The Killer Cat Strikes Back

Name: William Joseph
Price range: $

by Anne Fine, illustrated by Steve Cox

Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 6+

Published by Puffin, 2008

Chapter books
Picture books

About this book

This is Tuffy's third adventure, in which he takes exception to Mum's art class, and ruins almost all of her new masterpieces. Unfortunately the one which the arrogant Tuffy refuses to break (because he's not prepared to help Dad) holds a secret which could change the family's life. What's more, Tuffy keeps chasing the boy next door when he tries to deliver an important note, and it's only when Tuffy begins to feel ashamed by his behaviour that everything turns out well.

Tuffy tells his own hilarious story, and Fine's short chapter-book shows careful observation of cat (and family) behaviour which proves to young readers that spiteful and selfish behaviour can lead to unhappiness for everyone unless we put it right.

About the author

Anne Fine studied politics and history. She has been writing for both adults and children since 1978, winning numerous prizes including the Guardian Award and both the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread (now Costa) Award twice over. Her work is translated into over forty languages.

As the second Children's Laureate (2001–2003) Anne campaigned to raise the profile of public libraries, as well as launching the My Home Library Scheme, encouraging children to build their own libraries at home.