"Hoo" is Grey the Kitten? What is her destiny? And why is she riding in a cup, on a DEER?
When Grey the Kitten is born at Black Mountain Farm (BMF), Miss Jay the Bird is promptly assigned as her guardian. Some animals find it strange that a bird would be assigned to oversee the success of a barn kitten. Some animals . . . but not Miss Jay. Miss Jay knows that this kitten is different. This kitten will change not just their lives, but the lives of many animals to come. After all, this kitten has a magical voice. She just doesn’t know it yet.
Grey does know she’s meant to be more than a barn cat, but she isn’t the only one with ideas about her future. The Black Widow and her Harrowing Hourglass have big plans for the farm, and Grey could be the key to stopping them from controlling the whole mountain―and all the animals who reside there. When the Widow traps Grey in a web of deceit, will this special kitten give up control over her destiny? Or will she find the courage to forge her own path?
Filled with unpredictable twists and turns, The Land of the Pines is a must-read story of friendship and fortitude, connecting audiences of all ages to the power of intention and the journey of discovering one’s identity. The first in the Loodor Tales Series, this fantasy tale addresses complex topics including ego and mind chatter to combat social pressures and reinforce kindness.
A portion of sales from The Land of the Pines benefits the Medical Fund at Operation Kindness, celebrating 45 years of saving homeless pets.
Nilsson’s debut boasts engaging animal characters and a sure mix of exposition and action to hold attention, while offering a deeper lesson that adults will appreciate as well. While the Widow works to gain control of the other animals at the behest of her Hourglass, Grey fills the role of her antithesis, leaning on the help of her friends to seek counsel from Bo, a wise owl holding court in the Lone Star Lodge on a mountain above the farm. In the process, Grey forges new friendships and discovers her own magic: she can use her words to protect herself and those around her. But can Grey channel her power to break the curse of the Hourglass, freeing the Widow from its grip and opening the door to a new chapter for the farm?
Though the story’s moral may be heavy for younger readers, Nilsson imbues her animal characters with considerable wisdom. Bo proposes “your magic lies in owning who you are,” and the animals discuss how scars should be viewed as medals–“you didn’t just survive, you thrived.” Fox’s black and white illustrations fill in the details with intricate lines and expressive renderings of the farm’s inhabitants, and the satisfying ending wraps up the story’s theme of belonging.
Takeaway: A kitten with a special destiny embarks on a journey of self-discovery in this entertaining animal tale.
Great for fans of: Kelly Jones’s Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer, Kallie George’s Heartwood Hotel: A True Home.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A
