Catalyst

Gr 4-7--Pipsqueak is a tiny little kitten that Zoe has promised to take care of. Zoe found the kitten out by her family's garage right before her 12th birthday. She has always loved animals and brought home quite a few strays in the past. Zoe takes Pipsqueak in and introduces him to her best friend, Harrison. Zoe's parents reluctantly agree to let Zoe keep Pipsqueak since Zoe's older brother left for college in France. Everything is going great until the kitten begins growing. He gets bigger and bigger until Pipsqueak is no longer a pipsqueak. Knowing that this is not normal, Zoe takes him to the vet, who doesn't see a problem. But as Pipsqueak continues to grow to the size of a horse, Zoe knows she needs to make a plan. She contacts her Aunt Alecia, who lives in the mountains of New Hampshire. Along with Harrison's cousin, Surita, Zoe convinces her parents to let her go away to the summer camp where Surita is a counselor, and she uses this time to travel to her aunt's house instead, via Pipsqueak. When Zoe finds out that there are local reports of a green flying poodle who looks a lot like a dog Zoe saw at the vet, she knows that she has made the right choice. She needs to figure out what is going on and fast. Zoe's family obviously cares for her, and their interactions are amusing. It would have helped, though, to know more about Aunt Alecia before the adventure continues at her house. VERDICT A fast-paced, engaging fantasy novel that cat lovers will adore and fans of the author will read vigorously. A solid purchase for fantasy lovers.--Amy Caldera, Dripping Springs M.S., TX

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

When animal lover Zoe begs her parents to let her keep the tiny kitten she finds just before her 12th birthday, they agree, provided she assumes all responsibility. But after the newly named Pipsqueak starts growing at an exponential rate and reveals her ability to talk and read, Zoe turns to her best friend Harrison and then her estranged aunt Alecia for help, hoping to return Pipsqueak to normal. Now Zoe and Harrison must ride the mountain lion-size (and still growing) Pipsqueak to Alecia's home, several hours away in the mountains of New Hampshire, while avoiding detection. Along the way, they attract other weird talking pets, including a mouse with butterfly wings and a green terrier. Durst (Race the Sands) imbues her tale with humor, thoroughly embracing its unusual premise with a sense of wonder. Though conflict and danger are limited to the interpersonal and familial--Zoe's parents are no-nonsense, while her beloved older brother, Alex, is leaving for college soon--the real emphasis is on friendship and found family, as Zoe's misfit companions bond throughout their journey. While the resolution feels a little too easy, the concept lends itself well to follow-up stories. Ages 8-12. Agent: Andrea Somberg, Harvey Klinger Literary. (June)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

★ "Durst masterfully interjects humor into a suspense-filled plot that twists and thickens as the group reaches its destination. A surprising but satisfying resolution brings this charming fantasy to a close."—Booklist, STARRED review

"A fast-paced, engaging fantasy novel that cat lovers will adore."—School Library Journal

"Magical animals become a kooky, sweet metaphor for growing up."—Kirkus

"Durst imbues her tale with humor, thoroughly embracing its unusual premise with a sense of wonder."—Publishers Weekly

"Come for the horse-sized kitten, but stay for mystery, friendship, adventure and even more exceptional animals—Catalyst is a joyful read that's full of surprises!"—Emily Jenkins, New York Times bestselling co-author of the Upside-Down Magic series