The Last Journey by Stacy Gregg

Inspired by living in a cul-de-sac and watching her cat Pusskin interact with the local cats, Stacy Gregg has written a delightful junior fiction novel that will capture the hearts of children, just as Pusskin captured the hearts of the community in the cul-de-sac.

Pusskin loves Lottie, his eleven-year-old owner, and lives an idyllic life on the cul-de-sac where they live. He’s charmed his way into the hearts of their neighbours and most of the fellow felines who live there. But then the birds begin disappearing and cats are blamed. Government decrees first tackle the culling of feral cats, but when domestic cats are also targeted, Pusskin and his friends band together to go on an epic journey in an attempt to save their lives. But do so, Pusskin must leave his beloved Lottie behind, but perhaps this is not the last time he will see her?

There is so much to enjoy in this charming and engaging novel. Pusskin and his feline ‘gang’ are simply adorable, and recognisable characters for anyone who has a cat. The story is nicely grounded in the real world, as concerns about the dangers of cats to the native bird population continue to be debated, with elements of history also woven in, dating back to Egyptian times.

The Last Journey is a fabulous adventure, with characters to fall in love with. Friendships and working together are key themes of this page-turning read, which will be enjoyed by the whole family.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Simon & Schuster