Maya lures a cat on a nearby rooftop down with a can of fish. Maya uses a second can to coax Cat into following her as she goes door to door in search of Cat’s home. When Cat takes the lead, perching in Maya’s bike basket, “Maya followed Cat’s nose. Down through the town and across the park. Along the shore and onto the pier, thunketty thunk on the wooden boards.” They end up at a moored houseboat, where Cat springs “circus lion-style” into the arms of Fritz and Irma. It’s a joyful reunion for everyone except Maya, who is feeling a little sad, but there’s a warm surprise in store, making for an even happier ending. Every word thoughtfully chosen, the beautiful language is set against muted watercolor illustrations with delightful moments of whimsy (the endpapers!), including Cat’s catlike behavior—both regal and silly. (Ages 3–7)

Where does Cat live, and who can lead the way there? A lyrical, charmingly offbeat tale about wanderlust and family, rescue and finding home.

On a roof, as wet as a seal, as gray as a puddle, Cat was rumbling, a rumbly purr.

What will lure Cat down? Feather boas? Pretty pink shoelaces? A boatful of fish under a tiny tin sail? Maya finally succeeds, only to watch Cat jump on the roof again, above a thousand lit windows, one of which must be Cat’s own. As the rain keeps coming down, how can Maya help Cat find its home? With whimsical watercolors both fluid and full of expression, Caroline Magerl portrays a child on a mission and an adventurous cat who keeps its mysteries as quiet as its paws in a story that follows a kindly impulse to an unexpected conclusion.