Though Terry Griggs is a native of Ontario, her latest novel has a definite British flavour, reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter. Cat's Eye Corner is very cleverly written. However, since much of the fun is derived from word play, witty nomenclature, and allusions to classical literature, it is doubtful that the audience for whom the novel is intended will understand much of the humour. Most ten and eleven year olds aren't familiar with fountain pens, and even if they know what they are, they certainly won't understand the references to Shaeffer, Waterman, and Parker. The Inklings are in the centre of the action yet, without explanation, a young reader will probably not pick up on Griggs' glib use of them. Having been changed to poets, the cats have names such as Edgar, Allan, Poe, and Bliss, but will youngsters recognize the allusion to the famous poets? Olivier argues the merits of Treasure Island and Kidnapped, but most children his age will be unfamiliar with those novels, primarily because the language and manner in which they are written make reading too difficult.

      In writing Cat's Eye Corner, Griggs seems to have two messages to impart. The first is an admonition to value and pass on the wonder of words, language, and literature to the next generation. Excellent idea. The second is less universal, and is achieved through some heavy-handed symbolism. The villain of the story, Mr. Mirific, is motivated by a need to be the 'best' at everything, achieving those ends through less than honorable means. He is eventually brought down by a troupe of bunglers called the So-So Gang, who are symbolic of the average child. Griggs' is probably trying to make the point that a person doesn't have to be the 'greatest' to have value but, unfortunately, the message comes across as "Strive for Mediocrity".

      Cat's Eye Corner is like an electric toy train. It is intended for children, but it is the adults who derive the greatest pleasure from it. Nevertheless, its inclusion a school library will provide a change of pace for more advanced readers.

Recommended with Reservations.