Hilary McKay

Lulu and her cousin, Mellie find a bag on their doorstep with a large marigold-colored cat in it. How will the children and Lulu’s grandmother resolve the problem of an abandoned and wary cat? Their dilemma and the story’s resolution are recognizable and appealing. Though the latest installment of a series, this reads as a stand-alone.

Lulu and her family, along with their dog Sam, rent a house by the sea for their family vacation. There they meet a stray mutt, the “dog from the sea” who becomes a hero to kite-flying Lulu and her cousin, Mellie. Eventually, the stray finds friendship and a home.

While at a sleepover at Nan’s house, Lulu must keep her hamster safe from Nan’s cats – and a secret from rodent-fearing Nan. Lulu’s latest adventure can stand alone and is as gently humorous and graciously illustrated as others in the series.