The Cat Who Came Back for Christmas: How a Cat Brought a Family the Gift of Love
The Cat Who Came Back for Christmas by Julia Romp is an endearing tale of a mother’s love for her Autistic son and a cat, Ben, who brought her son back to her. Julia lives in Isleworth, UK with her son George who is autistic. Their first few years are a struggle for Julia as she seeks to find out what is going on with George and how to get George the help that he needs. George’s world was pretty lonely as most children and adults did not know how to deal with him. Then one day, a little black and white kitten came into their garden.
When it came to first impressions, Ben didn’t exactly shine. He wasn’t a small, pretty kitten with a blaze of ginger hair or even a sleek adult cat with a shining tortoiseshell coat. In fact, his black and white fur was covered in dried blood, his red rump was bare, his thin tail looked more like a hairy twig. Thankfully, I couldn’t tell by looking at him that he was also home to scores of fleas and ear mites.
So, Julia sets up a bed for the kitten, feeds, waters, and takes him to the vet. Then, the vet calls and asks if Julia will give the cat a home. She was lost for words and then, the vet suggests that they simply come and visit the cat. They arrive at the vet’s office and when George sees Ben he begins talking animatedly for the first time.
‘Benny Boo!’, he said in a high voice I’d never heard before, sounding expectant, excited. ‘Is you feeling better now, Ben?’
George asked. ’Is you well?’ Again, he spoke in a sing-song voice I didn’t recognize, and the cat miaowed back as he talked to it.
George is giving Ben eye contact talking directly to the cat. George had not had good luck with animals previously but for the first time shows love to this little kitten. Julia then decides to take Ben home. Julia and George’s world has never been the same since.
The tale of George, Ben and Julia has some happy and some sad moments. I cheered for George and Ben’s relationship and my heart soared as a mom for Julia as her son finally started making connections. This is a heartwarming tale of family, animals, and the ties that bind them all together.
Go out and get The Cat Who Came Back for Christmas today. You won’t regret it!
The Cat Who Came Back for Christmas: How a Cat Brought a Family the Gift of Love
was released on October 30, 2012 by Penguin USA and is available through fine retailers everywhere.
I am an artist, art educator, mom, cook, book lover, pet parent, runner, and backpacker. I can be found online at http://briarroseartstudio.blogspot.com, http://pinterest.com/scottishroseart/, and http://scottishroseartstudiollc.tumblr.com
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from Penguin USA and Net Galley. No other compensation was provided. My opinions are my own.
Looks like it might be a good read for others, but not for me.