Review: Odd Cat Out!
This first in a new trilogy by London author Rose Robbins, who writes from her own personal experience, will make for a great addition to your inclusive collection. Framed as anthropomorphic young cats, the narrative revolves around two friends, Tangle and Eno, starting at their new ‘big’ school where they encounter neurodivergent kitty, Pelly.
So to start with, it’s true that the rest of the class think Pelly is rather odd and Tangle and Eno can’t understand how it is she’s never been to school. But these two are essentially very kind although possibly not the most deep thinkers. Tangle particularly tends to act first and think after. But they really do want to make friends with Pelly as they can sense she is feeling isolated.
How they manage to do that is not without some big problems, but once they realise – and indeed, even when their lovely teacher realises – the whole class is firmly behind Pelly. And Pelly realises that she doesn’t need to be lonely, that there are friends to be had who understand her differences.
With plentiful cat wordplay and hilarious Cat School rules, this is a fun read that also carries important themes, understanding and learning for young readers. The graphic format makes for something different and it would be a great companion title for Julie Murphy’s Catty Corner series which has similar themes.
Title: Odd Cat Out!
Author/Illustrator: Rose Robbins
Publisher: Scallywag Press, $19.99
Publication Date: August 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781836300397
For ages: 8+
Type: Junior Fiction
