Mesopotamian Blue cat, Varjak Paw, has never been Outside before; he and his family have always lived in the isolated house at the top of the hill....
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reviews
Aug 29, 2011
karen
rated it: 
first, let's focus on the artwork, because i saw this cover somewhere and i knew that i needed to read this book, no matter what its contents. i really do love dave mckean. he has been responsible for some of my favorite jonathan carrol covers, and the man just really knows how to draw cats.
he manages to get cat mannerisms down perfectly with such an economy of line - i love it. the only person whose cats even come close, and with a totally different tone is j More...
he manages to get cat mannerisms down perfectly with such an economy of line - i love it. the only person whose cats even come close, and with a totally different tone is j More...
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Jan 05, 2009
Terilin
rated it:
This is a family favorite. Shey especially loves that he's on the cover. This truly is a fantastic read even if you're not a cat person. There's a dog in this story too!
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Jan 30, 2012
Nicholas
rated it: 
Join Varjak Paw as he leaves his comfortable home and ventures out into the big wide world in search of a dog to save his family and live up to the name of his ancestor, Jalal Paw. This coming-of-age tale throws together elements of Brian Jacques' Redwall and Dodie Smith's 101 Dalmatians for an adventure that will keep your attention for the duration of the story.
Said does an excellent job of presenting characters that, while they are easily related to, clearly perceive the world in More...
Said does an excellent job of presenting characters that, while they are easily related to, clearly perceive the world in More...
Jun 10, 2008
Damon
rated it: 
I got this because it had Dave McKean illustrations in it, and as an extra bonus those illustrations were of cats. That's one guy who can draw a cat... But I wound up really enjoying it - it's pretty obviously for a younger audience, and it's sort of about a cat that learns martial arts, but the story was pretty good, and I didn't feel stupider when I finished it, which I feel is often the case with "children's literature". A quick read, but worth the time.
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Nov 28, 2010
Michele
rated it:
Interest level: 5th +
Reading level: medium
Genre: fantasy, adventure, animals, cats
Series: Varjak Paw
Read alikes: Warrior series by Erin Hunter
If you like adventure or fantasy stories with animals in them you'll enjoy 'Varjak Paw'. Varjak, part of a family of Mesopotamian Blue Cats, has to leave the comforts of his home and venture out into the wild world in order to find help to save his fellow cats from an evil man who invaded their home. Interestingly, a form of m More...
Reading level: medium
Genre: fantasy, adventure, animals, cats
Series: Varjak Paw
Read alikes: Warrior series by Erin Hunter
If you like adventure or fantasy stories with animals in them you'll enjoy 'Varjak Paw'. Varjak, part of a family of Mesopotamian Blue Cats, has to leave the comforts of his home and venture out into the wild world in order to find help to save his fellow cats from an evil man who invaded their home. Interestingly, a form of m More...
Jun 07, 2011
Tracy
rated it:
Loved this book! Cat behavior and martial arts seem to be such a perfect match for each other. Also seemed to have some elements of Buddhism in it (the 8 fold path=Jalal's Way...not a perfect match, but has some similarities). I wouldn't recommend this for very young children--some of the scenes could be disturbing for younger children. But I would say many students 4th grade and up would enjoy this book, particularly kids who are interested in action/martial arts type stories. I personally woul
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Feb 18, 2009
Alissa
rated it:
A very quick read. This book, in addition to being one of our Battle of the Book titles for 2009, was recommended to me because I'm such a fan of Erin Hunter's "Warriors" series.
The book's plot plays out like a Martial Arts flick: Young Varjak leads a very sheltered life...until the day a threatening evil invades his home and enslaves his family. Varjak escapes into the city, where he must learn the Way of the Jalal, an ancient martial art created by a distant ancestor. Va More...
The book's plot plays out like a Martial Arts flick: Young Varjak leads a very sheltered life...until the day a threatening evil invades his home and enslaves his family. Varjak escapes into the city, where he must learn the Way of the Jalal, an ancient martial art created by a distant ancestor. Va More...
May 23, 2011
Marta
rated it:
Varjak is a Mesoptamian Blue, the most noble of cat races. But he is not a true one, as his brother likes to remind him. His eyes are the wrong colour, the colour of danger, instead of green like the rest of his family.
They all live in the countess house, but things have been different for a while, they never see the countess, she is always in her room. When a strange gentleman with 2 black cats appears only Varjak and his grandfather sense the danger. Varjak's grandfather gives him More...
They all live in the countess house, but things have been different for a while, they never see the countess, she is always in her room. When a strange gentleman with 2 black cats appears only Varjak and his grandfather sense the danger. Varjak's grandfather gives him More...
Dec 17, 2011
Pre-read for my son, who likes the cat Warriors series. I think he'll like this, but maybe a bit later. Maybe when he's 9 or so. Varjak has some disturbing scenes that might be a bit overwhelming at 7. Varjak's family is in danger and he has to learn to fight and hunt to save them. He learns a martial art called The Way of Jalal. There are gangs of city cats who terrorize the weak and defenseless. I like Dave McKean's dark and moody illustrations, but I'm not sure L will.
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Oct 29, 2010
Kaethe
rated it:
Once again a matriarchal society has been transformed into a patriarchal one, largely inhabited by male characters, but still, it's about cats, so I had to love it. Plus I really love that cover with the golden eyes. And yes, I did google to see if the breed really existed.
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Casting about for the next read-aloud after the Penderwicks, we struck on this. Glad I finished it last month. Also, very glad that the McKean illustrations aren't as disturbing as the ones he does for G More...
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Casting about for the next read-aloud after the Penderwicks, we struck on this. Glad I finished it last month. Also, very glad that the McKean illustrations aren't as disturbing as the ones he does for G More...
Oct 20, 2008
I was going through old email and I found this review I wrote. I don't remember what the book is about, but it sounds good! :)
Varjak Paw is a Mesopotamian Blue, a noble pure-bred cat that lives in the house of the Contessa, where his ancestor Jalal came many years ago. His brother bullies him, his parents ignore him, and his eyes are the “color of danger.” Everybody says he’s not a real Mesopotamian Blue. To make things worse, the Contessa is very sick. One day, a Gentleman comes wit More...
Varjak Paw is a Mesopotamian Blue, a noble pure-bred cat that lives in the house of the Contessa, where his ancestor Jalal came many years ago. His brother bullies him, his parents ignore him, and his eyes are the “color of danger.” Everybody says he’s not a real Mesopotamian Blue. To make things worse, the Contessa is very sick. One day, a Gentleman comes wit More...
Jan 11, 2010
Kirsten
rated it:
This is an entertaining novel, beautifully illustrated. It tells the story of one Varjak Paw, a cat from a noble line of Mesapotamian Blues. Varjak is a bit of an outcast in his family, what with his obsession with going Outside and his dislike of simply sitting around looking dignified. When the Countess (the owner of Varjak and his family) dies, a sinister man with two even more sinister black cats comes into the picture. Varjak must escape to the Outside, learn the cat martial arts, and retur
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Jun 05, 2011
Maddie
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 10, 2012
Amanda
rated it:
This is a story about a cat who must learn how to live in the world outside his house and save the lives of cats from a mysterious danger. Throughout the story, Varjak learns to master an ancient martial art, the secret Way of Jalal, which he uses to save himself and defeat enemies. He also learns something about prejudice, how to build relationships, and how to be true to himself. It is a fast moving, action packed story.
Oct 17, 2010
Miranda
rated it:
I loved these books when I was younger. They tell a different kind of story than all the other books out there aimed at the same age group. They write to children as if they were adults (without the adult content) and create a world of adventure and excitement that's hard to put down. I cared so much about the characters that I actually cried at the end. And honestly, I might read them again now, despite the age difference.
Oct 06, 2011
Moem
rated it:
Not stunning, but nice. The way the cats talk and think is fairly convincing and Varjak makes for a decent hero. The illustrations definitely add to the atmosphere.
The philosophical / mystical part is a bit thin and predictable, but really, what can you expect?
All in all quite entertaining. It resembles Tailchaser's Song in many ways. If you liked that, try this too, and the other way around.
The philosophical / mystical part is a bit thin and predictable, but really, what can you expect?
All in all quite entertaining. It resembles Tailchaser's Song in many ways. If you liked that, try this too, and the other way around.
Dec 05, 2011
Sparrowkeeper
rated it:
Varjak Paw is a thrilling story that I fell in love with from page one. The characters were well developed, the plot fast-paced and original. The story itself was exciting and captured my attention as I read all about Varjak. I loved the artwork, too. It really set the mood, and the ending was something I would never expect. A great story that I highly recommend!
~Sparrow
~Sparrow
May 16, 2011
Katy Kat
rated it:
I absolutely love these books. Sure they're for kids, but the story is amazing and the illustrations... I love the illustrations. The art style is so splattered/scratchy/creepy, and I love it. For a series for kids, the mood is pretty dark most of the time, and SF Said wrote the suspense really well, I think. If you like cats, mysteries, suspense, and awesome illustrations, this series is for you.
Jul 10, 2010
Anonymous
rated it:
When I rate this as 'It was amazing' you have to imagine it from the POV of a 7,8 year old. Still, it's one of the only five books I've kept from my childhood - and believe me, I had a LOT - and my favourite out of those.
And just because it's for kids doesn't mean I can't have a read from time to time.
Get it for your kids, then read it when no-one's looking...
And just because it's for kids doesn't mean I can't have a read from time to time.
Get it for your kids, then read it when no-one's looking...
Nov 26, 2008
TheSaint
rated it:
After living a short, but pampered life with the Contessa, Varjak and the Paw family find themselves in the unenviable position of near homelessness. Trouble is, none of Varjak's aristocratic family seems to be worried about it. With luck and help from his friends, Varjak saves many unfortunate street cats, and discovers his true worth.
Apr 08, 2009
Amira
rated it:
A book I think is aimed at children, although nevertheless, has the attributes that many of all ages would appreciate. Its loud adventures and beautiful use of metaphors and similies provide a great backbone for a very good story. Varjak Paw certainly is a little book that'll be hard to forget. Quietly wise and enormously intriguing - all of life's lessons in a 200 page book.
Recommended.
Recommended.
Jan 05, 2009
Mewstemp
rated it:
This is one of, if not my FAVORITE book. A great tale of realization, and growth. The style in which this is written is very unique and very well done. You NEED to read this. But heads up it may be for younger readers, but if you can look underneath the underneath, you'll see the value.
Apr 11, 2011
Kathy
rated it:
This is a fun kids book about the education of a young house cat who is mentored by a Master Warrior in the "Way." 7 lessons later, he becomes the hero, saving the city's feral kitties from the "Vanishing." Great fun with lessons applicable to human life also.
Dec 24, 2009
carnival
rated it:
The story is simple and gripping, for children, but I also found it interesting. Friendship and tolerance always win, which is a bit naive, but it's hard to expect another ending. Additional advantages - certainly cats! and of course wonderful pictures.
Dec 06, 2008
David
rated it:
An engaging piece of feline anthropomorphicism featuring a cat learning the ancient way of ninja wisdom. This is nicely underwritten, with some good humour and wonderful illustrations by the scarily brilliant Dave McKean.
Sep 08, 2011
Lilly
rated it:
The art and plot are wonderful. I wish I could draw like that! Both this and the sequel are touching and a great read. It's been a long time since I've read this, but it will stick to me forever.
Mar 27, 2009
Maggie
rated it: 
I only bought this book because it was at my school book fair. I wanted to buy a poster and I wasn't allowed to if I didn't also get a book. This is the cheapest book. It was not good.
Aug 19, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
I love this book! It is so interesting and the style in which the pictures are drawn in fit the book's story perfectly. I enjoyed the pages that were half picture and half text
Aug 08, 2011
Theo
rated it:
It was good because seemed to reflect two series, Warriors because it was a group of cats and gangs living around a city, and it was also like itself.
