Title: A Tale of Two Cats
Author: Diane Eaton
Publisher: Archway Publishing
ISBN: 1480850144
Pages: 116
Genre: Children’s Cat Books
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Hollywood Book Reviews
A cat in the animal shelter longs for someone to give him a home. He sees his last chance approaching when Mr. and Mrs. Brown arrive looking for a kitten, so he bravely reaches out to them and the next thing he knows he’s in a car heading to his new home. Bingo loves his new life on the farm where he has sunny sleeping spots and peaceful existence. Everything is perfect until his new parents decide to adopt a kitten. His peaceful days are quickly uprooted by the mischievous Buddy whose idea of fun is playing with toilet paper in the bathroom, making new friends, and having adventures at his favorite tree. Bingo and Buddy’s many adventures include car racing, friend making, Halloween treats, and holiday fun.
Author Diane Eaton delves into this sweet story by first taking a look at the importance of adopting animals from shelters. Bingo starts as a cat without a home or a name, waiting for someone to give him a home and facing the real possibility he may not get one. Eaton raises awareness about animals in shelters that need good homes through the touching moment that finds Bingo literally reaching out to a couple and hoping they’ll be the ones to adopt him. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are looking to adopt a kitten until they ultimately decide to bring Bingo home and he becomes part of the family. His shelter life quickly becomes a happy whimsical tale that brings the cat into a lighter and playful tone that makes up his new life. Eaton creates a whimsical setting with a variety of personified animals that go as far as having a cat racing car, mice having a picnic outside their burrow manor, and the Browns treating the two cats as if they’re children.
His quiet farm life is everything that he’s longed for as it’s one full of love and warmth, only his quiet days are quickly put behind him when a new kitten turns his peaceful existence upside down with his trouble-making spirit. The two cats are as different as night and day, creating a balance between them thanks to their contrasting personalities which find Bingo seeking lazy days of naps and enjoying racing cars with his dad while Buddy loves making friends and causing mischief on his adventures outside. Bingo fits the role of an older brother role to Buddy who embodies the mischievous kitten persona which creates a delightful and humorous assortment of situations. Buddy shakes up Bingo’s life whether he’s sneaking off to play with toilet paper or running away from children wearing Halloween costumes.
Eaton creates each chapter to have the tone of a mini-adventure which spans the time frame of springtime to Christmas. Each story is humorous and playful with mischief and whimsy that allows you to get to know their personalities more with each chapter. Eaton introduces a variety of characters that are delightful and fit the charm of the story such as Tom the crow, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, and Radar the mouse. Bingo gets into a variety of trouble throughout that delivers the height of the humor such as him getting caught in a tree thanks to squirrels and falling into the pond, but his life also has a lighthearted quality as he discovers a love for racing and the two cats celebrate various holidays. A Tale of Two Cats is a charming read, perfect for all ages with humorous situations, delightful adventures, and plenty of heart.