explains how a feud is raging between two opposing clans over the whereabouts of the cats’ totem, the Blessed Sardine. Darson Stinkwater, aka Muffin, pet of Cat’s arch enemy, commands the opposition. High drama develops encompassing tragedy, comedy and a final happy ending for all. Great fun for everyone who has wondered what it’s like to be a cat.