First published 1988
The orphanage houses twelve girls who dream of having a pet to call their own. Each girl has her own idea about which animal would make the perfect companion. Arguments break out as the children debate their preferences. Some want dogs, others prefer birds or rabbits. The disagreements grow heated as each girl insists her choice is best. The matrons watch the squabbling with concern. Just when it seems the girls will never reach agreement, a surprise discovery changes everything. Twelve stray cats appear at the orphanage, each one needing a home just as much as the girls need pets. The solution becomes clear to everyone. Each orphan girl can care for one orphan cat. The matching brings joy to both the children and their new feline friends.
Genres: fiction, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, heartwarming, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, heartwarming
Period: 20th-century
Hardcover · Peter Smith