The Unexpected Adventures of C.A.T. by Johanna Hurwitz and illustrated by Sam Loman, © 2023; Apples and Honey Press, New Jersey; ISBN: 9781681-115603; 110 pages; PJ Our Way
By Cailin Acosta in La Mesa, California
A Jewish fourth grader, a beloved family cat, and a mysterious transformation come together in Johanna Hurwitz’s The Unexpected Adventures of C.A.T., a fantasy chapter book for young readers ages 8-12.
Chaya Ann Tober is a fourth grader growing up in New York City. Her initials, C.A.T., seem almost destined for her because Chaya is fascinated by cats. She loves her family’s cat, Ollie, and spends time wondering what cats do when people are not around.
Her curiosity takes an unexpected turn when she eats some of Ollie’s cat food and discovers she can transform into a cat when she goes to bed.
What follows is a series of nighttime adventures in which Chaya experiences her familiar world from a completely different perspective. Her transformation is amusing, but it also becomes a way for Chaya to learn more about herself, her family, and the creatures she thinks she understands.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the book is that Chaya’s Jewish identity is woven into her everyday life. Chaya attends a Jewish school and studies Hebrew. Her family observes Shabbat, giving readers glimpses of the rituals and routines that make Friday night and Saturday different from the rest of the week. Candles are lit, blessings are said, challah is shared, and the family spends time together. Her older brother, Danny, is preparing for his bar mitzvah, another familiar milestone.
Chaya’s relationship with her older brother is an important part of the story. Like many siblings, they do not always understand one another. Their unusual experiences give them a chance to see each other differently and develop a stronger appreciation for their relationship.
The cat transformation reinforces that theme. Chaya believes she understands Ollie because she loves him and observes him closely. Once she becomes a cat herself, she discovers that seeing another creature from the outside is very different from experiencing the world as that creature.
The book is best suited for young readers who enjoy animals, fantasy, and family stories. Chaya’s unusual situation and the book’s playful humor should keep cat-loving readers interested.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.