Review by Booklist Review
Rosa's world has become very small since her parents passed. An unfamiliar aunt and uncle come to claim her and the family house, but the uncaring grownups are interested only in monetary success and keeping their life as tidy and uncomplicated as possible. Rosa's presence is, of course, a massive complication in their eyes, and they disapprove of the lovely girl's general existence. Despite her increasingly dire circumstances, Rosa's belief in magic never wavers--a conviction formed by a seemingly impossible encounter with a neighboring cat. An initially disastrous trip to Venice turns into a madcap (and slightly murderous) adventure, and Rosa combines magic and mettle to take the reins of her extraordinary life. The wonderfully quirky tale has shades of Matilda, particularly in the outrageously villainous relatives, but the feline focus and Italian excursion give it a fantastic flavor all its own. The story's shorter length, quick pacing, and sweet illustrations will easily appeal to younger readers, as will the whimsical peculiarities of Rosa's world. An incredibly creative case for doing things scared and on one's own terms.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Orphaned at age four, Rosa Mundi has been raised by her aunt and uncle, cruel people who have dampened her spirit over the years by locking her in her room at night and proving more interested in promoting their artificial lawn business than caring for a child. Her only friend is Balthazar, an enigmatic, helpful black cat. Now 11, she's taken by her aunt and uncle to Venice, where they plan to expand their business. Upon arrival, they abandon Rosa at a hotel run by a family that only speaks Italian. Short on funds and alone in a foreign country, Rosa must find a way to fend for herself. But when the street cats of Venice come to her aid, she discovers an innate power and a new sense of belonging. McKay (The Swallows' Flight) employs dream logic and surrealist imagery reminiscent of Roald Dahl to blend fairy tale whimsy with aching portrayals of adolescence. Over-the-top characters, lush descriptions, and casual incorporations of magical elements buoy the sometimes fraught scenarios that Rosa finds herself in as she contends with street thieves, unfamiliar customs, and the realities of being brought up by neglectful relatives. Main characters are white and Italian. Ages 8--12. Agent: Molly Ker Hawn, Bent Agency. (Aug.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--7--Eleven-year-old Rosa was not quite four years old when three things happened: her parents died, an unknown aunt and uncle came to take care of her, and she experienced magic when a cat named Balthazar visited her room the night after her aunt and uncle showed up. Rosa's new family dampens her spirit but her love of fairy tales and belief in magic persist. An unexpected trip to Venice leaves Rosa feeling more alone than ever until the city's cats come to her aid. Rosa finds herself in a "velvet sea of cats" as they help her find her way home--a true home. This whimsical book is full of magic and humor. McKay's writing is lush with descriptive language and clever wordplay. Pigeons haven't flown away, they've flung themselves into the sky. A plane hasn't hit turbulence, it "quite suddenly…dropped out of the sky and fell down a flight of invisible giant stairs." Adding to the whimsy are superb illustrations by Rockefeller. His drawings reflect the mood of the scene with easily interpreted facial expressions. VERDICT A delightful story, this would be a great read-aloud and a possible segue to Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" books.--Melinda Graham
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