DESCRIPTION
An imaginative book for anyone who’s ever wanted a pet
Lucy wants a pet more than anything, even though her mom always says no. But one night, Lucy hears a scratching sound from behind her wallpaper, and a ghostly cat named Silvring appears. Silvring takes Lucy on an adventure and introduces her to a world filled with secret pets just like hers. Not all the secret pets are as friendly as Silvring, though.
Filled with magical realism, this beautiful book will resonate with animal lovers of all ages.
AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS
Junior Library Guild Selection (2019)
REVIEWS
Kirkus Reviews
"The watercolor-and-ink illustrations are skillfully rendered in deep blue and pink tones that effectively carry readers into Lucy's nighttime fantasy, Silvring often just a suggestion of blue daubs on lighter blue. The story's intense emotions of longing are impressively real."
Publishers Weekly
"Swedish artist Strömgård illustrates her tale with intricately drafted pen-and-ink figures. . . . Her visions are beautifully developed, portraying the narrator and the other pet owners as distinct and engaging individuals. And a dramatic confrontation and a nick-of-time rescue conjure just enough excitement for bedtime."
Horn Book
"The combination of precisely drawn figure work with sweeping, atmospheric washes of color echoes the dynamic union of a real girl and her fantastical companion."
Shelf Awareness (STARRED review)
"In this lovely, dreamlike Swedish picture book, a small girl who is not allowed to have a pet finds a ghostly cat that opens the door to a magical world. . . . Readers will likely become lost in the whimsical watercolor and ink illustrations of graceful fish flying like kites above a bathrobed man, a queen astride a lumbering polar bear and a deliciously terrifying pair of bizarre beaked villains. Any child who has ever longed for a furry playmate can gleefully hop right on board Lucy's flight of fancy."
Horn Book
"Strömgård complements her straight-forward text with lush watercolors in saturated blues, pinks, and greens. The combination of precisely drawn figure work with sweeping, atmospheric washes color echoes the dynamic union of a real girl and her fantastical companion"