Caramba

Britta Santowski is a freelance writer in Victoria.

Caramba is a cat. “He ha[s] soft fur and a long, stripy tail. He
[eats] fish. He purr[s]. He [goes] for long walks. But Caramba [is]
different from other cats. He [can’t] fly.” While Caramba publicly
acts like it doesn’t bother him, he craves to be just like the others.
His best friend Portia the pig tries to comfort him but to no avail.
Before long, however, the problem is solved. While on his quest to learn
how to fly, Caramba discovers he has a different talent.

Children will love the playful nature of this book, the pretend-normal
world where cats can fly. They will also love Marie-Louise Gay’s
bright, comical illustrations. Each page is filled with colour and
motion. Nothing stands still. Gay also uses playful language in her text
(look for the casual “Ay, Caramba” thrown in for good measure), and
she captures affectionate displays of human nature. For example, when
Caramba tries to fly by jumping off a small rock and falls flat on his
face, Portia asks what he is trying to do. Caramba mumbles, “I’m
looking for caterpillars.” Other attempts at flying find him lying
face down on the floor admiring his grandfather’s slippers, and
hanging around on a clothesline, “waiting for my socks to dry.”

This is a fun tale about self-esteem and individuality that will amuse
children and adults alike. Highly recommended.