The Story of a Contrary, Contumacious Cat - 2nd Edition by Gail Wilson Kenna (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

What happens when GRRR, a contrary, contumacious cat keeps pooping on a Persian rug in a military household? The man of the house, Army Major Wiley, loves dogs but does not like cats. He threatens to make GRRR, "dust in the wind."

How does this domestic problem get resolved? Unlikely help comes from an assertive female roofing contractor devoted to the SPCA. Miss Strum reaches a compromise with the female Mayor in the family. This cat-loving Army officer, the parent of two children, is willing to seek outside help. She asks her young daughter, Wren, to assist Diana Hunt, an SPCA animal communicator. Diana helps Wren understand a cat's territorial behavior and its language. Together, adult and child, make a change to Wren's room and give GRRR a catbird seat in the window. Diana and Wren also engage in a game to give the little gray female Persian a new name.

Written with humor and realism, this book for children and adults deals with the stress of moving, which often affects military and civilian families, as well as their pets. The Story of a Contrary, Contumacious Cat has enchanting, original artwork, and a glossary of 30 words, playfully defined for readers of all ages.

Review Quotes

"Your story is charming, hilarious, and wonderfully sensitive. I laughed out loud while reading passages to my husband, who had a similarly fraught relationship with his daughter's cat...". Carole Harlowe, ESL teacher

"You really got my kids with the humorous incident about the cat, the rug, the dog, and the major. Thanks for sharing this story." Patricia Monge-Meberg, M.D.

"What a joy to read a book that can capture a child's imagination and at the same time introduce new "grown-up" words. The Story of a Contrary, Contumacious Cat is humorous and poignant, especially for families who face deployment. I can hardly wait for our granddaughter to be a little older so we can enjoy this lovely tale together." Sandy Bensky, retired reading teacher

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading, The Story of a Contrary, Contumacious Cat. It's obvious the author, Gail Kenna, is tuned into a cat's disposition; and the way she interwove fact with fiction is awe-inspiring. Even the "Words from Wren" section is laudatory in its creative explanation of what each selected word means. I adore cats, and although understand their nature, I doubt I could have captured Grrr's spirit as well as the author did. Finally, I compliment A. Cort Sinnes' skillful and delightful illustrations. He and Gail Kenna make a first-rate team."

Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda, former Poet Laureate of the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2006-2008, has co-authored three anthologies, published eight books of poetry, and won multiple writing & teaching awards.