Varjak Paw - by Sf Said (Paperback)

About the Book

Varjak Paw has never been Outside before. But the Mesopotamian blue cat is forced out into the city when the sinister Gentleman and his two menacing cats take over his home. With mystical help from his ancestor Jalal, can Varjak save his own family? Illustrations.

Book Synopsis

"Dazzling." --The New York Times

Mesopotamian Blue cat, Varjak Paw, has never been Outside before; he and his family have always lived in the isolated house at the top of the hill. But Varjak is forced out into the city when the sinister Gentleman and his two menacing cats take over his home. With help from his mystical ancestor, Jalal, Varjak manages to overcome challenges such as self-survival and a threat from the gangland cats, and he ultimately discovers the terrifying secrets behind the Vanishings. But can he save his own family from their fate?

With wonderful integrated illustrations from acclaimed comic book artist Dave McKean, this book will appeal to all ages.

Review Quotes

"In the tradition of animal stories like Watership Down, SF Said's dark allegorical tale introduces a pampered indoor cat who ventures "Outside" for the first time . . . As Said evokes the dangerous life of a cat fending for itself, he also weaves in elements of humor and legendary bravery, proving that growth stems from adversity." --Publishers Weekly, Starred

"The book is full of adventure, action and mystery and is perfect for anyone who likes fiction told from an animal's point of view." --The Guardian

"Well-crafted and designed, full of action, danger and humor, this would make a delightful family read aloud." --Children's Literature

"The cat magic mystique is brilliant." - Richard Adams, author of Watership Down

"Stylish, original and inventive, Varjak Paw is a modern children's classic." --Jacqueline Wilson

About the Author

SF Said grew up in the Iraqi diasporic community in London, moving there with his mother at the age of two. After graduating from the University of Cambridge, he worked as a press attaché and speech writer for the Crown Prince of Jordan's office in London. He began a Ph.D. in 1997 looking at the lives of young Muslims in Britain, but left academia to focus on film journalism for the Daily Telegraph--where he brought attention to much 'world cinema', including contemporary Islamic cinema--and writing for children.

Dave McKean is best known for his work on Neil Gaiman's Sandman series of graphic novels and for his CD covers for musicians from Tori Amos to Alice Cooper. He also illustrated Neil Gaiman's books Coraline, The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, The Wolves in the Walls, and Crazy Hair. He live on the Island of Oxney in Kent, England.