Chicken Cat

by Stephanie Simpson McLellan, Sean Cassidy

The hero of this farmyard fantasy, Merlin, is not a typical kitten. No one knows who his natural mother is, but Guinevere, the oldest hen in the barn, is perfectly willing to take the frail kitten under her wing. Despite the genuine love that Guinevere showers on him, though, Merlin can_t grow and thrive on seeds and grains. When a little girl visits the farm, Guinevere grasps at the chance to give Merlin a home where he will be safe and cared for as a cat should be. Merlin never forgets the love Guinevere gave him and the debt he owes her. He longs to see her again and give her something in return. And when he finally returns to the farm, he is able to help Guinevere realize her dreams.

36 pages, Hardcover

First published May 16, 2000

About the author

Stephanie Simpson McLellan is also known as Stephanie McLellan


Stephanie Simpson McLellan has written for magazines and children's television in addition to penning award-winning picture books. A big fan of children's books, Stephanie wrote the children's book reviews for Today's Parent magazine for twelve years. She lives in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada.

Reviews

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a dusty barn a little kitten was found by the other animals. They named him Merlin because he seemed to magically appear, and in order to keep Merlin alive Guinevere, the oldest hen, took him under her wing to protect and keep warm. He wasn't doing well eating only chicken feed, so when a little girl came wanting a kitten, Guinevere rushed Merlin over to where the farmer would see him. In his new home, Merlin always remembered Guinevere's care for him and came up with an idea to give her something to make her biggest wish come true.
Sweet story and illustrations.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A kitten raised by a hen. Ok, and the illustrations are cute. I found it an engaging story until the kitten flew. That was just too much. I loved the reunion between the two, but the flying cat spoiled it. Couldn't the author have found a different way to unite the two and fulfill the hen's wish of wanting to fly?