I have always had a special place in my heart for Catwings. As a child, it was a magical world that captured my imagination, and as an adult, it still holds the same charm. First published in 1988, this classic story by Ursula K. Le Guin is a beautiful exploration of friendship, differences, and social equality. The simple yet profound narrative is brought to life by the wonderful illustrations of S.D. Schindler.

One of the things I love most about Catwings is the way it presents complex themes in a way that is accessible to children. The story of Mrs. Jane Tabby's four winged children and their journey to find a better place to live is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The dedication, "To all the cats I've loved before," sets the tone for a story that is full of love and compassion.

The passages I have chosen to highlight are some of my favorites. The conversation between the pigeon and the catwings about what kind of birds they are is both humorous and endearing. The scene where the thrush, finch, and bluejay complain about the catwings having wings is a great example of how we often take what we have for granted and are quick to judge those who are different.

Overall, Catwings is a timeless classic that I would highly recommend to anyone, young or old. It is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and think about the world around you.

Ada Seven' states that from this book, the connection of the cats to their mothers is shown. Since it is a winged cat, it is said that you must learn to live on your own. And when they sit down for dinner, the kittens look around with their eyes and ask their mothers, "What will we do without you?"

The idea of the winged cat learning to live independently is an interesting concept. It implies that even with unique abilities, there is still a need to grow and become self-reliant.

The scene of the kittens asking their mothers what they will do without them adds an element of emotion. It shows the dependence of the young on their parents and the uncertainty that comes with growing up and separating.

Overall, this passage seems to touch on themes of independence, family, and the process of growing up, which are universal and relatable to many readers.

This adorable little story is entirely centered around cats. Specifically, it's about the Winged Cats. How could one not have an affection for them? <3

These Winged Cats are truly a wonder. They have the grace and charm of regular cats, but with an added magical touch - their wings. Imagine seeing a cat gracefully glide through the air, its wings fluttering gently. It's a sight that would surely bring a smile to anyone's face.

The story of the Winged Cats likely holds many adventures and mysteries. Maybe they use their wings to explore far-off places, or perhaps they have special powers that come with their flight. Whatever the case may be, it's a story that is full of imagination and wonder.

Overall, the Winged Cats are a delightful concept that captures the hearts of all who hear about them. Their cuteness and magic make them a truly enchanting part of the feline world.

This was my absolute FAVORITE book in elementary school.

I vividly remember the first time I picked it up. The cover was so colorful and inviting that it immediately caught my attention.

As I started reading, I was transported to a magical world filled with adventure and excitement. The characters were so well-developed that I felt like I knew them personally.

Every page was filled with new surprises and twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put the book down, and I would often stay up late at night to finish reading it.

This book not only entertained me but also taught me valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and perseverance. It was truly a masterpiece that had a profound impact on my childhood.

Even though I have grown up and read many other books, this one still holds a special place in my heart. It will always be my favorite book from elementary school.

Now I find that I truly need more of the Catwings series in my life. This wonderful series has always held a special place in my heart. The charming stories and the endearing characters have brought me countless joys and inspirations.每当我沉浸在Catwings的世界里，仿佛能忘却一切烦恼，全身心地投入到它们的冒险旅程中。

I long to explore more of their adventures, to witness their growth and the challenges they overcome. Each book in the series seems to open up a new and exciting chapter, filled with magic and wonder.我迫不及待地想知道它们接下来会发生什么，会遇到什么样的新朋友，又会有怎样的惊喜等待着它们。

The Catwings series is not just for children, but also for adults like me who still retain a childlike heart. It reminds us of the importance of friendship, courage, and following our dreams.这个系列让我明白，无论年龄多大，我们都应该保持一颗好奇的心，勇敢地去追求自己的梦想。

So, I hope that there will be more Catwings books in the future, so that I can continue to enjoy this enchanting world and be inspired by it.我相信，Catwings系列将会继续陪伴我走过人生的每一个阶段，成为我生活中不可或缺的一部分。

When I rented this audiobook, I didn't look very closely at its details.

I mistakenly thought it was 24 hours long, not 24 minutes.

Also, due to this incorrect assumption, I believed it was likely a high fantasy with extensive story building and so on.

All of these were errors on my part, and although they influenced my perception of the book, it wasn't the book's fault.

As it is, it's a kids' book and probably well-received by the targeted audience.

However, I am not part of that particular audience.

To me, it felt too... human-y? Maybe it was lacking in the kind of grandeur and otherworldliness that I had expected from a long audiobook.

But I understand that it was designed for a different group of listeners, and for them, it might be a great and engaging story.

I guess I just need to be more careful when choosing audiobooks in the future to ensure that they match my interests and expectations.

Categories/Genre: Fiction, Fantasy

Copyright Date: 1988

Estimate Grade Level of Interest: Grade 2 - 4

Estimate of reading level: Grade 4

Brief Description: Four kittens, each born with beautiful wings, take flight and journey off to the country. There, they happen upon two children who instantly fall in love with them.

Books of modern fantasy have the power to captivate children's imaginations, which is crucial for their intellectual growth. This particular fantasy book is on the shorter side and not overly fantastical. Instead, it is a simple and charming tale. The four cat siblings support one another in their new environment and learn to trust the two children who are kind to them. The author has crafted a believable story as readers can identify with the creatures' need to find someone or something kind. In this case, the children have gentle hands. So, the story transcends being just about cats with wings and delves into some universal truths.

The reading level of the book is set at grade 4. However, I'm not sure if students at that reading level would be interested in such a short and uncomplicated story. Although it appears to be an easy reader book, it is actually written at a higher level. I believe this book would be excellent as a read aloud for younger children. They would be especially fascinated by the concept of cats with wings, even though reading the book independently might pose a challenge for them. This leaves me wondering why such a simple story is written at a higher reading level.

Awards:

Reviews: Kirkus Reviews, 1988; Horn Book; Booklist

In just 52 pages, we have a very tender story that will be a delight for the youngest ones.

It is a story about winged cats, and although it has that magical touch, it is still the reality of many kittens that are born on the streets of the cities in the world.

Beware of "the hands", beware of "the shoes"... although not all of them are bad.

This story is ideal for the tiniest children and for those who are crazy about cats, to enjoy a tender tale.

It can transport the readers into a world where cats have wings and face various challenges and adventures.

The story not only entertains but also teaches valuable lessons about kindness, protection, and the importance of caring for those in need.

With its charming illustrations and simple yet engaging narrative, it is sure to capture the hearts of both children and adults alike.

Whether read aloud before bedtime or enjoyed independently, this story will leave a lasting impression and bring a smile to the faces of all who encounter it.

I read this book many years ago when I was just a kid. As a person who adores cats, I truly loved it.

The illustrations in the book were simply gorgeous. The cats were depicted in such a beautiful way, with their wings adding an extra touch of magic.

Each page seemed to come alive with the vivid and detailed illustrations. It was like stepping into a world of enchanting feline creatures.

The author's ability to bring these cats to life through words and pictures was truly remarkable.

Even now, as an adult, I still remember the book fondly and often think back to those beautiful illustrations of the winged cats.

It was a wonderful read that captured my imagination and made me fall in love with the story and the characters.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who have a soft spot for cats or enjoy beautifully illustrated children's books.

I was truly fortunate to have the opportunity to listen to the late Ursula K. LeGuin read this children's book herself.

It is the debut in a series where four wingéd tabby siblings embark on a journey to make their way in the world and ultimately find a new home.

This book is quite different from her usual sci-fi offerings. However, I liked it so very much that I simply can't wait to get my hands on the sequels.

The way LeGuin brought the story to life with her reading was enchanting.

The adventures of the tabby siblings were both heartwarming and exciting.

I could vividly imagine them soaring through the sky and facing various challenges along the way.

The book has a charm of its own that吸引了 me from the very beginning.

I am eager to see what further adventures await the wingéd tabby siblings in the sequels.

I'm sure they will be just as captivating and engaging as this first installment.

I highly recommend this book to both children and adults alike.

It's a wonderful addition to any bookshelf.

Cute illustrations, good writing...but a bit too short and lightweight for my tastes.

The cute illustrations in this work truly add a charming touch. They are visually appealing and manage to capture the essence of the story or concept in a delightful way. The writing, too, is of good quality. The language is smooth, and the flow is seamless, making it an easy read.

However, for my personal preferences, it falls a bit short in terms of length and depth. I would have liked to see more detailed exploration of the themes and characters. It feels a bit rushed and lacking in substance.

Overall, while it has its merits with the cute illustrations and good writing, it just doesn't quite meet my expectations in terms of being a more substantial and engaging piece.

**"Catwings" by Ursula K. Le Guin: A Re-Read Experience**

Ursula K. Le Guin's "Catwings" is a charming and imaginative story that has captivated readers since its publication in 1988. Illustrated by S. D. Schindler, it tells the tale of four cats with the remarkable ability to fly. I first read this book in 1989 and was instantly charmed by the unique concept and the endearing characters. The story follows the adventures of the cat family as they explore their newfound power and face various challenges along the way.

In 2015, I decided to revisit "Catwings" for a second read. It was interesting to see how my perception of the story had changed over the years. While I still loved the magic and wonder of the catwings, I also noticed the deeper themes of family, courage, and the importance of following one's dreams. The illustrations by Schindler added an extra layer of charm to the story, bringing the cats and their world to life in a vivid and engaging way.

Overall, "Catwings" is a delightful book that is suitable for readers of all ages. It combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and family values in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. If you haven't read this book yet, I highly recommend giving it a try. You can find more information about "Catwings" at https://eruditefeline.wordpress.com/2....