Sabina and the Cats of Rome (Sophie Masson, illus Laura Wood, Christmas Press)

Sabina and the Cats of Rome, a light fantasy chapter book for readers aged 6 to 9, packs adventure, action, mystery, love and fun into its pages. Sophie Masson (The Ghost Squad) spins the tale of Sabina, a bored young girl in Ancient Rome, who meets Cleo, a talking cat princess with a problem only Sabina can help solve. Yearning for excitement, Sabina teams up with Cleo to find a wizard who can brew a potion to lift the curse placed on Cleo’s father, the King of the Cats, by the King of the Rats. Along with her two loveable dogs, Major and Minor, Sabina races against time to save the king. Action-packed and tightly written, Masson’s story of fantastical adventure in Ancient Rome presents obstacles, twists and genuine tension. Masson provides a sense of place without excessive historical detail, keeping the story central and engaging. This approach offers a gentle introduction to Ancient Rome for young readers, encouraging further exploration of its history. Themes explored include unlikely friendships, familial relationships, and standing up to bullies. Masson’s storytelling is engaging and accessible, offering simplicity for independent reading while maintaining a rich plot. Laura Wood’s black-and-white illustrations bring Cleo and Sabina to life, depicting seven scenes from the story. For readers of Jacqueline Harvey’s Willa and Woof and Rosanne Hawke’s Pepper Masalah series, Sabina and the Cats of Rome offers a similar length, style and humour.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Brenton Cullen is a Queensland-based writer and reviewer with 10 years' experience working in bookshops. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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