A Cat Called Waverley

A Cat Called Waverley

By Author / Illustrator

Debi Gliori

Genre

Friends and family

Age range(s)

7+

Publisher

Otter-Barry Books Ltd

ISBN

9781913074630

Format

Hardback

Published

12-08-2021

Synopsis

Born in a city park, Waverley is looked after by his best friend, Donald. Until, one fateful day, Donald signs up to fight in a war-zone far away. Loyal and patient, the homeless little ginger cat waits for his friend at Edinburgh's Waverley Station. He waits... and waits. Years go by but Waverley never gives up. He knows that home is where Donald is. Will Donald ever return and will he and Waverley find a home at last?

Reviews

Jemma

This touching story, A Cat Called Waverly, has lasting friendship, war and homelessness as overarching themes. Waverly the cat was born in a city park. His human friend, Donald, loves and takes care of him until he joins the army and leaves to fight in the war. Lonely, the cat waits years for his human to return to the famous Waverly Station in Edinburgh.


The detailed drawing of battles and war-torn buildings speak for themselves, no words are needed for the reader to understand the harsh conditions Donald has had to endure. When Donald returns, damaged and desperate, he finds himself homeless, living on the streets. Donald and Waverly are reunited and their bond is as strong as ever.


This book carefully weaves a true story with fiction to create a harrowing yet heart-warming tale of an owner and his cat. It is based on the real war veteran Darren Greenfield. The charcoal and pencil illustrations use minimal colour but highlight the bond between owner and pet: they both share the same colour of hair/fur which stands out against the grey.


This isn't a lighthearted bedtime story, but as a teacher, I am sure I will use this book with many classes over the years. It has so much learning potential.


40 pages / Reviewed by Jemma Jeffrey, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

 

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