Cassie and Lina long to have a pet to take to the Barefoot Springs Pet Parade. When their neighbour, Bernadette, leaves her ‘grumpy fur-ball’ cat, Gus with them, they think their wish is granted. Little did they know that disasters ahead would spoil their plans—and little did they guess Gus’s surprising secret. This is an easy-to-read book, first in a series, for 5 to 10-year-old pet lovers, especially cat lovers. There are themes of friendship, family, pets, and being prepared for any eventuality, with gentle humour and delightful illustrations by Lisa Flanagan.

J F Saxby, Educator, Librarian, Parent, Grandparent, Writer