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Kiwi #1
Kiwi in Cat City
Book 1 in the Kiwi Series about a magical cat.Have you ever wished your cat could talk or wondered where he/she goes when you are not around? Kiwi is a black cat with a big secret – she is magical and comes from a city of catizens. One night when the moon is shaped like a cat’s claw, Amy and James follow their pet cat to see where she goes. With a flick of her tail, Kiwi turns the kids into kittens and leads them to the blue-lit Cat City, where the budding detectives help Inspector Furrball to investigate a catnapping and Kiwi meets her nemesis.Furry fun for ages 7-99. KIRKUS REVIEW – “Though the book is a mystery, the bloodshed-free crime means that the book is safe enough for younger readers to enjoy, and funny moments – provided by the bumbling Paws and lots of “cat” wordplay – keep the story light. The sleuthing will captivate young readers... Cats, a dash of fantasy, and a puzzling mystery are a recipe for a fun read...”In the Kiwi Series, Amy, James and Kiwi go on different adventures, dealing with catnappings, jewel thieves, giant mice, time travel, haunted houses, Father Christmas, pyramids and more. The fun stories contain positive messages about loyalty, friendship, honesty, bullying and the power of friendship.With illustrations by Nikki McBroom.Book 4 in the series was a finalist in the Children's Books category of the National Indie Excellence Book Awards 2013.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2011
5 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Vickie Johnstone
32 books74 followersHi, I live in London. I love reading, writing, films, the sea, art, animals, nature and travelling. Since 2011, I have self-published 17 books.
Books self-published in 2011:
Kaleidoscope (March) - 119 poems;
Travelling Light - a free book of 38 poems;
Kiwi in Cat City (April);
Kiwi and the Missing Magic (June); and
Kiwi and the Living Nightmare (October).
The Kiwi Series is written for readers aged 9 up. They follow the adventures of a magical cat called Kiwi and her two human friends, Amy and James. The books contain wonderful illustrations by Nikki McBroom.
Books published in 2012:
Day of the Living Pizza - a free comedy horror for ages 13 up (May);
Life's Rhythms - 316 haiku (June);
3 Heads and a Tail - a romantic comedy with walkies, written for NaNoWriMo (June);
Kiwi and the Serpent of the Isle (August);
Day of the Pesky Shadow - book 2 in the Smarts & Dewdrop Mysteries series (October);
Kiwi in the Realm of Ra (November); and
Kiwi's Christmas Tail (December).
Books published in 2013:
The Sea Inside (Cerulean Songs, book 1); and
I Dream of Zombies (book 1).
Books published in 2014:
Haven (book 2, I Dream of Zombies).
Books published in 2015:
Mind-spinning Rainbows.
Books published in 2021:
A Poem a Day.
Good luck with your writing and happy reading :)
Vickie Johnstone
Blog: http://vickiejohnstone.blogspot.com
Twitter: @vickiejohnstone
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorVickieJ...
http://www.facebook.com/KiwiinCatCity
http://www.facebook.com/KaleidoscopeP...
Kiwi Series trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLjmVg...
Books self-published in 2011:
Kaleidoscope (March) - 119 poems;
Travelling Light - a free book of 38 poems;
Kiwi in Cat City (April);
Kiwi and the Missing Magic (June); and
Kiwi and the Living Nightmare (October).
The Kiwi Series is written for readers aged 9 up. They follow the adventures of a magical cat called Kiwi and her two human friends, Amy and James. The books contain wonderful illustrations by Nikki McBroom.
Books published in 2012:
Day of the Living Pizza - a free comedy horror for ages 13 up (May);
Life's Rhythms - 316 haiku (June);
3 Heads and a Tail - a romantic comedy with walkies, written for NaNoWriMo (June);
Kiwi and the Serpent of the Isle (August);
Day of the Pesky Shadow - book 2 in the Smarts & Dewdrop Mysteries series (October);
Kiwi in the Realm of Ra (November); and
Kiwi's Christmas Tail (December).
Books published in 2013:
The Sea Inside (Cerulean Songs, book 1); and
I Dream of Zombies (book 1).
Books published in 2014:
Haven (book 2, I Dream of Zombies).
Books published in 2015:
Mind-spinning Rainbows.
Books published in 2021:
A Poem a Day.
Good luck with your writing and happy reading :)
Vickie Johnstone
Blog: http://vickiejohnstone.blogspot.com
Twitter: @vickiejohnstone
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorVickieJ...
http://www.facebook.com/KiwiinCatCity
http://www.facebook.com/KaleidoscopeP...
Kiwi Series trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLjmVg...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 8, 2013
Let the mommy part begin first- all 4 boys read this, in part or whole, to one another.
Bobby and James read it alone, Brenton read it with Keagan looking over, and
James then read it to Keagan. My boys are simply that-boys...they love trucks and
muds and exploring wild adventures and crazy things, so I wasn't so sure that a
"cat" book would be something they enjoyed-but I let them dive into it themselves.
We are a cat-loving family, and I thought-they can decide themselves if they like
the book or not because what would their review page be if it were anything but
honest! So-here are their true feelings, one by on, on
Kiwi in Cat City,
by Vickie Johnstone
James:
I enjoyed this book. It was fun learning what Amy and James wondered with the cat. We have a cat named Poohbear and she disappears in the house. If she were an outside cat she would have many fun adventures. Kiwi is black and likes to live in a world like we do, but in Cat City. When the two got the shock from the cat I really was excited to see what came next. This book had lots of adventure, mystery, and unexpected things that made it very fun to read. I also read it to my little brother, and it was fun being a character in the book.
I give it 5 stars.
Bobby:
This book was funny. Who knew a cat could have their own city to go to when we are not with them. They had some pretty cool things in the city we would like to have here to play with the cat. I liked reading the adventure.
It gets 5 stars-I laughed a lot.
Brenton:
Fun book! Big chapters but I just read it on moms Kindle. Cute cat in the story goes
out to a city created for cats and has lots of fun, but when the kid owners find out,
and then learn a surprise secret, it turns even funner. The cat and kids share fun.
Good story, hope there are more like it.
*****
Keagan
I like the cat story and cat city. I wish we can go there.
Fun read with my brothers.
How many stars Keagan- 5
Mommy Views:
This book was an adventure for the boys.
Reading it together allowed them to
find a voice, create a movie
almost with the characters, and
Ms. Johnstone really does write to
capture an audience.
Fabulous Read.
Bobby and James read it alone, Brenton read it with Keagan looking over, and
James then read it to Keagan. My boys are simply that-boys...they love trucks and
muds and exploring wild adventures and crazy things, so I wasn't so sure that a
"cat" book would be something they enjoyed-but I let them dive into it themselves.
We are a cat-loving family, and I thought-they can decide themselves if they like
the book or not because what would their review page be if it were anything but
honest! So-here are their true feelings, one by on, on
Kiwi in Cat City,
by Vickie Johnstone
James:
I enjoyed this book. It was fun learning what Amy and James wondered with the cat. We have a cat named Poohbear and she disappears in the house. If she were an outside cat she would have many fun adventures. Kiwi is black and likes to live in a world like we do, but in Cat City. When the two got the shock from the cat I really was excited to see what came next. This book had lots of adventure, mystery, and unexpected things that made it very fun to read. I also read it to my little brother, and it was fun being a character in the book.
I give it 5 stars.
Bobby:
This book was funny. Who knew a cat could have their own city to go to when we are not with them. They had some pretty cool things in the city we would like to have here to play with the cat. I liked reading the adventure.
It gets 5 stars-I laughed a lot.
Brenton:
Fun book! Big chapters but I just read it on moms Kindle. Cute cat in the story goes
out to a city created for cats and has lots of fun, but when the kid owners find out,
and then learn a surprise secret, it turns even funner. The cat and kids share fun.
Good story, hope there are more like it.
*****
Keagan
I like the cat story and cat city. I wish we can go there.
Fun read with my brothers.
How many stars Keagan- 5
Mommy Views:
This book was an adventure for the boys.
Reading it together allowed them to
find a voice, create a movie
almost with the characters, and
Ms. Johnstone really does write to
capture an audience.
Fabulous Read.
June 13, 2013
I enjoy reading anything written by the hand of Ms. Vickie Johnstone. Though I don't consider myself an expert in YA literature, I admire the imagination Johnstone puts into her stories, all of which are sprinkled with just enough humour to fuel my appetite for more.
When Amy and her younger brother James decide to follow their pet cat Kiwi to find out where she goes and what she does, their discovery was nothing short of transformative. The first thing they discover on their journey to Cat City was that Kiwi could talk. A little more pixy dust and soon the children were changed into kittens. When they arrived in Cat City, they learned there were some "cat knappings" and Kiwi, being the detective she is, lead the investigation as to who, where, what, and why.
This story was a fun read and full of humorous play on words. Though billed as young adult genre, I think most adults who have children, or anyone who has a cat for that matter, would enjoy reading it too. I'm glad I won the whole Kiwi series and am looking forward to reading the others. The only issue I have with the story is how it might best fit into the YA genre - as in what specific age group. It reads well but maybe a bit long for a ten year old reading on their own. Then again, it is shorter than any of the Harry Potter series and in the opinion of this reviewer, is just as "Cat -ptivating."
Kindle Copies were provided by the author as a result of a book give away.
When Amy and her younger brother James decide to follow their pet cat Kiwi to find out where she goes and what she does, their discovery was nothing short of transformative. The first thing they discover on their journey to Cat City was that Kiwi could talk. A little more pixy dust and soon the children were changed into kittens. When they arrived in Cat City, they learned there were some "cat knappings" and Kiwi, being the detective she is, lead the investigation as to who, where, what, and why.
This story was a fun read and full of humorous play on words. Though billed as young adult genre, I think most adults who have children, or anyone who has a cat for that matter, would enjoy reading it too. I'm glad I won the whole Kiwi series and am looking forward to reading the others. The only issue I have with the story is how it might best fit into the YA genre - as in what specific age group. It reads well but maybe a bit long for a ten year old reading on their own. Then again, it is shorter than any of the Harry Potter series and in the opinion of this reviewer, is just as "Cat -ptivating."
Kindle Copies were provided by the author as a result of a book give away.
May 4, 2011
Reverse Anthropomorphism: An Entertaining and Educational Book for Youngsters of All Ages
Vickie Johnstone, whom most of us know as a poet of promise, has branched out into the world of children's literature and if her inaugural book is any indication of what lies ahead, she proves that she has what it takes to create stories that not only capture the minds of youngsters but also the glued attention of the adult readers as well. She understands well that adventure and mystery and fantasy are the ingredients that hold a youngster's attention, but at the same time she appreciates the fact that without the use of humor and a solid bit of 'connect' to real life that some children might have bad dreams if this were a bedtime story.
Amy and James are two young children who live comfortably in a home with parents: security is assured. They happen to 'own' a chubby cat they named Kiwi and one night, with parents asleep, curiosity gets the better of them as they observe Kiwi outside staring at the moon. Wondering what Kiwi does for snacks and breakfast they follow their nocturnal cat only to discover that Kiwi talks, can transform herself in a purple mist to become invisible, and furthermore Kiwi instructs Amy and James to imagine they are cats and poof! the transformation occurs! Now the newly named Ames and Jimster enter Cat World where all manner of living conditions mimic human cities, with Meow Cafés, Meow Markets, and even a police station where the three adventurers meet Inspector Furrball who shares with them a Cat Crime in progress: Catnappings have been occurring every Monday and Furrball assigns Cat Squaddie member Paws to assist the trio in resolving the mystery of the missing five catizens. The adventure is well paced and is populated with interesting characters and dilemmas and situations - all of which challenge Kiwi, Ames and Jimster to solve the well designed mystery.
In addition to telling a terrific little story, Vickie Johnstone has inserted plays on words, all-too-human situations and prejudices and flaws that make her speaking cats symbols for human foibles. Her introduction of advanced words bantered about by malapropisms encourages children to think up a step without stopping the flow of the tale. All of the ingredients for involving youngsters in the love of reading are here. KIWI IN CAT CITY is a great start in what appears to be a promised series of adventures for those who love books - human beings of all ages!
Grady Harp
Vickie Johnstone, whom most of us know as a poet of promise, has branched out into the world of children's literature and if her inaugural book is any indication of what lies ahead, she proves that she has what it takes to create stories that not only capture the minds of youngsters but also the glued attention of the adult readers as well. She understands well that adventure and mystery and fantasy are the ingredients that hold a youngster's attention, but at the same time she appreciates the fact that without the use of humor and a solid bit of 'connect' to real life that some children might have bad dreams if this were a bedtime story.
Amy and James are two young children who live comfortably in a home with parents: security is assured. They happen to 'own' a chubby cat they named Kiwi and one night, with parents asleep, curiosity gets the better of them as they observe Kiwi outside staring at the moon. Wondering what Kiwi does for snacks and breakfast they follow their nocturnal cat only to discover that Kiwi talks, can transform herself in a purple mist to become invisible, and furthermore Kiwi instructs Amy and James to imagine they are cats and poof! the transformation occurs! Now the newly named Ames and Jimster enter Cat World where all manner of living conditions mimic human cities, with Meow Cafés, Meow Markets, and even a police station where the three adventurers meet Inspector Furrball who shares with them a Cat Crime in progress: Catnappings have been occurring every Monday and Furrball assigns Cat Squaddie member Paws to assist the trio in resolving the mystery of the missing five catizens. The adventure is well paced and is populated with interesting characters and dilemmas and situations - all of which challenge Kiwi, Ames and Jimster to solve the well designed mystery.
In addition to telling a terrific little story, Vickie Johnstone has inserted plays on words, all-too-human situations and prejudices and flaws that make her speaking cats symbols for human foibles. Her introduction of advanced words bantered about by malapropisms encourages children to think up a step without stopping the flow of the tale. All of the ingredients for involving youngsters in the love of reading are here. KIWI IN CAT CITY is a great start in what appears to be a promised series of adventures for those who love books - human beings of all ages!
Grady Harp
January 14, 2013
The first in Vickie Johnstone’s Kiwi series, Kiwi in Cat City tells the story of Amy and James who observe their cat Kiwi in the garden one night at the start of a nocturnal wander around the neighbourhood. Curious to know where Kiwi is going, the two children follow their cat only for her to disappear in a puff of colourful smoke. The two children are taken aback when Kiwi returns and not only speaks to them but magically turns them into kittens. The trio then transport themselves to Cat City, inhabited by catizens (love it!), where they find themselves working with the law following a series of catnappings, or kidnappings if you prefer.
Kiwi in Cat City has the audience appeal of a film such as Shrek. Although the book may seem to be for younger readers, there is also plenty on offer here for teenagers and adults too. Aside from nostalgic visits to the Asterix comics, it’s not often I will read children’s books but I was happy to experience the world of Kiwi and what a world it is. The blue-lit Cat City is beautifully crafted with the catizens having their own businesses and not being as lazy as you might expect given what we know about our furry friends in the real world. Law enforcement is more humane with the weapons deployed too. This isn’t a violent place but the law is taken very seriously. Our trio of friends assist Inspector Furball who is investigating a series of kitty disappearances in the city with no ransom demands or anything. Amongst the missing is the highly respected Madame Purrfect.
Kiwi in Cat City is a delightfully imaginative and simple read that should appeal to a wide audience, especially all you kitty lovers out there. Intended for ages 9+, teens and adults this is a quick and enjoyable story with Cat City being well worth a visit if you’re planning a holiday any time soon. Everything from shops and lights, to roads and cars has been carefully thought through and given that special kitty polish. Cat City may have many features you would expect in our world but it’s definitely a cat paradise. No humans here, folks. My only issue with the book was the ending seemed a little abrupt but with five more books in the Kiwi series available it’s hard to be disappointed for long.
Kiwi in Cat City is a wonderful opening to this series. The start of Amy and James’ adventure, mirroring the curiosity of Alice heading into Wonderland, is a nice touch. There are some great characters and settings and it’s safe to say that Johnstone is kitty crazy, which isn’t a bad thing.
Kiwi in Cat City has the audience appeal of a film such as Shrek. Although the book may seem to be for younger readers, there is also plenty on offer here for teenagers and adults too. Aside from nostalgic visits to the Asterix comics, it’s not often I will read children’s books but I was happy to experience the world of Kiwi and what a world it is. The blue-lit Cat City is beautifully crafted with the catizens having their own businesses and not being as lazy as you might expect given what we know about our furry friends in the real world. Law enforcement is more humane with the weapons deployed too. This isn’t a violent place but the law is taken very seriously. Our trio of friends assist Inspector Furball who is investigating a series of kitty disappearances in the city with no ransom demands or anything. Amongst the missing is the highly respected Madame Purrfect.
Kiwi in Cat City is a delightfully imaginative and simple read that should appeal to a wide audience, especially all you kitty lovers out there. Intended for ages 9+, teens and adults this is a quick and enjoyable story with Cat City being well worth a visit if you’re planning a holiday any time soon. Everything from shops and lights, to roads and cars has been carefully thought through and given that special kitty polish. Cat City may have many features you would expect in our world but it’s definitely a cat paradise. No humans here, folks. My only issue with the book was the ending seemed a little abrupt but with five more books in the Kiwi series available it’s hard to be disappointed for long.
Kiwi in Cat City is a wonderful opening to this series. The start of Amy and James’ adventure, mirroring the curiosity of Alice heading into Wonderland, is a nice touch. There are some great characters and settings and it’s safe to say that Johnstone is kitty crazy, which isn’t a bad thing.
Read
June 12, 2020Vickie contacted me about her book (a shamefully long time ago, I must admit), knowing I had a love of cats and I agreed to review it. I have started this book several times and stopped several times – NOT, I hasten to add, because I didn’t enjoy it or was finding it hard to get into. Quite the opposite. Instead, I found I loved the book and it has been to my particular chagrin that it has taken me so long to get the real focused time I wanted to spend with this book and nothing else.
Because readers, this is a wonderful story. But then, I had a feeling it would be.
So great was my love of this fun tale of the adventures of Kiwi, that I was even able to overlook the fact that there are two children as central characters. Yes, I know this is a book for children aged 9+ up but I am not a big fan of children in books and films. Believe me, I am not the maternal type! However, Amy and James are written as well mannered children that I’m sure even I could spend an afternoon with (even if they are a bit naughty for trying to go along with Kiwi’s adventures instead of going to sleep!). Besides, Kiwi is able to work a little magic to make the children considerably more likeable in my view!
Johnstone is a wonderful writer, able to weave a magical tale. She also has an excellent understanding of the behaviour of cats and injects this knowledge expertly into the tale. Her pace and timing is perfect and despite this being a book made up largely of prose, Johnstone nonetheless manages to make it poetic throughout.
I loved the exploits of Kiwi, Madame Purrfect and Inspector Furrball. Okay, okay – even the antics of James and Amy. This is the first in the series of Kiwi books and I’m roundly convinced that Johnstone will be called upon to write many more volumes. I believe she is currently working on book four and I can see this becoming a series that wouldn’t be out of place on the bookshelf of any family home, library or school. Bravo on a superb book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.
Because readers, this is a wonderful story. But then, I had a feeling it would be.
So great was my love of this fun tale of the adventures of Kiwi, that I was even able to overlook the fact that there are two children as central characters. Yes, I know this is a book for children aged 9+ up but I am not a big fan of children in books and films. Believe me, I am not the maternal type! However, Amy and James are written as well mannered children that I’m sure even I could spend an afternoon with (even if they are a bit naughty for trying to go along with Kiwi’s adventures instead of going to sleep!). Besides, Kiwi is able to work a little magic to make the children considerably more likeable in my view!
Johnstone is a wonderful writer, able to weave a magical tale. She also has an excellent understanding of the behaviour of cats and injects this knowledge expertly into the tale. Her pace and timing is perfect and despite this being a book made up largely of prose, Johnstone nonetheless manages to make it poetic throughout.
I loved the exploits of Kiwi, Madame Purrfect and Inspector Furrball. Okay, okay – even the antics of James and Amy. This is the first in the series of Kiwi books and I’m roundly convinced that Johnstone will be called upon to write many more volumes. I believe she is currently working on book four and I can see this becoming a series that wouldn’t be out of place on the bookshelf of any family home, library or school. Bravo on a superb book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.
December 23, 2012
Late one night Amy woke up and saw her cat Kiwi sneak out of the house through her window. She decided she was going to follow Kiwi just to find out what the cat was up to while the family was sleeping. Amy's little brother James awoke and wanted to know what was going on. When she told him he jumped out of bed ready to spy on Kiwi. It was a little, maybe a lot scary wondering around in the dark outside. As they ran through a field Kiwi turned around and asked them if they were following her. After they got over their shock Kiwi asked if they wanted to come along with her. Both of the children decided they wouldn't miss this for anything. Then she told them to repeat some magic words and motions to make and shazam! Amy and James turned into kittens. Yep, with tails, fur and walking on four legs. Kiwi told the kids/kittens they were going to Cat City and not to let the catizens know they were humans.
What in the cat world was going on? What was Cat City and catizens?
Well they are soon to find out. They are about begin the greatest adventure of their lives.
This author has quite a vivid imagination. Turning children into kittens not to mention that their pet cat can speak several human languages. Vickie's talent for writing is impressive in that it kept this sixty-two year old grandma entertained through the entire book. You will find adventure, intrigue, mystery, kidnapping and cat police to the rescue.
The illustrations in the book depict the story which appears to be watercolors in soft colors. The images make you want to pickup the children and the cat up and give them a big hug. They are just too cute!
The author has several other books in this series and more to come.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from the Vickie Johnstone/inknbeans press for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion
If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here
What in the cat world was going on? What was Cat City and catizens?
Well they are soon to find out. They are about begin the greatest adventure of their lives.
This author has quite a vivid imagination. Turning children into kittens not to mention that their pet cat can speak several human languages. Vickie's talent for writing is impressive in that it kept this sixty-two year old grandma entertained through the entire book. You will find adventure, intrigue, mystery, kidnapping and cat police to the rescue.
The illustrations in the book depict the story which appears to be watercolors in soft colors. The images make you want to pickup the children and the cat up and give them a big hug. They are just too cute!
The author has several other books in this series and more to come.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from the Vickie Johnstone/inknbeans press for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion
If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here
May 25, 2011
I don’t normally read children’s books (!), but as I was given an opportunity to review this, I decided a little light entertainment wouldn’t come amiss. And entertain it did.
This is a delightful story and the author’s imagined Cat City was great fun. The cats’ names were cute and cosy and life, as humans know it, was cleverly cat-adapted – milk from the drinks machine, catpads (best equivalent of electronic communication!) and fish-flavoured biscuits.
You don’t have to like cats to enjoy this story – the plot centres around getting to the bottom of catnapping (by cats, of course) – the mix of characters and how they are portrayed often makes you forget that they are feline, from the members of the crime investigating cat force, to the wily perpetrators.
Whilst the story ends well (I’m not giving anything away here, it’s a children’s book, it has to end well!) you are left just a tad high and dry, but, thankfully, you are reliably informed that the story is ‘to be continued’……..thank goodness, or I shall worry about Amy and James….
My grandson is only 4 months old, but I can’t wait till he is older, when I shall look forward to reading this to him very much.
This is a delightful story and the author’s imagined Cat City was great fun. The cats’ names were cute and cosy and life, as humans know it, was cleverly cat-adapted – milk from the drinks machine, catpads (best equivalent of electronic communication!) and fish-flavoured biscuits.
You don’t have to like cats to enjoy this story – the plot centres around getting to the bottom of catnapping (by cats, of course) – the mix of characters and how they are portrayed often makes you forget that they are feline, from the members of the crime investigating cat force, to the wily perpetrators.
Whilst the story ends well (I’m not giving anything away here, it’s a children’s book, it has to end well!) you are left just a tad high and dry, but, thankfully, you are reliably informed that the story is ‘to be continued’……..thank goodness, or I shall worry about Amy and James….
My grandson is only 4 months old, but I can’t wait till he is older, when I shall look forward to reading this to him very much.
May 11, 2015
This review is from: Kiwi In Cat City (The Kiwi Series) (Kindle Edition) by Vickie Johnstone.
I am a cat lover myself, being on the staff of three of them (two of which are black like Kiwi), and when I saw the cover I could not resist. Indeed, I was not disappointed with this charming and captivating tale that was difficult to put down. Ms. Johnstone states it is for those nine years old and up and I would agree although it would be a great learning tool if read to younger ones, too.
The story flows well and the plot is complex enough to keep your interest but won't lose young readers. The cast of characters is a colorful mix of fantasy and reality, and the use of expressive terms like "catizen" instead of "citizen" made me laugh out loud more than once. There are beautiful illustrations and cover art that bring the well-edited story to life. This first book of the Kiwi series is a jewel and a complement to the writing skills and imagination of a brilliant young author. Try this one out if you have children, grandchildren, or are just young at heart.
Review by Paul M. Schofield, author of The Trophy Saga
I am a cat lover myself, being on the staff of three of them (two of which are black like Kiwi), and when I saw the cover I could not resist. Indeed, I was not disappointed with this charming and captivating tale that was difficult to put down. Ms. Johnstone states it is for those nine years old and up and I would agree although it would be a great learning tool if read to younger ones, too.
The story flows well and the plot is complex enough to keep your interest but won't lose young readers. The cast of characters is a colorful mix of fantasy and reality, and the use of expressive terms like "catizen" instead of "citizen" made me laugh out loud more than once. There are beautiful illustrations and cover art that bring the well-edited story to life. This first book of the Kiwi series is a jewel and a complement to the writing skills and imagination of a brilliant young author. Try this one out if you have children, grandchildren, or are just young at heart.
Review by Paul M. Schofield, author of The Trophy Saga
December 14, 2011
This book is an enjoyable read and kids will especially like it! Johnstone takes a cat named Kiwi and gives her a life like regular people have. Kiwi has a job and, when not living with her humans, resides in Cat City. When her human owners decide to follow her one night to see what happens when Kiwi goes out on her own, they end up being transformed into cats themselves and Kiwi takes them to the magical city with her.
Johnstone knows what kids want! This book is very descriptive, but also gives children a chance to use their imaginations. I loved this story because it had a plot that I could relate to and get interested in, and yet, it wasn’t so involved that children could not understand it. I would recommend this book for children ages 11 and up. This is the first in Johnstone’s Kiwi series and I am looking forward to sharing them with my daughter when she is a bit older. She loves cats and what better story than one where the kids in the book get to become kittens and go on an adventure in a cat city?
Johnstone knows what kids want! This book is very descriptive, but also gives children a chance to use their imaginations. I loved this story because it had a plot that I could relate to and get interested in, and yet, it wasn’t so involved that children could not understand it. I would recommend this book for children ages 11 and up. This is the first in Johnstone’s Kiwi series and I am looking forward to sharing them with my daughter when she is a bit older. She loves cats and what better story than one where the kids in the book get to become kittens and go on an adventure in a cat city?
July 23, 2013
This is a wonderful children's book that will also appeal to adults.
I bought this book as a book I could read to my nieces, and decided to read it first. It's a fun story that takes place in a fictional world called Cat City.
Amy and James wonder where their cat Kiwi goes at night and one day decide to follow her. They are amazed when the cat begins to talk to them, then they are taken on a thrilling adventure where they themselves become kittens in order to fit in to the new city they have travelled to with their cat.
The book is part mystery with a fabulously imaginative setting. I think it is probably aimed at older children, maybe pre-teens.
It's the first in a series of books that follow Kiwi the cat in various adventures. I think it's a great idea for a series of books, and very well written. The illustrations are really good, and if I have one criticism it would be that I would have liked more illustrations in the book.
I would definitely recommend this to older children, and adults who are cat lovers.
I bought this book as a book I could read to my nieces, and decided to read it first. It's a fun story that takes place in a fictional world called Cat City.
Amy and James wonder where their cat Kiwi goes at night and one day decide to follow her. They are amazed when the cat begins to talk to them, then they are taken on a thrilling adventure where they themselves become kittens in order to fit in to the new city they have travelled to with their cat.
The book is part mystery with a fabulously imaginative setting. I think it is probably aimed at older children, maybe pre-teens.
It's the first in a series of books that follow Kiwi the cat in various adventures. I think it's a great idea for a series of books, and very well written. The illustrations are really good, and if I have one criticism it would be that I would have liked more illustrations in the book.
I would definitely recommend this to older children, and adults who are cat lovers.
January 20, 2012
By Alynn (my step-daughter), age 12
In Kiwi In Cat City by Vickie Johnstone, I really liked that Kiwi was a cat-agent. Amy and James (people) follow their Siamese cat into a separate cat world. Inside that world, Amy and James – or Ames and Jimster as they are known in the cat world – find that their cat Kiwi is actually a cat-agent, and he’s on a case where there are missing catizens (cat citizens – teehee) and Amy and James have to find the cat-napper.
This book was very good. The only thing that I didn’t like is that there were a lot of big words that I didn’t understand and had to ask about or look up. I would recommend this to kids ages nine and up or even adults, to read to their kids at night.
The ending was great! (It wasn’t the way I expected – but in a good way.) People would like this book because it’s not some boring informational book, it’s fun and always keeps you on the edge of your seat.
In Kiwi In Cat City by Vickie Johnstone, I really liked that Kiwi was a cat-agent. Amy and James (people) follow their Siamese cat into a separate cat world. Inside that world, Amy and James – or Ames and Jimster as they are known in the cat world – find that their cat Kiwi is actually a cat-agent, and he’s on a case where there are missing catizens (cat citizens – teehee) and Amy and James have to find the cat-napper.
This book was very good. The only thing that I didn’t like is that there were a lot of big words that I didn’t understand and had to ask about or look up. I would recommend this to kids ages nine and up or even adults, to read to their kids at night.
The ending was great! (It wasn’t the way I expected – but in a good way.) People would like this book because it’s not some boring informational book, it’s fun and always keeps you on the edge of your seat.
February 28, 2013
Kiwi in Cat City is about a little girl called Amy, her brother James and their cat Kiwi. After waking one night and seeing Kiwi leap out of the window, Amy rouses James to go with her to follow Kiwi to see where she goes and what she does at night.
Kiwi, who spots them tailing her, turns around and addresses them in their own human speak and subsequently invites them along on her nocturnal journey. After getting over the shock of hearing their cat talking to them, both children decide to do just that and tag along. Then, an even more surprising thing happens as they both turn onto cats themselves.
This book is beautifully written, with a great poetic prologue, and heaps of action, intrigue and fun. Ms. Johnstone’s vivid imagination does her a great deal of credit. I am also assuming, by the not entirely complete ending, that another book will be following soon, which I look forward to reading as well.
Kiwi, who spots them tailing her, turns around and addresses them in their own human speak and subsequently invites them along on her nocturnal journey. After getting over the shock of hearing their cat talking to them, both children decide to do just that and tag along. Then, an even more surprising thing happens as they both turn onto cats themselves.
This book is beautifully written, with a great poetic prologue, and heaps of action, intrigue and fun. Ms. Johnstone’s vivid imagination does her a great deal of credit. I am also assuming, by the not entirely complete ending, that another book will be following soon, which I look forward to reading as well.
September 16, 2011
This is a cute mystery aimed at the age 10 and up set. Youngsters Amy and James follow their cat, Kiwi, when she leaves home one night; they've been curious about where she goes.
Imagine their surprise when they are turned into kittens so that they can follow her to Cat City to help her figure out why cats are being abducted from the streets. With the reverse anthropomorphism, Johnstone writes cleverly about the childrens' difficulty learning how to navigate with four legs and a tail. She also occasionally breaks the fourth wall, addressing the reader with questions like "Have you ever seen a cat in a waistcoat? Nope, me either."
The book is not too scary, and things are resolved easily. The book does leave a bit of a cliffhanger to be resolved in a subsequent volume, "Kiwi and the Missing Magic."
Cute book for young animal lovers and budding mystery buffs.
Imagine their surprise when they are turned into kittens so that they can follow her to Cat City to help her figure out why cats are being abducted from the streets. With the reverse anthropomorphism, Johnstone writes cleverly about the childrens' difficulty learning how to navigate with four legs and a tail. She also occasionally breaks the fourth wall, addressing the reader with questions like "Have you ever seen a cat in a waistcoat? Nope, me either."
The book is not too scary, and things are resolved easily. The book does leave a bit of a cliffhanger to be resolved in a subsequent volume, "Kiwi and the Missing Magic."
Cute book for young animal lovers and budding mystery buffs.
February 26, 2013
Do you ever wonder where your cat goes when he/she disappears for a few days? Vickie Johnstone gives a clever explanation to this mystery.
Kiwi, a very clever cat takes a couple of kids with her as he takes a trip to Cat City where they all get involved in helping the police in solving a crime.
Vickie makes what some folks might think is just a children’s story into a tale that is enjoyable for all ages. The interplay between the characters keeps the story fresh and makes the reader want to keep going to the next page to see what happens.
The names and places such as Mr. Katz, Meow Café, Insurance in a Whisker and Inspector Furrball do not let you forget where you are at and adds to the imagery of Cat City. This is a most enjoyable story and I’m waiting for Kiwi volume two.
Kiwi, a very clever cat takes a couple of kids with her as he takes a trip to Cat City where they all get involved in helping the police in solving a crime.
Vickie makes what some folks might think is just a children’s story into a tale that is enjoyable for all ages. The interplay between the characters keeps the story fresh and makes the reader want to keep going to the next page to see what happens.
The names and places such as Mr. Katz, Meow Café, Insurance in a Whisker and Inspector Furrball do not let you forget where you are at and adds to the imagery of Cat City. This is a most enjoyable story and I’m waiting for Kiwi volume two.
January 25, 2013
What a delightful middle grade book for cat lovers! Since we have fourteen cats, I am always looking for books about cats, and this one is definitely a keeper. My daughter is in fourth grade, and I can hardly wait for her to read it! This book has it all--humor, mystery, fantasy, and lots of cats! I'm glad to know that this is the first in a series--at least from what I can tell. I don't want to give away any details, but this is a book that will delight children as well as adults who still have fond memories of childhood. It is a clever read, and it is action-packed. There was never a dull moment. Indeed a "catastic" book!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
May 4, 2011
This is a lovely story about 2 children who decide to follow their cat one night and 'see what she has for breakfast'. They end up following her to 'Cat City' and the book is then about their adventures there. To say any more would be to give away spoilers and that’s not what this review is about!
This author has a fantastic imagination and although this was essentially a children’s book, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. The story was told in an easy to read way and was a lovely subject. Who hasn’t wondered where their cat goes all night? I would love to read more from this author as she is quite simply amazing!
This author has a fantastic imagination and although this was essentially a children’s book, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. The story was told in an easy to read way and was a lovely subject. Who hasn’t wondered where their cat goes all night? I would love to read more from this author as she is quite simply amazing!
February 29, 2012
Ever wonder what your cat is thinking whenever you catch her staring off into the distance? Maybe you've seen your cat scamper off into the night like she is on a mission. Amy and James decide to follow their cat, Kiwi, one moonlit night and discover the hidden treasure of all cats, Cat City. Full of mystery and excitement, Amy and James discover cats are far superior creatures...more so then they ever realized. Perfect story for older elementary and pre-teens. I hope to read more adventures of Kiwi, Amy, and James in the next of the Kiwi Series by Vickie Johnstone.
September 8, 2013
Wondering what their cat gets up to at night, Amy and James decide to follow Kiwi on her nighttime adventures, but little do they know what's about to happen. Kiwi has the power to turn them into kittens, and they follow her to Cat City, where several cats have been catnapped. Kiwi works for Inspector Furrball (love that name!), and with the help of the kittens, uncovers exactly what's been going on in Cat City in a fun, suspenseful mystery that all age groups will love.
August 21, 2016
This was a cute story. Once I realized exactly what the story was, after reading the first chapter, I didn't think I'd enjoyed it, but I'm happy to say that I did. The story is about two siblings, Amy and James, who decide to follow their cat one night to see where she goes...and what they discover surprises them. I think people of all ages can read and enjoy this story, it might even be a good book to read as a family. It's currently a Kindle freebie, so I say give it a try.
August 23, 2011
This is not only a purrfect bedtime story for your children, but also a welcoming refreshment for hissing adults to tame their stiffness.
Funny, mysterious and full of paws!
Don't forget to wash your whiskers!
Funny, mysterious and full of paws!
Don't forget to wash your whiskers!
January 9, 2013
Review posted on my blog at http://www.meganblogs.com/kiwi-in-cat...
February 20, 2016
This was a good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
October 23, 2018
Review to follow
January 2, 2015
Kiwi in Cat City (Kiwi series Book 1) by Vickie Johnstone is a very sweet story. amusing for kids of all ages. Myself included. I loved everything about it. The storyline was full of surprises and intrigue. It was a fun adventure that had me laughing out loud. Very sweet. Loved the few illustrations and of course the lead character, Kiwi. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this story or a cat. This is just pure entertainment and enjoyment.
Cat City is a nice place to visit and the mystery kept me on my toes. It’s a great big adventure. This is a quirky story that will have cat lovers go wild. What’s not to like? I highly recommend Kiwi!!! Get ready to fall in love.
Cat City is a nice place to visit and the mystery kept me on my toes. It’s a great big adventure. This is a quirky story that will have cat lovers go wild. What’s not to like? I highly recommend Kiwi!!! Get ready to fall in love.
July 2, 2013
While I'm aware that I'm not actually part of the book's target audience, it doesn't impress me even by the standards of children's literature. It's a nice little story but very unfocused, the word coinages (catizens, catsquaddies, catema [cinema], caticopters) are way too cutesy for my taste, and there are way too many loose ends. Maybe they will be cleared up in future installments, but I was left as mystified at the end about what was going on as at the start.
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