A Kitten Called Holly

Gr 2-5–Jasmine Green returns in another addition to her animal rescue series. Jasmine and her friend Tom are exploring a dilapidated shed in their backyard when they discover a litter of kittens hidden behind a bale of hay. They inadvertently frighten the mother cat, who moves two of the kittens but leaves the third behind. Jasmine and Tom make up their mind to save and care for the abandoned kitten. Jasmine is a tenacious and irrepressible young girl who refuses to sit idly by when an animal is in need. Comparisons to James Herriot are apt as this story delves deeply into the intricacies of kitten care. The tone also has a similar matter-of-fact approach to serious aspects of animal husbandry. Jasmine’s mother is a vet and her father is a farmer, so both characters provide helpful animal advice throughout the story. Occasional black-and-white illustrations will help pique reluctant readers’ interest and the fast-paced text is lively.