James Stephen

Oliver's musings about life with his new family are a must read! Ever wondered what your cat thought when you tried to play with them & they were not having it? Ever wondered what would happen if you tried to convert a cat from an indoors-litterbox to the great outdoors without a litterbox - just read Oliver's Tale. This was a really cute little book that genuinely made me laugh out loud & read the funny bits to my Mom - who has a feisty cat! A purely enjoyable read - I will be looking out show more for Oliver's Second Tale! show less

This is a cute, whimsical book that takes the form of letters from Oliver (a large black and white cat). It wasn't quite what I expected, but was cute nonetheless. I had thought it to be a children's book when I read the description, but the prose seems a bit more than a child could handle--so maybe it is meant to be read to children? or is more for an intermediate reader?

I thought the author did a good job of phrasing things from a cat's point of view--imagining how they see situations show more (differently than we do). There were a few phrases that it took me a bit to figure out what the author meant--perhaps they are regional phrases I haven't heard before or perhaps it was just an attempt to give the cat his own "voice". (Using "wheeze" for joke or laugh is the one I most remember.)

There were not as many illustrations as I'd thought there would be but the illustrations that are there appear well done and related to the chapter.

Note: I was provided this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers Group which asks for an honest review in return. show less

I don’t know what age group of children this book is aimed at, but this doesn’t seem to have been given much thought by the writer! It’s ok for grown ups and older teenagers but some adult references and swear words make it a definite no-no for young children. There should be a bit more explained about why Oliver needs to be rehomed in the first place and how the new owners come to take him on which would make the beginning flow better. Otherwise it is a fun read explaining things from show more a cat’s eye view. With a bit of decent editing it could be better all round. show less

This is a charming tale of Oliver's life with his two Charlies. A tale told through the eyes of the cat that dominates the household, and how he deals with the dreaded box. What his owners do that puzzles him and pleases him. It is a lovely story that any cat lover will enjoy!