Jasper

By Michelle Groce

Book Overview

"Jasper" the cat is a pragmatic philosopher. "Jasper" the book is a stylish, fast-moving adventure, and a story that readers of all ages will want to share. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0976096315
• ISBN13: 9780976096313
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Novello Festival Pr
• Length: 174 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.5" x 0.5" x 5.0"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Newberry Medal award candidate

A new author and a great beginning. The main characters, a cat that talks to an owl, are as full and intriguing as Wilbur, a pig who talks to his friend Charlotte, a spider. The author wraps the tough decisions and heavy toils exacted by life into an engrossing tale of a cat with a twist - a cat that can see the future. Like all good books, the message winds its way through the book as the cat's journey takes it from one missed opportunity to another and as the 'good' decisions directly affects others and indirectly builds a charcter adults can appreciate as well as children. A good book to give yourself and to pass along to others.

Jasper sparkles!

Cats must have a special relationship with the moon, the way they love to prowl at night. But Jasper, the tender-hearted title character of this strong-and-tender novel, is an even more gifted "luna"tic: why is it, he asks, that he can hear the moon speak, but other animals can't? And why does she take a special interest in his psychic gift? Jasper has foresight: of a neighbor's house on fire, or a cat in danger of being run over. What he does with his gift is the subject of this book. Jasper, homeless and masterless, would like nothing better-- he thinks-- than to be adopted and laze the hours away with a full belly. But the visions (and the moon, gently but firmly) keep calling him back to action, often for people and animals he loathes. This kind of story could lapse into moral platitudes. But Michelle Groce, like the moon with Jasper, always coaxes her prose and her theme to go the extra mile. This book is beautiful, moving, full of hopeful certainty. It's especially appropriate for older children with thoughtful hearts and a love for animals, but adults will find in Jasper abundant application to their own lives, which makes it a perfect book club selection. And I guarantee, after reading this book, you'll never look at a dog or a cat again without wondering what that bark or meow is really expressing.

Cats and Owls

This book was given to me by my mom. She bought it because I love cats. We were both surprised to find it also has an owl as a main character. You would have to see my room to see why this is significant. Needless to say I love cats and owls. The cat (Jasper) and the owl (Hank) are great characters and you will love them. Jasper is so smart and he is like the cat I have always wanted. I have a cat, she is like Chloe(read the book), I love her but - she's no Jasper. Jasper has a very special power. He can see when bad things are going to happen. The problem is, the bad things don't always happen to good people. Jasper wants to be a house cat very badly, but he has a lot of choices to make. Does he help those that are in trouble? Some of the choices may ruin his chances of living as a housecat forever. Which is the right thing to do? Jasper (with Hank's help) is faced with these problems. What they decide is what makes this a great book.I highly recommend this book. It is my favorite of the year. I would have said Hoot was the best, but the Owl(Hank)in this book is much better and Jasper is such a great cat. If you bought Hoot because you love owls but were dissapointed because the owls really aren't in the story you will love this. Hank is a big part of the story and he is a great character. He is truly a wise owl and helps Jasper a lot even if Hank never quite understands why Jasper wants to be with the humans.I love the ending, but surely it will be continued?

Some Cat!

A psychic cat and a naive owl make unlikely sidekicks in this engaging story by exciting new voice, Michelle Groce. What begins as a stray's search for a home quickly becomes complicated by an obstacle course of moral dilemmas. Although billed as young adult fiction "old" adults will definitely enjoy this thoughtful read. I am WAY over 21 and I loved Jasper.

The owl and the pussycat

Michelle Groce has successfully invaded a cat's mind to see the world from his point of view, and what a magical world it is. Jasper and his buddy Hank (a "big-boned" great horned owl) learn about the world of the kept cat; a position Jasper longs for, but is it all he believes it will be? Also, Jasper has the ability to see glimpses of the future - is this a gift or a curse? Will he take the responsibility that comes with this special power even if it means he may sacrifice his dream to be cared for by humans?The lyrical and luscious language creates images in your mind that linger well after the book is finished. Ms. Groce's characters, both human and animal, will entertain you and make you laugh out loud.Enjoy this book, savor this book, give this book as a gift to your best friend.