Wild

Grandpa and Boy (the narrator) have a busy day ahead – ‘looking-after-the-cat’ day. Boy has done his research and doesn’t anticipate any difficulties: all she needs is someone willing to play with her, feed her and cuddle her – what could be simpler than that?

However, this particular moggy is of the recalcitrant kind and is having none of those things. For as we know cats like to walk by themselves, so it makes a leap for freedom, through the kitchen window and off into the great outdoors with Grandpa and Boy in hot pursuit. Following the creature proves pretty challenging; she leads them on a wild cat chase as the borders of fantasy and reality merge.

Eventually the two humans find the fast-moving feline when she pauses briefly to allow them to catch up and then it’s time to party. What a party it is with cats of all shapes and sizes cavorting to live music with wild abandon.

Then back at home once again, Boy, Grandpa and their charge appear to have become firm friends and Boy, fired with enthusiasm is more than willing to have their visitor return.

As with all his Grandpa and Boy stories, Sam Usher keeps his text to a minimum allowing his quirky, energetic watercolour and ink illustrations to do much of the story telling. The eagle-eyed will notice that the transition to the imaginary titular location is indicated by a potted plant growing in Grandad’s garden.