LAND OF THE LAST WILDCAT

In this British import, two children work to save an endangered creature.

Ten-year-old Puffin Lau, who’s Chinese and Portuguese, is used to being overlooked by her busy, widowed mother, but it still stings when Mum doesn’t show up as promised to speak to her class during their field trip to her workplace, the Pokko Science and Research Museum. As the Head of the Mysterious Animal Genetics and Innovation Centre, Puffin’s mum is the preeminent expert on kuri, extinct wildcats endemic to Linger Island that were said to have healing powers. Following a hunch, Puffin and best friend Lance Moe sneak away and enter the highly restricted lab, where they make a startling discovery: Hidden away in a cage is a real live kuri, with “brilliant, shimmering orange” fur and mesmerizing green eyes. Mistrustful of the intentions of her mum and Pokko CEO Mr. Smoult, the friends escape with the animal. They discover Smoult’s desire to exploit the kuri for science and soon realize that the creature can’t survive away from the island for much longer—and that the island, in turn, needs the creature. Sit’s children’s debut follows Puffin and Lance’s ensuing journey, blending themes of self-discovery, scientific ethics, and environmental activism; the discussion of natural stewardship and the interconnectedness of people and the environment is its greatest strength. The action starts right away, and the young heroes surmount obstacles easily. Dean’s evocative black-and-white illustrations emphasize key scenes.

A solid, fast-paced fantasy adventure with a strong environmental focus.