Finding My Molly
“The truth was that Soupy was an average-looking orange striped cat with green eyes” Krause writes; yet to his young owner Molly Soupy is the handsomest cat she’s ever seen. Likewise Molly’s face always sports dirt sand or grape jelly and her teeth are inexplicably falling out but Soupy thinks she is by far the most beautiful “human-kitten.” In this endearing story narrated by Soupy owner and pet’s mutual admiration draws them back to each other when the tabby becomes lost.
While Puff Puff a nervous little white cat; Spider Man named by his owner’s grandsons; and Lila and Lola sleek black cats who live like sisters meet every day on Soupy’s porch their host an inside cat greets them from the window. When someone forgets to close the door to Soupy’s house however the feline decides to guard the entrance from pesky insects. A briskly closed door and a menacing German Shepard land Soupy near the nature preserve and far away from his beloved Molly. Although the orange cat finds new adventures with spoiled Princess and raises an orphaned raccoon kit like a son Soupy never gives up his desire to be home again.
Author Peggy Krause is an animal rights activist and self-proclaimed “Cat Whisperer.” She illustrates her first book with childlike black-and-white sketches. Even though their quality is amateurish Krause appeals to children by using their own language (e.g. “purple glop sammiches”) and humor (e.g. Puff Puff dressed in doll clothes and a flatulent raccoon).
Finding My Molly is a charming independent novel for elementary-aged boys and girls alike. They will take delight in the world seen through cats’ eyes. The felines (like many children) may not recall the exact names of everything they see such as the monstrous “cat-eating beast” but they all recognize fear loneliness jealousy friendship and especially love.
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
