The Killer Cat Runs Away

The Killer Cat #6

by Anne Fine

Tuffy doesn't feel wanted at home any more. His owners just don't appreciate him. So what if he broke the new TV? Got fur on all Dad's clean clothes? Ate Tinkerbell the kitten's special kitten-food? All accidents! But they're making such a fuss!

So Tuffy decides to make a break for it. He bids farewell to the gang -- Snowball, Tiger and Bella - and runs away. But s tarting a new life isn't easy, and soon Tuffy starts to wonder if he's made a terrible mistake.

Genres: Fiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published June 6, 2013

About the author

Though readers often find themselves inadvertently laughing aloud as they read Anne Fine's novels, as she herself admits, "a lot of my work, even for fairly young readers, raises serious social issues. Growing up is a long and confusing business. I try to show that the battle through the chaos is worthwhile and can, at times, be seen as very funny." In 1994, this unique combination of humour and realism inspired the hit movie MRS. DOUBTFIRE, based on Anne's novel MADAME DOUBTFIRE and starring the late comedic genius Robin Williams.

Anne is best known in her home country, England, as a writer principally for children, but over the years she has also written eight novels for adult readers. Seven of these she describes as black - or sour - comedies, and the first, THE KILLJOY, simply as "dead black". These novels have proved great favourites with reading groups, causing readers to squirm with mingled horror and delight as she peels away the layers in all too familiar family relationships, exposing the tangled threads and conflicts beneath. (It's perhaps not surprising that Anne has openly expressed astonishment at the fact that murder in the domestic setting is not even more common.)

Anne has written more than sixty books for children and young people. Amongst numerous other awards, she is twice winner of both the Carnegie Medal, Britain's most prestigious children's book award, and the Whitbread Award. Twice chosen as Children's Author of the Year in the British Book Awards, Anne Fine was also the first novelist to be honoured as Children's Laureate in the United Kingdom. In 2003, Anne became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was awarded an OBE. Her work has been translated into forty five languages.

Anne Fine lives in the north of England and has two grown up daughters.

Reviews

[Charvi J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I shall make my children read these books!

Although, all children in question are feline in my case, and I am unsure if they would have the attention span for reading.

I shall make my children listen to me as I read these books to them!

Although I am unsure if Tuffy would prove a great role model, but all cats are killers anyway so you know, me(ow)h.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixth and what appears to be the final book int eh Killer cat series, although it is the fourth that I have read, missing books one and two - it really could keep going, but perhaps the author felt like this was enough. Another hilarious tale with the title telling you what the plot is. A fun read.

[Shahrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the hilarious ups and downs of Tuffy’s adventures whilst running away from home. My own personal favourite being him trying busking for his dinner. Different illustrator in this book to the rest of the series (which I have just enjoyed reading). It did upset me at first but I do love illustrated books, so I still appreciated and enjoyed them.

[Mark Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last in the series, the story goes full circle. Tuffy runs away then misses all what he had at home. Hoping to reunite with Ellie things takes a few turns on the way. My son enjoyed it. A little bit longer but not our favourite of the series. 3/5 for us!

[Maxime · Rating 4 out of 5]

hyper bizzare

[Wilde Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cat runs away from home but things don't turn out as he expects.

I thought this short story was sweet / clever.

Reading time around twenty minutes.

[Rebecca Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good sequel to the killer cat franchise. Year 3 love doing this book in Autumn term. Good end of year 2/start of year 3 book. This is a good one to further their personal reading afterwards.

[Elendis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Schnell einmal lesen bevors in den Sack vom Weihnachtsmann wandert für die Nichte 😉

[Camilla Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tuffy is a naughty cat who is causing havoc in his family’s house. After a nasty incident involving a television, the family have had enough and talk of giving him away to a home. Overhearing the conversation and feeling really underappreciated; Tuffy decides to run away. The story follows Tuffy’s journey from busking, to singing parrots, cat passports and injections. Eventually, Tuffy realises he may have made a mistake and is given a second chance with his family.

I enjoyed this book as it took me on a journey from beginning to end, with lots of laughter along the way. Although quite a long book to read it one go, it would be quite easy to read to a class and engage them with Tuffy’s journey. Moreover, it gives an insight into a cat’s way of thinking, which some children may be able to relate to their own pets. As such it could be integrated into a class topic regarding animals.

[Melainebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le chat assassin est de retour encore plus drôle et avec encore plus d'aventures !