Beginning in medias res, as a tiny kitten finds himself abandoned and alone in a frightening world, this lovely tale from author/illustrator Holly Hobbie follows the process whereby he finds a forever home. Surviving on the streets, the kitten is eventually captured, taken to an animal shelter, and then adopted. Slowly, he learns the ways of his new home, and the people (and dog!) in it. Slowly, he becomes Swan, a happy feline with a secure place in the world and a loving family...

Only the second book I have read from Holly Hobbie, following upon her wordless picture-book Gem, A Cat Named Swan was a distinct pleasure, pairing a poignant and heartwarming tale with absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Swan is an indoor/outdoor cat, which I imagine will rub some readers the wrong way, but as someone who grew up in a house with large yards and three such wandering felines, I think it will ring true for many others. I found the artwork here particularly lovely, and thought it captured both the terrors of Swan's early life and the joys of his later domestic bliss. Recommended to all young cat lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about pet adoption. ( )

Beautiful, soothing story!! ( )