Children's Book Reviews

Book Review: Catligula by Robin Price

By Angela Youngman Jun 25, 2006, 19:15 GMT

Rome\'s new emperor Catligula has become a power-crazed puss in this animated sequel to I Am Spartapuss. Excited when asked to interview for a position at the Imperial Palace, Spartapuss eagerly takes his friend\'s advice to look his best and attaches a shiny Fleagyptian coin to his collar--and unknowingly becomes a slave to the coin and its mate, worn by Catligula. Countless capers with his mystic friend Tefnut ensue as ...more

Another installment in the chequered life of Spartapuss. Now a free cat rather than a slave, Spartapuss has to find a way of making a living - and it is not easy. He eventually becomes scribe to the dreaded Catligula, the crazy emperor of Rome. The Spraetorian Guard involve Spartapuss in a plot to destroy Catligula once and for all  - but can Spartapuss go through with it? 

To make matters worse, the collars of Spartapus and Catligula are magically linked. The consequences either way for Spartapus could be dire: into the frying pan or into the fire? Lively and funny this world of Spartapus is very entertaining.

Every child (and adult) will enjoy this story of a six clawed cat. Set in an alternate universe where Rome is ruled by talking cats and humans have no place at all; it gives an entirely new slant on Roman history! Characterisation is good. Spartapuss is very believable and you can really sympathise with him. Worth reading.