Land of the Last Wildcat

Puffin's mum is a research scientist and is often away from home. She and Puffin have a strained relationship; Puffin feels that her mum does not have enough time for her. As her father died when she was five, Puffin and mum live with her best friend Lance and his Grandad Moe. Puffin is fascinated by tales of the mythical kuri – a wildcat which reputably has the power to heal.

Then Puffin discovers that a kuri actually exists and has been captured by her mum and her evil boss Mr Smoult. Puffin learns that she has a birthbond with the kuri and is destined to protect it. The kuri will die if kept away from its natural habitat for too long. It is already ill and fading fast, so Puffin and Lance embark on a race against time adventure to return it to its home on Linger Island.

The Last Wildcat is a lovely story, part fantasy, part environmental adventure. It carries a great message for the reader about animal rights and the importance of treating the natural world with respect. 

Fast-paced and with a great bunch of characters, this novel will be enjoyed by girls and boys aged 9-11. Puffin is a great character, brave and loving and with a strong sense of right and wrong. Lance, her friend, is funny and a great support to Puffin.

The conclusion to the story is very satisfying and moving, and gives the reader a tantalising glimpse of a better future for the kuri and for Linger Island itself. My proof copy did contain some illustrations, by David Dean, and they complemented the story perfectly. I enjoyed this book very much and can see it being a popular addition to any school library.

272 pages / Reviewed by Beverley Somerset, School Librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Imagine an animal that is around twice the size of a domestic cat with shimmering orange fur, silvery whiskers and iridescent green eyes. Imagine that same animal had magical healing powers and had been trapped for scientific research. Now imagine it was the only one left of its kind and you need to return it to its rightful home.

Enter the world of Puffin Lau. She adores her scientist mother but is frustrated that they barely seem to speak these days. Her much-loved father has died, but she hasn't forgotten his mantra: 'Laus stand up while other people sit down'. So when Puffin discovers that the mythical wildcat - the last kuri - is languishing in captivity and depending on her for survival, she will stop at nothing to get it back to Linger Island where it belongs. Blocking her plans lurks money-hungry Professor Smoult who is determined to steal the kuri's magic. It seems he won't stop at anything either.

The adventure that follows is full of excitement and jeopardy interspersed with flashes of farce. Expect bicycles racing Ferraris, underwater tunnels, quicksands and night time escapades in tropical forests. Puffin is feisty and fearless, all heart and principle, while Smoult is a classic storybook villain, a scientist whose greed has corrupted him and is corrupting nature too. His final comeuppance will entertain fans of the ridiculous.

Land of the Last Wildcat explores the important and difficult issue of how ethical it is for humans to study and exploit nature, which would make it a good read aloud to use alongside environmental topics in class. Woven throughout, though, are themes of family and friendship which infuses the narrative with warmth and contributes to a satisfyingly poignant ending. A lovely debut novel from an author to watch.

272 pages / Reviewed by Louisa Farrow, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Puffin is a girl on a mission. She has a family interest in science and loves to investigate things. Her mum is an ecologist and often works away from home, leaving Puffin with her other “family”. After a chance adventure into her mum’s laboratory (into which she is never allowed), Puffin discovers the kuri- a wildcat- which isn’t supposed to exist! Can Puffin and her friend, Lance, help to rescue the kuri from mum’s awful boss? How will the safely handle a wild animal?

Land of the Last Wildcat by Lui Sit, illustrated by David Dean, is an exciting, ecological adventure. Suitable for ages 9+ and especially those who love science, animals or are ecology-mad!

Suggested Reading Age 9+