Sabina and the cats of Rome by Sophie Masson. Illus. by Laura Wood

Sabina becomes instrumental in rescuing the King of the Cats when she is visited by a talking cat that Sabina names Cleo. In an adventurous outing to the Circus Maximus to locate a wizard, Sabina must chase rats, avoid a deadly snake and somehow help to remove the spell on the ailing King of Cats. Cleo is also in danger, and they save each other in this risky adventure. 

In a simple chapter book, Sophie Masson has created a captivating story set in Ancient Rome. It is exciting and action-packed and will be enjoyed by early independent readers aged 5-7.  There are minimal clues about life in Ancient Rome, enough to pique interest but not enough to confuse a young reader. Mostly this is about a girl and a talking cat and their quest to rescue a royal cat, with the help of the family dogs. The illustrations are cartoon-like in simplicity and scattered through the chapters.

Themes: Ancient Rome, Cats, Rats, Curses, Adventure.

Carolyn Hull