A Cat Called Waverley

A poignant and uplifting picture story that introduces socially important topics: homelessness and post traumatic stress disorder – as well as the loyalty and value of pets

Born in a city park, the little cat belongs to no-one, until he is befriended and cared for by Donald, a soldier. When Donald is sent away to fight in a far-off war-zone, the cat waits for him to return, at Edinburgh's Waverley Station. And waits … Travellers and railway staff name him Waverley, and look after him. But he is waiting for Donald. Years go by, until one day at last he hears a voice he knows. Warfare has drastically changed Donald's life, but when the lonely cat and the forgotten man are reunited, their world suddenly seems a brighter and more hopeful place. Set in a real city – Edinburgh – this is a groundbreaking picture story that introduces important social issues of homelessness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and underlines the value of pets.

“"The story unfolds in clear, well-cadenced sentences. . . . A heartfelt, moving picture book." -- Booklist”

"An incredibly powerful and poignant tale of a cat searching for home.. beautifully illustrated... heartfelt and real, this story is based on the truth of those returning home from war, those who struggle to acclimatise and find closure. Debi Gliori is a masterful storyteller and this is stunning. This will accompany any KS2 topic on war brilliantly."

"... a beautiful, emotional picture book based on homeless war veteran, Darren Greenfield, who’d sit on the pavement at the top of Edinburgh’s Waverley Steps. Perfect for opening up discussions about PTSD, war, and homelessness."

"Debi’s story is written and illustrated with such empathy and sensitivity, it will surely bring a tear to your eye as you turn the pages of this book. Perhaps even more so when you read at the end that it’s about a real homeless war veteran for whom she wrote the book (as well as for all the countless other homeless people who share our world."

"What I, the adult reader, love about A Cat Called Waverley, is that it’s possible to have a traditional picture book for children, which combines some glorious art with a commentary on some of the less attractive things about life today, while also showing the goodness of many humans."

"Not just a story about a cat, or about being lost and unloved, it’s asking us to think about war, what it does to those it leaves behind, and how we care for them."

"In A Cat Called Waverley, Debi Gliori has created a truly special and beautiful picture book… Powerful and poignant, ‘A Cat Called Waverley’ is one not to miss."

"A poignant story about homelessness and friendship."

"A Cat Called Waverley will tug at your heart strings with its poignant tale of enduring love, loyalty, friendship, and homelessness - and because it’s a gorgeous picture book... Waverley will promote lots of discussion: love between animals and people, separation, homelessness, hope – and a chance to explain post-traumatic stress disorder, gently but clearly pointed to."

“A story that can encourage thought, reflection and open the door to empathy among its young readers. There is no attempt to point out a moral or lesson, the story, warm and engaging, is left to speak for itself.”

"A heartfelt, moving picture book."

"An essential book for all primary school libraries."

"This poignant narrative picture book is inspired by real characters and explores themes of homelessness, loyalty, loss, PTDS and war with great sensitivity. This is an excellent text to discuss with KS2 pupils in PSHE lessons."

Debi Gliori is a bestselling Scottish writer and illustrator with an international following. Debi studied illustration at Edinburgh College of Art and is an honorary Doctor of Letters of Strathclyde University. She lives in Haddington, near Edinburgh.

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