First published 2005
Barbarians storm through Rome, and Miranda the cat faces a crisis. She must protect her daughter Punka and find shelter from the destruction spreading through their city. Flames consume the streets as Miranda guides Punka away from danger. Along their desperate journey, they discover abandoned kittens whose mothers have vanished in the chaos. Miranda takes responsibility for these orphans, leading her growing family through the burning ruins. The group reaches the massive Colosseum, hoping for sanctuary, but threats still surround them even in this ancient fortress. Miranda must use all her intelligence and courage to keep the kittens alive. Her quick thinking and brave decisions during this terrible time will determine whether any of them survive. The story reveals how Miranda earned her title as Queen of the Colosseum and became the legendary ancestor of all cats living in modern Rome.
Genres: animals, survival, historical-fiction, adventure, cats
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, whimsical
Tropes: found-family, orphans
Setting: Colosseum, Rome
Period: Ancient
96 pages · Paperback · Clarion Books