The Nine Lives of Aristotle - Hardcover

Bob Graham is the award-winning creator of many books for children, including MAX; "LET'S GET A PUP!" SAID KATE, a BOSTON GLOBE — HORN BOOK AWARD winner; and JETHRO BYRD, FAIRY CHILD. Illustrating the first eight of Aristotle’s nine lives gave him great enjoyment. "Being the illustrator," he says, "I left Aristotle on the last page as safe as I could, in front of the TV with Bella Donna." Bob Graham lives in Victoria, Australia, with his wife, two children, and - of course - various pets.

Grade 2-4-Life in a witch's cottage can be dangerous, especially for an adventurous and accident-prone kitten. On his very first day in residence, Aristotle climbs to the roof and falls down the chimney. Bella Donna cautions him that he has just used up the first of his allotted nine lives, but the warning has little effect. That afternoon, he overturns a full milk jug and is trapped beneath it, squandering his second life. The incorrigible cat encounters one dire peril after another-rushing water, racing trains, angry dogs-until a terrifying near collision with a speeding truck leaves him with only a single life remaining. The repentant and reformed feline decides to settle down and keep that one as long as possible. The book ends with a gentle, almost meditative account of the death of Aristotle's canine nemesis and the cat's long, productive, and peaceful ninth life as a proper witch's familiar. This tone shift is a bit abrupt after the earlier nonstop action, but readers will be satisfied and relieved by Aristotle's success. With winsome watercolor-and-ink illustrations, this short, lighthearted fantasy will appeal to beginning chapter-book readers.
Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
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