A Kitten Called Holly

Jasmine Green #4

by Helen Peters, Ellie Snowdon (Illustrator)

When Jasmine and Tom rescue an abandoned kitten, Jasmine is desperate to keep her. But her parents decide to sell Holly - and Jasmine is NOT happy with her new owner! Can Jasmine and Tom give Holly the best ever Christmas present - a good home?

Genres: Animals, Cats, Fiction, Christmas, Childrens, Holiday, Middle Grade

144 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2017

About the author

Helen Peters is the author of The Secret Hen House Theatre. She grew up on an old-fashioned farm in Sussex, surrounded by family, animals and mud. She spent most of her childhood reading stories and putting on plays in a tumbledown shed that she and her friends turned into a theatre. After university, she realised that she needed to find a job where someone would pay her to read stories and put on plays (though maybe not in a tumbledown shed) and so she became an English and Drama teacher. Several years later, finding herself as a stay-at-home mother of two, she decided to have a go at writing the sort of book she’d so enjoyed as a child. Helen lives with her husband and children in London, and she can still hardly believe that she now gets to call herself a writer.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This book is such a beautiful story about Jasmine and her best friend Tom who find a kitten that has been rejected by her mother. They take care of her and the book explains within the story how much work having a Kitten can be.

There is so much love for animals within this book and that really shines through the story.

The book also has loss and heartbreak too.

This book would make an ideal gift for cat lovers and anyone thinking of getting a kitten.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine Green is my hero! With her love for animals and her thoughtfulness to her friends, she is a great role model. On her adventure with her new rescue, I learned a few things about cats and their particular ways. This is a chapter book for young readers and it is also a great book to read along with your young reader. There is always a surprise at the end and Jasmine always makes it happen.

One of the things I like about Jasmine character is even though she is a great role model, she like any other kid. She learns from her mistakes and she has wonderful role models in her parents. Pets are a great asset to any family so if you don't have one be ready for your youngsters to be asking for their own.


A special thank you to Candlewick Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine and Tom in this book find a cat and her new born kittens on the farm. However as the mother rejects one kitten, Jasmine takes her on to save her and soon becomes attached to her but when school bully Bella is after a new pet, Jasmine fears for her beloved Holly as the kitten faces going to her after some antics happen!



The book once again alike Helen's other books does deal with the mention of death a few times and so again I say this is one for older readers. It was another fun packed read about animals focusing mainly on cats which Animal Ark fans will enjoy.

Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

[Lauren Link · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was really good until the ending where Tom's gran died suddenly which was too close to home for me which is what caused me to lower my star rating; I loved the book until that happened and I am pleased Jasmine did do the right thing but it made me really sad.

[Cozy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the gifted copy. All thoughts are completely my own

I'm not sure what the age range of this children's book is but I would definitely not recommend it for sensitive children. It was rather gruesome.

Being unfamiliar with the author I was a little unprepared for this book.

3***

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine and Tom are on vacation from school and find a shed on the farm property that will be perfect for their clubhouse for the Animal Rescue Club (ARC). While sitting inside figuring out what they needed to do, when a black cat enters the shed and jumps at Jasmine scratching and biting her. She then leaves the shed. It is then that Jasmine and Tom realize that there is a nest with three kittens hiding behind where they are sitting. They are smart enough to know not to touch them and they head to Jasmine's house to get guidance from her parents. When the mother cat returns, she moves two of the kittens but leaves the runt behind. At that time, they take the small kitten to Jasmine's farmhouse to take care of her. Of course, Jasmine wants to keep Holly, once she is older and healthy, but Holly and her mom have different ideas.

Feral cats are found in almost every community. It is important to know that these cats are not easily domesticated and are not pets. In this book, Jasmine's mom catches the mother and the kittens and spays and neuters them before releasing them back to their home. A very important program in many neighbourhoods as well. Jasmine and Tom learn what they need to do to take care of a kitten and as well as play with her to domesticate her and make her a pet. When Jasmine does not listen to her parents and brings the kittens into the house, they wreak havoc. Jasmine's parents are upset with her and she has natural consequences from her actions which I loved and my grandson and I talked about. There is a happy ending to this story as there is to all in the series, but this one was a bit different. As will all books in this series, they would be a perfect addition to libraries (public, school, classroom and family), especially those who love animals. Another great addition to this series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Holly!

PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2020/11/08/... THANK YOU!

Jasmine and Tom are best friends who have just discovered a kitten, rejected by its mother, who will die without help. Through instructions from Jasmine’s mom, a veterinarian, they learn how to feed her, and name her Holly. Of course, Jasmine wants to keep Holly, while her mom is against it.

Find out all the trials Jasmine and Tom go through trying to get Holly a good home with Jasmine, or at least keep her from going to a home that would not be responsible for her. They get themselves into situations that are sure to keep children giggling, while other things happen that the readers will identify with.

Tom experiences a hard loss that Jasmine wants to help him with. Will Christmas be spoiled for Tom? Since Tom’s mother is against have an animal in their house, is he doomed to never experience the joy of an indoor pet?

This is a fun story, sure to grab young reader’s interest. It also has real pointers about animal care. Instructions include how to feed a rejected kitten, the use a flea comb, daily brushing to keep shedding down, and more. The information is incorporated seamlessly, making it part of the story, and not a “how to” book.

This is one volume in a great series of stories, each one about a different animal, with the installments able to stand alone. I really liked this 5-plus star chapter book, and highly recommend it to children who like animals, in grades two to five.

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Kitten Called Holly, for the purpose of review.

[Psusan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen Peters is a new children’s author for me to read. After my granddaughter and I had started Jasmine Green Rescues: A Kitten Called Holly, I went online to purchase Jasmine Green Rescues - A Duckling Called Button hoping it was the first book in the series. Animal books are interesting to most young readers and this one is no different.

A second grader to third grader could read this independently with the series building their reading stamina. Jasmine and her family are interesting so it is a series that a child could also get hooked on reading. Not exactly a mystery series like the Box Car Children it does however, present a complexing problem that Jasmine must find a solution. What she wants to happen does not always turn out to be as in the case with the Kitten Called Holly.

The fact that Jasmine does not always gets what she wants is a strength of this story. It makes it realistic, reminding children that sometimes that is best. The care and compassion for all life especially animals are taught in this story. Important lessons are gently shown through Jasmine’s and her friends experiences

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

[Eve Costarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well written children’s chapter book that has a real-life feel. The family is relatable and the kids are a wonderful representation of people who are caring, kind and wholesome but do at times make the wrong choices. The family dynamics are good and problems are able to be solved with careful thought. I appreciate the main element of kindness to animals and how good friends can do more together than just play video games. This is a bit like All Creatures Great and Small for the young generation. A great primer for a child who might be interested in a career in animal care but above all, I felt the flow of anticipation and resolution kept the story very interesting. I see it is part of the Jasmine Rescue Series and I can see this being a great gift for an avid lover of animals. The accompanying sweet pencil drawings by Ellie Snowden add the perfect element to the story and present the characters in a very pleasing light. The addition of a holiday element adds a nice festive backdrop to this story.

[Diane D · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's school vacation and Jasmine and friend Tom have plans to use an old shed for their Animal Rescue Clubhouse. They frighten a stray black cat that scratches Jasmine but, there is a reason. They stray has kittens to protect. They leave and when they return the mama cat has moved (2) of the (3) kittens so Jasmine, names the cat Holly and hopes to be able to keep her without checking with her parents first. This particular story is a bit different and has a side story about Jasmine's friend Tom and what he is experiencing. I love that this series is not always about things working out exactly as a child hopes they will. A nice pet rescue story, perfect for Christmas or any time really.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series so much. This is about Jasmine Green. Her dad is a farmer and her mom is a vet. In every book, she finds an animal that needs to be rescued. In this one, there is a mama kitten and her 3 babies on the farm. Jasmine watches them and sees that the mom has rejected one of the babies. She takes it in and helps it because its only 1-2 weeks old. Her mom says she can help but she cannot keep the kitten. She gets very attached and then her mom says she's going to give the kitten (named Holly) to Jasmine's enemy. There are some hard topics in this one including death of a loved one. Overall, a sweet book!

[Polarka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mám rada túto sériu "zvieratkovských" kníh. Sú presne o tom, čo niektoré deti vo veku od 6 do 10 rokov milujú: starostlivosť o zvieratá.
Dej je v podstate jednoduchý a drží sa fungujúceho scenára. Jazmínka natrafí na ranené zviera, o ktoré sa s občasnou pomocou dospelých musí postarať. Všetko sa dobre vyvíja až do chvíle, keď nastane nečakaná komplikácia. Tá sa však vďaka vytrvalosti, ochote a dobrosrdečnosti hlavných hrdinov vyrieši a nič nebráni šťastnému koncu.
Všetko je ale veľmi realistické. Spomínaná starostlivosť sa opisuje skutočne so všetkým, čo k nej patrí, dobrým aj horším.

Výborné pre malé budúce zverolekárky a zverolekárov.

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasmine and Tom in this book find a cat and her new born kittens on the farm. However as the mother rejects one kitten, Jasmine takes her on to save her and soon becomes attached to her but when school bully Bella is after a new pet, Jasmine fears for her beloved Holly as the kitten faces going to her after some antics happen!



The book once again alike Helen's other books does deal with the mention of death a few times and so again I say this is one for older readers. It was another fun packed read about animals focusing mainly on cats which Animal Ark fans will enjoy.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

jasmine brings the heart to these stories

Very cute and heartwarming with a touch of sadness too.all in all a great jasmine green book as always.these stories cheer me up and I throughly enjoy this series

[James Koppert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolute delight. It had me watery eyed at the end. Just lovely, I read it with my 7 year old and we got it for a Christmas read but we will be collecting them all now.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book has a very happy ending I love holly so much

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story, with age appropriate twists and pacing.

[Phyllis M. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good story and it helps with a happy ending!

[Jenna Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are lovely and sweet. I cried

[Książkara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Czytałam dawno , ale pamiętam jak bardzo kochałam tą książkę , więc polecam.

[Jaime]

S not into. Abandoned pretty quickly — after first chapter?

[Pınar Aydoğdu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom ve Jasmine’in sıcacık arkadaşlık ilişkisini okumak bana çok iyi geldi, hikâyenin sonu beni çok duygulandırdı. Hem büyüklere hem küçüklere tavsiye edeceğim cinsten bir kitap.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was heartwarming and perfect for a quick read this Christmas season.

[Faith Elizabeth Hough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #4! I'd wondered, when I first picked this up, if it would follow the same pattern established in the first three books--three was okay, but I didn't think four books could sustain my interest if things didn't switch up. (I know, I know--I'm an adult, and these are clearly written for young readers. But my seven-year-old has a built-in b.s. detector like you wouldn't believe. Nothing gets past that girl.) So I was pleased to see that this volume switches things up just enough, while still maintaining the interesting elements that make the series a joy.
Perhaps because I already have cats and have some opinions of my own about their care, I didn't find the animal care element of this book to be quite as interesting as the previous three (the first two especially). But that's one are where I'm willing to admit my age is probably getting in the way!

[Donald Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prose (Story): In the latest entry in the popular chapter-book series for kids, young Jasmine Green and her best friend Tom, while checking out a broken-down shed on Jasmine's farm as a potential clubhouse, discover a stray/feral cat and her three kittens. When they scare the mom away, who comes back later and only moves two of her three kittens - leaving the little black bundle of fur behind - Jasmine talks her veterinarian mother into letting her and Tom take it in to foster, just in time for the upcoming winter holidays.

Don's (Review): This is, I believe, book seven in the Jasmine Green series (she fosters a different animal in each book), which I had never heard of before coming across this title. Though set in modern day, the tone of the book, thanks to writer Helen Peters, is very reminiscent of classic children's books like the Little House on the Prairie series; the writing is crisp, not a word wasted so that the story moves along quickly, with equally old-fashioned-looking charcoal or pencil-like illustrations by illustrator Ellie Snowdon that fit so well with the charmingly old-fashioned feel of the story. Better still, Jasmine and her siblings and Tom come off as real kids, who make mistakes and goof up (and wow, do they goof up when some cats get loose near the Christmas decor), and learn to take responsibility when necessary; it's a great read for, I think, early school-age readers to explore and enjoy even on their own. Normally someone who finds "old-fashioned" can often border on "schmaltzy", imagine my surprise when I had a tear or two in my eyes by the end of this fine, very well-done chapter book. Now that's saying something, and I look forward to going back and reading more about Jasmine's other animal rescues now . 4.5/5 stars

NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

[Tanpopo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasmin und Tom sind richtige Tiernarren und immer bereit Tiere in Not zu retten. So auch diesmal, sie nehmen sich eines von seiner Mutter verstoßenen Kätzchens an. Ganz klar, dass sie das niedliche Tierkind behalten wollen. Doch Jasmins Eltern sind dagegen. Immerhin hat sie bereits zwei Katzen, einen Hund, ein Schwein und eine Ente. Jasmins Mutter ist Tierärztin und muss ihrer Tochter jetzt einfach einmal Grenzen setzen. Und Toms Mutter? Nun, die mag einfach keine Katzen.
Und so stehen die beiden Freunde vor der Herausforderung, eine passende Familie für das kleine Kätzchen zu finden.

Helen Peters hat die Geschichte wirklich schön geschrieben. Dabei geht die Autorin auch darauf ein, dass Kinder sich durchaus bei Vorgaben ihrer Eltern nicht immer gleich geschlagen geben. Jasmin versucht sehr lange ihr Mutter „herum zu bekommen“. Dadurch kommt es zu zum Teil sehr lustigen Situationen, in denen das Mädchen aber auch erkennen muss, dass Eltern bisweilen auch einmal die Besseren Erkenntnisse haben.

Das Buch liest sich sehr gut, ist von der Handlung her interessant und abwechslungsreich geschrieben. Kinder im Grundschulalter sollten mit ihm keine Probleme haben.
Ich finde es vom Inhalt durchaus für den Unterricht interessant, da die Kinder doch gut dazu angehalten werden sich einmal mit dem Thema Tierhaltung und vor allem der Verantwortung gegenüber Haustieren auseinanderzusetzen.

[Aayushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable book by Helen Peters is a delight to read to children and adults alike. With gorgeous illustrations and simple storyline, Jasmine Green Rescues A Kitten Called Holly is a cozy and cute read, especially for all animal lovers.

The plot follows the journey of Jasmine and Tom as they rescue and foster a tiny kitten abandoned by its mother. Their love for animals was evident by the amount of effort put in by them in ensuring that the kitten was safe and researching all the information needed to take care of a fragile and hungry kitten, in spite of the angry scratches and the fleas they had to bear. Jasmine's knowledge of animals is quite admirable for her age. With the help of her mother who's a vet and Tom, she feeds and combs Holly and makes sure it is comfortable.

The book also imparts innumerable important lessons. Apart from the basic information on how to foster a kitten, the story also teaches the importance of listening to your elders, but also making efforts and sacrifices for things you truly believe in. Most importantly, it teaches the value of friendship, love and sacrifice. The accompanying illustrations are a visual delight!

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a wonderful book and it would be the perfect read for any young animal fans out there – this is the kind of book I would have loved to read when I was younger and I really enjoyed it as an adult too.

The book is very well written, it had a lovely flow to the story and the characters are well developed and I warmed to them all right from the outset. The ending of the story is lovely and the perfect ending for Holly.

A lovely festive story – five stars from me, very highly recommended!

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to this charming series filled with adorable animals and sweet characters. As with the other books in the series the animal information is deep and very practical and accurate. Consequences do happen giving the readers a lot to learn. Highly recommended.

[Tasnim · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a cat lover, I was thrilled by the cover and the title. I enjoyed reading about Jasmine, Tom and obviously Holly, I came to know a lot of stuffs about taking care of a kitten through Jasmine. A nice story for lovers of animals and books.