Varjak Paw

I read this the same time my daughter in Year 4 did and I loved it. It took me on a journey through Mesopotamia and we grew with Varjak through each part of his transformation! Lovely read

nikoletty

I really enjoyed the author’s writing style in this book and the relationships between the characters. I loved how Varjak’s character grew and strengthened as he experienced the outside world and learnt The Way of his ancestor. A wonderful story told from the animal’s point of view.

JackieB

I liked this book and enjoyed embarking on Varjak's adventures on the city streets. I enjoyed the personalities of the various cats, especially Hollie and Tam. The book has many themes including friendships, family, relationships, loyalty and equality. One of my favourite relationships in the book is the one between Varjak and the Elder Paw and the respect they had for each other.

AEGRead

Thoroughly enjoyed this tale. When a house pet has to follow the tales of his ancestor hunters to save the family and cats of the city from the “Disappearings”, it’s up to Varjak, the one that the others tease for being different to do to the outside world and try to save the family. An easy read, a good ending and lots to enjoy in a classroom!

sean23_e

So, I'm late to this party... Still undecided whether I liked it or not!

Elliebob

A great book about a family of cats. Varjak Paw is a young kitten who has never left home. He loves a very sheltered life in an old house on a hill. He learns about the 7 skills of the way of Jalal and goes outside the house to learn about these skills and survive in the city with cat gangs, dangerous dogs and mysterious vanishings.

JCornell

An creative and imaginative premise, throwing a pedigree pet into the world of street strays. This is not a sentimental or soft-focus view of the animal kingdom, but instead provides the reader with the opportunity to discover the reality of the Outside world at the same time as Varjak finds this reality for himself. Engaging characters and a pacey plot make for a great read.

KB92

An EXCELLENT book, couldn't put it down!

MrsRatters

Class loved it.

[email protected]

I found this one hard to get into. I love the writing and the concept but I struggled to connect with it and feel I read it somewhat out of discipline rather than enjoyment. I am quietly bemused about the rave reviews it gets but maybe it's one of those books everyone but you seem to love! I'm sure we all have one of those.

LCorin

I was hooked on this book from start to finish - so much so that I read it in one go! I loved the character of Varjak Paw and his journey to find himself but I also felt that all that others characters around himself were carefully balanced to show a range of personalities that fit the story perfectly at each moment. I would love to have been able to explore some of the other cat characters in more depth. I think the only thing that disappointed me about this book was that it does not have more detail and depth, although I feel the balance was well suited to the age group it's aimed at.

CharlotteD33

Great story, lots of adventure and relatable characters for the children. A little scary for some children in parts!

Miss Peacock

Really enjoyable and easy read.

ardmarshall

A great adventure for Varjak - a courageous young cat. I like the characters he met on his adventures - the ones who had been kind to him. A thoroughly good read.

CB17

I finished this book in 2 evenings! I really enjoyed how even though the characters are cats, when you read it almost feels like they are human characters. Really well written and I'll be recommending it to my Year 4 class in September.

lishna

I thought this book was a fantastic book for children. It was a real page turner and I was gripped all the way through. I was really rooting for Varjak to conquer his fears and save the day.

EJ123

The story of the book is ok but didn’t captivate me like I wanted it to. Varjak is a likeable character and you feel for him but it generally felt very odd. Not a favourite for me but maybe those fascinated by cats and their behaviour may like it more

bpemberton.318

A beautifully written parable on self-acceptance, community, family, ancestry, and spirituality - it's also a great adventure story, with glorious illustrations. Varjak Paw is a modern classic - I'm so glad to have finally gotten round to reading it.

Mr France

A fantastic book! I loved the way you saw how the character of Varjak develop through the story. It taught you how values and qualities matter, not where you come from or who your family is. I didn't expect the ending at all! What an original story and I am looking forward to reading the sequel! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting adventure in their reading!

JenniferEve

Recommend to my daughter, she loves cats

willowdeneswifty