Curly Cat the Acrobat by Jennifer Somervell

Curly Cat gazes at the trapeze cats practicing their somersaults. He imagines himself flying through the air, doing spectacular tricks. He could do that.  One dark night, he climbs up to the high platform, and steps out...

Author Jennifer Somervell's love of cats shines in this playful and funny story about Curly Cat. It's a great book to read aloud, with good rhythm and lots of opportunities to include vocal expression. Somervell includes some wonderful language within the story, with words like quivering and rapturous.

Somervell includes some curly questions at the back of the book, prompting further discussion while also answering some questions younger readers might have. There's also a section on the art of trapeze, highlighting artists and equipment.

Illustrated by Zerika van Jaarsveld, the artwork brings Somervell's world to life. Van Jaarsveld injects humour into each page - Catabatics Training School is right next door to 9Lives Insurance Brokers and the Catastrophy Funeral Services for example.

Each character bursts with charm, and Curly Cat's tail is a thing of magnificence. 

Not just for cat lovers, Curly Cat the Acrobat is a paw-sitively sweet tale about following your dreams and believing in yourself. 

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Landing Lights Press