REVIEW
I adored A Cat Called Q and the Magic Globe written by Melody Horrill and illustrated by Angelique Smelt. It is an extremely exciting, imaginative and enjoyable tale that can be read by children and adults alike. It reminds me so much of C.S. Lewisâs Narnia Chronicles with its talking animals and entering of other worlds through unusual ways. Instead of through a wardrobe or painting, our lovely ten year old heroine Sheri, enters another domain through a magic Snow Globe. And just as with Narniaâs children, she is chosen to enter it and take on an important task; to fulfill a quest in a place that has been enslaved by bad magic; that has turned its inhabitants into slaves and made their environment toxic. Sheri has to accomplish a lotâincluding overcoming her fears and learning to believe in herself so that she can help free the residents and their environment from the tyranny of Mallum. But she is not alone on this journey, as her best friend Shawn tags along and will play an important role, too. He will also grow from the experience while overcoming his own disability.
Time in these worlds like Narnia moves quickly. But paused here on earth while heroes and heroines are present in the fantasy realm. This adds to the mystique and helps maintain the secrecy of the hidden worldâs existence, as there is no need to explain why a child has gone missing. For it all happens in a blink of an eye in the mundane world while in the fantasy realm weeks, months and years can roll by to allow the chosen ones to fulfil their tasks. This kind of story offers a wonderful escapism for a child who needs a little magic and wonder in their livesâespecially if dealing with horrors of bad relationships, physical disability, haunting fears, bullies, other insecurities or areas lacking in their life.
Melody weaves both fantastical and recognisable elements together into one seamless thread that is both fun and adventurous but teaches (not preaches) at the same time. Sheriâs journey has a valuable purpose and offers a resounding message: a mission to save the natural world and the horrors that will happen if we do not pay attention. Reckless behaviour like raping the forests and feeding pollution will only lead to extinction and death. Little by little, every beautiful living thing will be gone.
The importance of trees is clearly shown in this story for children to grasp easily. And like Sheriâs father, my own was a great protector of the forest as well. He never wanted to cut a tree unless absolutely necessary and that same reverence has been instilled in me. I love how Melody uses this nugget of wisdom and shows how those who want to preserve natureâs beauty must take action and pull together with a viable plan to protect and preserve what is at risk. In this story, the leading villain is filled with greed and self-serving plans. He has stolen the childrenâs voices, polluted the seas and violated the land and sky. Thankfully, our ten year old heroine is not alone in her fight against this evil but is flanked by other caring souls who become like a rescue army for restoration.
Q the Cat is a fascinating character. For me, he is a miniature Aslan: fierce and gentle at the same time. The one who protects, offers advice and can step in when necessary. His words about ancient wisdom remind me of the ancient magic of Narnia. Inside this magic globe, the magic in nature has been captured and defiled by a vile enemy. Mallum is comparable to the White Witch: and like her, he is a bully with false confidence. His pride causes him to think he knows all the rules; that he has all the power. But, in fact, Q makes him aware he is sadly lacking. Similar to Aslan, when he says: âthough the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know.â Basically her knowledge only goes back to the dawn of time. Whereas Aslanâs is before time.. in eternity. âDo not cite the deep magic to me witch. I was there when it was written!â I get goosebumps every time I hear that in the movie version! He said it because he wrote the Deep Magic that binds the world! I felt Qâs words were similar and had the same effect, when Mallum is confronted.
Other talking animals played great roles in A Cat Called Q and the Magic Globe. I particularly was fond of the dolphins in how they helped. Then there is, Acri the snickering rat with the serpent-like-tail, that Sheri and Shawn meet and instantly dislike when they are first transported onto the ship from their own world. She is in cahoots with the enemy. My mind cast back to Reepicheep in Narnia who is the opposite of Acri in every way imaginable, for that rat is a valiant character on the right side of leadershipâ fighting the evil that lurks in Narnia.
Although I have made a number of comparisons to the Narnia stories, I only mention these as a positive influence. This is still a very original tale with delightful characters I will never forget, both the good ones and the villains. The plot is ingenious, the language exceptional and the pacing of the plot is perfect. There are many twists and turns that kept my heart racing. The challenges show how well-crafted this story is and its vivid descriptions reveal a rich imagination. Even though at times we may wonder if our characters will achieve their goals, just when all seems lost, the impossible happens. As Sheri and her friends pull together and work in harmony, they deliver an outstanding outcome. This teaches young and old the importance of team work.
A Cat Called Q and the Magic Globe is a real gem that should draw more attention possibly through a wider access. For it should be in the schools to teach children about bravery, preserving the environment, and how every living thing is connected and in need of each other. It also explores answers of how to counter bullies. I loved how many times Sheri compares Mallum and his minions to bullies at school. It makes him seem less scary and easier to defeat. He has magic, yes, but Qâs magic is older; his wisdom ancient. This delightful black cat (inspired by Melodyâs own adorable feline!) is at times mischievous but carries an aura of confidence. His pure magic gives him power but it is the kind that makes you cheer when he intervenes. Like Aslan, he can roar when necessary to ward off his enemies. And there is a scene where he does just that!
Grumpy Brian, a charity shopkeeper, shows other sides to his personality. He has been the globe keeper for a long time. It is sitting on his shelf when it first catches Sheriâs eye. Brian plays an important role in setting Sheri on the right path to becoming a heroine and provides her with information when needed.
I love the artwork by artist Angelique Smelt as she captures the heart and soul of Melodyâs characters, their actions and settings. These visuals depict the story so well. Children will enjoy seeing these illustrations that surely will set their imaginations on fire and enhance their reading experience.
Love is at centre of A Cat Called Q and the Magic Globe. Love for your parents, best friends, other family, your animals, your physical realmâshowing love even to your enemy, when they donât deserve it. They may never change but you do in choosing to respond out of forgiveness rather than vengeance. This age old wisdom will set you free. And besides, purposely hurting another will only beget more bad behaviour. It is better to focus on your own positive destiny: believe in yourself, be a good steward of the natural world and share its important connection to all of us.
Faced with a huge task Sheri says: âI am brave, and my heart is true and filled with love.â Only a child who possesses a magic globe and holds a deep love, connection and desire to protect nature can uncover the whereabouts of the Sacred Seed needed to defeat the enemy and restore the world back to one that is healthy, safe and kind. This novel is a must read for all ages, it echoes with ancient truth, shines with enduring love and sings a redemptive song that lifts the heart and sends it soaring. 5 Luminous Stars âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸
