The Klondike Cat. Julie Lawson. Illustrated by Paul Mombourquette. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2002. 32 pp., cloth, $16.95. ISBN 1-55337-013-9. Subject Headings: Cat-Juvenile fiction. Klondike River Valley (Yukon)-Gold discoverers-Juvenile fiction. Kindergarten-grade 4 / Ages 5-9. Review by Reesa Cohen. **** /4

excerpt:

Noah grew more and more excited as he helped Pa prepare for the journey, but how could he leave Shadow?

"She knows we're going away, Pa," he said. "She follows me everywhere. Please let her come!"

"No," Pa said firmly. "The journey's too long and too hard."

And no amount of pleading would change his mind.

This is a wonderful historical fiction picture book! The hardship of thousands seeking gold in the Klondike stampede is seen through the eyes of a young boy. Noah joins his father in this arduous journey but complicates matters by bringing his pet cat, Shadow, along against his father's wishes.

     The trip is filled with adventure and is told with a sense of urgency and excitement. Noah's devotion to his cat and her kittens and a father's love and tenderness for his son are beautifully conveyed through a descriptive text and lively dialogue.

     Much to his father's disappointment, their efforts to stake a claim seems impossible. However, through Noah's ingenuity, Shadow and her kittens save the day!

     The "real treasure" for readers is the beautifully told story complemented by outstanding full-page artwork by Paul Mombourquette. Absolutely glorious and expressive oil paintings capture the drama and sense of history. The colourful brush strokes enhance the mood, the beauty of the setting and essence of the characters' personalities.

     Lawson includes further historical information about the Klondike and the gold rush which could be shared with students to shed further light on this time in history.

Highly Recommended.

Reesa Cohen is an Instructor of Children's Literature and Information Literacy at the Faculty of Education, the University of Manitoba.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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