[Spotlight Post] The Cats of Tanglewood Forest by de Lint and Vess
It’s Friday – and I’m supposed to be coming up with a Spotlight. “Supposed†to being an operative word. Between allergy meds and some “people suck†news. I think I’ll just tell you about the book I’m currently reading. I do know that, in fact, MOST people do not suck, but the ones that do? They ruin it for a lot of people. So, Rhonda, tell us what you’re reading…
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Well, I’m in the middle of The Cats of Tanglewood Forest – story by Charles de Lint, art by Charles Vess. Vess is FenCon’s artist guest of honor. Jimmy picked up the book at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live in May. Charles de Lint is an author I haven’t read nearly enough.
This is a charming middle reader chapter book. It’s not a picture book, but it’s not Young Adult either. This story is full of magic and mystery and is full of interesting little twisty bits. Lillian is a country girl, probably 10 or 11, who has had magic done to her. The story starts there and is just a good, affirming story. It also doesn’t hurt that Vess’s portrayal of Lillian is as a cute, redheaded girl, either.
I started out reading it because of the FenCon connection, but now I really want to know what happens to Lillian and the cats and the other characters. Though it’s a well done story for kids, it’s not all fluffy bunnies. No this one has some good bits about being your own person and actions having consequences. But though there’s “message†and “lessons†they’re well woven into the really cool story and amazing artwork.
And just because there are cats, magic, and a girl protagonist doesn’t mean it’s a “Girl Bookâ€. I think all girls and boys would both like this story – heck I’m an adult (technically – don’t judge) and I’m enjoying it. This is just a gorgeous project. Heck, I might buy another copy at FenCon for my nieces and nephews for Christmas – I’ll leave it for you to wonder if I mean the ones under 12 or 18 and over. 😎