Review: The Cats of Tanglewood Forest

Lillian loves every part of nature—not just the animals. When she milks the cow, she leaves a saucer full for the local cats. She deposits a biscuit from her breakfast at the foot of the old apple tree each day because she believes an old man lives there. As soon as her schoolwork and chores are complete, she roams Tanglewood Forest where she can feel magic everywhere even if she never sees it.

When a deadly snake bites Lillian as she sleeps under a tree far from home, the cats of Tanglewood forest unite to save her. Lillian’s life is saved but she is transformed into a kitten. So the adventure begins: with Old Mother possum who is part-human, part-possum; a talking fox with a guilty past; Aunt Nancy, who has been old for longer than anyone has been alive and the Bear People.

Will Lillian find a way to become a little girl again? What is the cost if she does? The Cats of Tanglewood Forest is a perfect bedtime story but be careful where you stop reading. There are some scary bits.

Title: The Cats of Tanglewood Forest
Author: Charles de Lint
Illustrator: Charles Vess
Publisher: Little, Brown $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780316053594
For ages: 7+
Type: Junior Fiction