Much more than a simple fantasy tale, this thought-provoking fable forces the reader to think about larger themes of kindness, friendship, and what is important in life. Childlike yellow and black illustrations complement this fan tastic, if philosophic story. 2008 Batchelder Honor Book, 2008 Notable Children’s Books; the author has won the German Youth Literature Award, the Herman Hesse Prize for her body of work, and the Pied Piper’s Prize of Hamelyn. djg

Originally published as Die Katze, Oder, Wie Ich Die Ewigkeit Verloren Habe in German by Carl Hanser Verlag Germany, in 2006. Translated by Anna Brailovsky.