Book Review: Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats
Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats by Alicia Potter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Miss Hazeltine is a gentle woman who seems like someone society might label ‘awkward’. But the cats that are brought to her school to learn how to be outgoing and brave think she’s marvelous. Sometimes stray cats find their way to the school, too. She welcomes them unconditionally. Crumb is one of those strays, and he’s the most timid cat EVER.
One day Miss Hazeltine goes on an errand, and everything goes wrong. As night falls and she doesn’t return home, Crumb learns a lesson about finding strength and helping others. Even though he’s scared, he does what he has to do. Turns out he has leadership skills, too!
This book is adorable. And sweet. And easy to identify with. Children will be comforted by the cats, and may be willing to learn how to be brave and sociable through this adventure. The night time spooky scenes might raise a few goosebumps, but children will see that the cats are coping well with the situation and will be comforted by that.
Adults will not be immune to the charms of the story and the illustrations. Now I need to wrap this up and go cuddle my big ole Russian Blue.
Lori Alden Holuta
Lori Alden Holuta lives between the cornfields of Mid-Michigan, where she grows vegetables and herbs when she’s not writing, editing, or playing games with a cat named Chives.
