The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook

It's really difficult for an adult author to convincingly capture the "voice" of a ten year old, but Rocklin really nails it in this story. "The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook" is told from the perspective of protagonist Oona, who has a marvelous outlook on life, an inherited gift for storytelling, and a propensity for multi-colored whoppers (these are mostly harmless fibs she uses to aid her through life and enhance her tales). I particularly enjoyed the relationship she shares with her younger brother, but her interactions with all of her characters, including her mother, father, and unconventional "employers" are all solid and convincing.Oh, and Zook, of course- he's pretty darned cool, too (and I'm not a cat person). There is some heartbreak in this story (an unfortunate staple of most children's lit, I'm afraid), but it is more than equaled out by the brightness of Oona and her determination to do everything within her power to aid her family and her beloved Zook.

I especially loved this book because of the way the story was told. I liked the way that Oona told the different stories about Zook in different styles, like in a fairy tale. It was a sad book but also happy at the same time, which made it very interesting. Oona liked to tell stories because her dad, who had died used to do it so she learned how to tell stories from him. It made her feel happy and it also comforted her brother through the wonderful dramatic adventures that she made up for Zook's past lives. My favorite part was at the end of the book, when they got a new cat and the cat was very similar to Zook, except he didn't have 26 toes. I recommend this book to anyone who likes stories, fairy tales and who loves cats. It made me happy reading this book.

I bought this for my 11-year-old. However, while flipping thought it upon arrival, I was captivated enough to sit and begin reading it myself. All of the characters and details about their lives are real-world pitch perfect, especially Zook and those who most love him. This is one of those grade school books you really want your kids to soak up; the life lessons about people and the world around them are that important and will stick with them.

I ordered book for grandchildren to read while staying with me during summer and after school. I read most of the books myself. This one was good but maybe not exciting enough to keep my grandkids wanting to keep reading.

This is a very interesting and heartbreaking story. It has a happy and non-happy ending. I loved this book and I would recommend this book to everyone even if you love pets. It is sad when they have to put Zook down but they do it for a good reason I loved this book! Elvis seems adorable. RIP Zook

What a Great story!! My son really enjoyed this book! Even though Reading Counts at school had some characters which he insists are not in the book (happened last year too), he loved it! I read him a few paragraphs and easily got into the story! I like the colored Whopper part!!

Have to say, Ms. Rocklin is one of my FAVORITES - and this book ranks at the very top of my list. So much here. The power of love. The power of animals. How difficult is is to change. Once I finished, and wiped my tears, I opened it up to read again.

I bought this book after reading a copy at the library. It is a great story about a girl and her imagination. This girl and her brother go through the experience of losing a pet, something that a lot of kids that age end up going through. This dealt with death is a very sensitive manner.