Kiwi in Cat City

Book 1

Have you ever wished your cat could talk or wondered where he/she goes when you are not around?

Furry fun for ages 7-99, Kiwi in Cat City is the first book in a series, of which there are six fun adventures so far. They are set in various animal-inhabited worlds, along with the human one, of course. The illustrations inside are by Nikki McBroom.

Kiwi seems like a typical moggie, content to nap in the sun and chase shadows, but she has a secret. She is a magical cat from a place called Cat City. With her two humans, James and Amy, Kiwi finds mysteries and adventures, dealing with catnappings, jewel thieves, giant rats, time travel, haunted houses, Father Christmas, pyramids and more. The fun stories contain positive messages about loyalty, friendship, honesty, bullying and the power of standing together.

Kiwi in Cat City opens on one dark night. Amy cannot sleep and she looks out of the window into the garden to see her cat, Kiwi, transfixed by the moon, which is glowing brightly like a cat's claw. Waking her brother, James, Amy suggests they follow Kiwi to see where she goes... whether it involves a hunt for mice or something else. Little do they know that with a flick of her tail, Kiwi is going to magically change the children into kittens and lead them on the adventure of their lives to a land they never knew existed in their wildest dreams. In the blue-lit world of Cat City, the budding detectives help Inspector Furrball to investigate the mysterious catnapping of Mr Katz and find out what happened to Madame Purrfect.

“This book is beautifully written, with a great poetic prologue, and heaps of action, intrigue and fun. Ms Johnstone’s vivid imagination does her a great deal of credit. This is a great book for all ages.” - Amelia Curzon

“Very well written fantasy about an alternate reality for cats... where a suspenseful mystery story unfolds. The details of this world are amazing, but equally impressive are the details of the characters which are brought to life vividly by the author. I found myself laughing aloud.” - Ed Drury

“I really liked that Kiwi was a cat-agent. Amy and James (people) follow their cat into a separate cat world. Inside that world, Amy and James – or Ames and Jimster as they are known in the cat world – find that their cat Kiwi is a cat-agent, and she’s on a case where there are missing catizens (cat citizens – teehee) and Amy and James have to find the cat-napper. This book was very good. The ending was great! It’s fun and always keeps you on the edge of your seat.” - Alynn, age 12

“Johnstone is a wonderful writer, able to weave a magical tale. Her pace and timing is perfect.” - Donna Brown

“Yes, this is a children’s book, but don’t let that fool you into believing that it is any less entertaining for adults! I hung on every word of this fantastic little novel. Vickie has a terrific imagination and truly amazing talent in putting her vision into words.” - Cassie/Gathering Leaves

“This book is pure delight – the author has such a great imagination and her ability to captivate an audience is second to none.” - Sue Palmer

“I was quite surprised to find myself not willing to put the book down.” - Ritesh Kala

“All of the ingredients for involving youngsters in the love of reading are here.” - Grady Harp

“I love the way the author describes people getting used to the body of the cat and laughed hysterically even more during the whole adventure.” - Lana Lee

“This is such a cute, delightful story... The elaborate settings, exquisite details, and sophisticated characters are matched only by the wit and ingenuity of the author. The little miss Em just started reading it and, halfway in, she’s just as engrossed as I was.” - Megan Broutian

“This first book of the Kiwi series is a jewel and a complement to the writing skills and imagination of a brilliant young author.” - Paul M Schofield