In a galaxy far away…. there is a planet that has a name indecipherable to humans. The beings on this planet don’t have bodies or feelings or individual personalities. They are part of one being.

When they turn 300 years old, they have the opportunity to visit a planet called Earth and adopt the body of any creature they wish for one month. One alien has been looking forward to this visit, studying humans at length, fascinated in everything about them. It has chosen to be a Yellowstone Park Ranger, looking forward to camping in the outdoors and experiencing everything Nature has to offer.

But….on its way to Earth it is distracted and something goes terribly wrong. He wakes in a cat’s body stuck up a tree, with a raging flood below, in a terrible storm. Luckily for him, a young human has disobeyed orders to stay safely inside and she is on her way to save him.

The alien is soon named Leonard by the young human. Her name is Olive, and she is staying with her grandmother while her mum is holiday with her new boyfriend.

Leonard is confused. All his studies were on humans, not cats! He’s not sure how to act, sleep, walk, or even eat like a cat. As he struggles with this unplanned existence, a new worry comes to him. He’s nowhere near Yellowstone Park. His kind will not know where he is for his collection in a month’s time!

This is a story for everyone, not only animal lovers. Leonard’s observations of the humans around him are entertaining as are his struggles to behave like a cat to avoid detection. Soon the truth must be shared if he is to go home.

Like in the movie E.T., Olive and Leonard get to know and understand each other well, even without the technology at their fingertips. Extended family dynamics, self esteem and individuality when you are deemed different from your peers, are also key themes in the story.

As a cat lover I was attracted instantly by the cover, and I truly enjoyed this story. It is so much more than – an alien – who becomes a cat – who is saved by a girl.

From the author of multi-award winning – I, Cosmo, (about a dog and his boy), My life as a Cat has swiftly gathered its own awards as a great middle-great read.

Author – Carlie Sorosiak

Age – 7+

(Cat, Animals, Family, Friendship, Alien, Humankind, Feelings, Understanding, Self-Esteem, Individuality, Pride in your Differences, Aquarium, Fish, Road-trip, Secret, Truth, Belonging, Wonder of Nature, Grandparent, Grandmother, Choices)