The Prodigal Cat

Janette Oke's Animal Friends #2

by Janette Oke, Janette Oke

Who is the Prodigal Cat? Is she Mittens, the playful kitten? Or Calico, the snobbish and snooty house cat? Or Ginger, the warm and caring "Animal Nurse"? She's all three, and much more in this delightful story of the mis-adventures of the Prodigal Cat. Youngsters of all ages will readily grasp the underlying message here, while enjoying the antics of this charming tabby. A special surprise ending will touch your heart and make THE PRODIGAL CAT one of your favorite family books to read together again and again.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Cats, Animals, Christian Fiction, Chapter Books, Juvenile

60 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Janette Oke is a Canadian author known for her inspirational fiction, often set in a pioneer era and focused on female protagonists. Her debut novel, Love Comes Softly (1979), became the foundation for a successful series, followed by over 75 other novels. The first book in her Canadian West series, When Calls the Heart (1983), inspired the popular television series of the same name.
Born in Champion, Alberta, to farmers Fred and Amy (née Ruggles) Steeves during the Great Depression, Oke went on to graduate from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, Alberta, where she met her future husband, Edward Oke, who later became the president of the college. The couple has four children, including a daughter who has collaborated with Janette on several books.
A committed Evangelical Christian, Oke has authored numerous works exploring themes of faith. She has received various accolades for her contributions to Christian fiction, including the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association and the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award.

Reviews

[Brian Maunder · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Prodigal Cat by Janette Oke
I read this book aloud to my 10 and 12 y.o. son and daughter over about two weeks. They both gave the book 4 stars. I asked them what they thought memorable and other questions. They didn’t say much, unable to they recall anything in particular or anything specific within the story. They just said they liked it. To me, they seemed bored about half way through the book. Asking them what they thought the book was about. One said… “it’s the life of a cat”. The other said with more insight, that it was about “being happy with what you have”.

For me, I found it painfully linear. There were no surprises, and some wording I found irritating. I was the one, however, that said to my kids that we need to persist sometimes with novels… so we continued to the obvious conclusion.
As the orator of the novel. I found it way too long winded. When speaking stories, its good to have atmospheric words and have drama. There was very few sections I enjoyed reading. My favourite section was the cats life as a stray, with the best line being “the cats of the dump lived by the law of the claw”. Also I found the way the cat started for home interesting, how landscapes and places became familiar to it on its journey. Overall, I would not read it again. It took too much effort the meagre returns to reward adequately. I would give it 2 stars.
It is a safe book though… and its about cats. Is that an oxymoron?

[Amanda Tungseth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming book! I love reading it with my kids who are cat lovers.

[Kristi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this to my 6 and 9 yr old. While they enjoyed the book, it was a bit slow and drawn out. It's written from the cats point of view so I think alot of it was over their heads. The cat changes names 3 times which is also confusing.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an educational book that is perfect for young readers. The engaging story paired with the illustrations make this a wonderful book.
Teach: Character development. Use to teach children to always be thankful for what they have in life.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mom read these books aloud to my brothers and I when we were homeschooled. I'm now reading/passing them along to my own children.

[Rhianwen the Elf-Heart]

Sweet book

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a child. Having been raised in The Church, we weren't allowed to read 'secular' books but I didn't know the difference then. I just knew this was a story about a cat who lost her way and I wanted to go find her. It's been probably 30 years since I've read this book but I still have it in my treasured possessions. I can remember exactly how I felt when reading it. It's super heartwarming and a stupid easy read for adults with a 'feel-good' ending. The religious overtones aren't heavy if that's a concern. I actually think back on this book quite a bit and I'm glad I came across it on Goodreads.

[Myra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Loved these books as a teen and young adult until I read Mrs. Mike by Freemont. I realized this author merely copied another author's work as her own without giving them credit. Plagerism!!! It really made me take another look at this "Christian" author. It really tarnish my love for this author. As a future teacher, I loved this animal series but I could not purchase her books because that would be condoning her practice of stealing the work of others.

[Karen GoatKeeper · Rating 3 out of 5]

First she was Mittens for Clara. Then she was Calico, the spoiled pet of Dorothy. She becomes Ginger for Mrs. Brown and the residents of the nursing facility.
The book is written from the cat's point of view. Over the course of the book she learns some valuable lessons.
This is a fast, fun, easy read.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as well as Spunky's Diary, but my kiddos just loved it! They would have given it 5 stars. :) I did have to smile a few times at the cat's "thoughts" as I see that so much in our cat here! I love the idea of animal therapists.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Prodigal Cat is a pleasant little children's novel told from the perspective of a cat. This cat will end up with three names to match the three owners of her life: Mittens, Calico, and Ginger. Mittens, her kitten name, shows her mischievous side best perhaps. For it is the fact that Mittens and her brothers and sisters are a little too rough in their playing that leads all the kittens to being packed away to the animal shelter. There are some uncertain days in this book first when she's at the animal shelter and again when she's homeless (in between "Calico" and "Ginger." Mittens is adopted and renamed Calico. She loves almost everything about her new home--except the dog! But a family picnic with all the pets proves to be a TERRIBLE idea. For Calico runs a little too far away while the dog chases her, and, she never does get to go back to that home. These homeless days are rough. But eventually Calico is adopted again...and renamed again. Ginger is a cat with a calling. Her owner is a nurse, I believe, and Ginger is a nurse as well. She accompanies her owner and keeps company with sick people. She is the bright spot in the midst of their pain and suffering. She is beloved by many...

It's a good, somewhat sweet story. Cat lovers may enjoy this one.

[Catsalive · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2...

Who is the Prodigal Cat?
Is she Mittens, the playful kitten? Or Calico, the snobbish and snooty house cat? Or Ginger, the warm and caring "Animal Nurse"?
She's all three, and much more in this delightful story of the mis-adventures of the Prodigal Cat. Youngsters of all ages will readily grasp the underlying message here, while enjoying the antics of this charming tabby.

The adventures and misadventures of a cat as she goes through three owners and three identities, learning humility along the way.

A nice little story. Mittens/Calico/Ginger learns some life lessons, but, really, what kind of moron takes a cat on a picnic? The idiots deserved to lose her. I love Pet Therapy - Animal Therapy here. I utilise it myself every day.

[sara frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

i've had this book on my bookshelf for-effin'-ever. like, i probably got this book when i was 8. i decided before donating it, i'd give it one last read for fun. man, i must have REALLY liked cats as a little girl to hold on to this book for so long. i'm giving this three stars to balance between my 8 year old self who would have given it five and me now who'd give it two.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very nice book I read to my special needs teen age son. It took us about 20 minutes to get through the entire thing. Ms Oke did a very good job writing about Mittens the cat and how she became wrapped up within herself only to 'loose everything' only to get back that love again. She learnt how she needed to feel toward others and toward herself.

[Adrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read this in so many years. I adored it though and wish I had read it to my son. This is a story about the adventures/misadventures of a kitten. She earns three names that reflect her three different owners. I have the fondest memories of the underlining meaning of this novel. I'm going to rate it based on the feelings I had as a little girl.

[Lindsey Fleck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slow read but my son Owen was determined to keep reading it. I was bored all the way through the middle, but the end is sweet. I being the softie had to let Owen read the last couple pages... I was too choked up with tears.

[Rivkah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. I still love it to this day. I really like how the author can make the life of an animal, into a parable.

[I. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as a kid and loved it. I still have it and will pass it on to my kid.

[Brie Donning]

This is the first chapter book I read by myself. Mum and I started it one evening. The next morning I was reading it before breakfast. I don't know how old I was, probably seven or eight.

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books to read as a child. I haven't read it in at least 15 years, so I'm not positive how well it holds up. But I remember loving and rereading it quite a few times.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read it to my daughter. Very sweet and cute.

[Hillvan]

540L