Kaspar the Titanic Cat

When kaspar the cat first arrived at London’s Savoy Hotel, it was Johnny Trott who carried him in. After all, Johnny was a bellboy and was responsible for all of Countess Kandinsky’s things— including Kaspar. But when tragedy befalls the Countess during her stay, Kaspar becomes more than Johnny’s responsibility: Kaspar is Johnny’s new cat, and his new best friend.

And when Kaspar and Johnny meet Lizziebeth, a spirited young heiress, they find themselves journeying across the Atlantic with Lizziebeth’s family on England’s newest and most magnificent ship, the Titanic. Because there is always adventure in the air with a cat like Kaspar around. After all, he’s Kaspar Kandinsky, Prince of Cats, a Londoner and a New Yorker and, as far as anyone knows, the only cat to survive the sinking of the Titanic. . . .

This book was featured in last weekend's USA Today newspaper, and I love this quote from the review: "The plot is clever, but it is the simple yet subtle writing and insights into human and feline pain that make this one of the best works of fiction published this year."  This book is so special; it is a perfect read for YA fans, cat lovers, history readers. The action on the Titanic is actually a small part of the book, the majority of the story focuses on Johnny's search for a place to belong, his special friendships with the tragic Countess and feisty Lizziebeth, and the love they all share for a very special cat. Written by the author of War Horse, I can only hope this book becomes a movie one day too.