Grades PreS-2
On a "cold and slushy" March day, a calico cat searches for a place to have her young. She finally settles into an abandoned building and gives birth to five kittens (a scene that's not pictured in the handsome illustrations). After nursing and resting, she leaves her brood to search for food; on her return, she finds the building in flames. Mother Cat is barely able to rescue her kittens, but she and her little ones recover, and the firemen celebrate her heroics and bravery.
Spinelli's simple, short sentences amplify the action and danger. The story is very exciting and Spinelli does not shy away from describing the danger. Young listeners will be reassured by the story of a parent's fiercely protective unconditional love, and the full-spread, realistic pastels offer an almost tactile sense of the felines and their tender bond.
On the last page, the reader is informed in a concluding note this story is inspired by a true story. There is a picture of a tired and singed cat resting with her cute, little, safe kittens. The cats were taken to the animal shelter and adopted into loving homes. It's a happy ending great for any cat loving child!
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