Mike and a Lynx Named Kitty

Mike Kerr
KiwE Publish, Ltd. (2006)
ISBN 9781931195362
Reviewed by Hannah Wheatley (age 12) for Reader Views (3/07)

I really liked the book “Mike and a Lynx named Kitty” because it told about a boy that helped an animal in need. Mike took it as his own responsibility to care for the lynx as well as providing a good home for it. Mike, the main character in this novel, is a ten-year-old boy who was on a summer-long fishing trip with his father in Alaska where they lived. It was Mike’s responsibility to clean up the camp, gather firewood, and make meals. He was watching the supper cook for that night when he heard a meowing sound like a kitten; it was an abandoned lynx kitten. He carried the kitten back to camp and gave him some milk; then he laid it down on his dirty clothes. Kitty, as Mike called him, slept for the most of the day afterwards. When Mike’s father came back he wasn't very happy about Mike taking the kitten in; he made Mike wrap it up in seaweed and dirt so the mother lynx wouldn't reject it. But when Mike reached the site where he found Kitty, he found a shockingly sad sight -- a dead fall tree had landed on a mother lynx and child, and Kitty sniffed the dead limp, now lifeless bodies of his mother and sister. Mike felt sorry for the small lynx, for he had nowhere to go, and no one to care for him. Mike carried Kitty back to camp in loving arms. Afterwards, Mike's father agreed to let the lynx stay, but it was Mikes' and only Mikes' job to care for it.

When Mike took Kitty back home with them, he made a bed for Kitty inside of a hollow space in some tree roots, and made Kitty quite comfortable. I really thought that letting Kitty come home with them was very kind and considerate of Mikes' father, because, in the story he is trying to become a pilot. One year, for their wedding anniversary, they flew out to the island. Once Mike got settled in, he went to the place where he had found Kitty and played many years ago. Then he saw a familiar face in the bushes, once again he called out "Kitty." The lynx limped toward him and Mike noticed that he had been shot; he must have gotten to close to some hunters and they had got scared and shot. Kitty was hurt badly in the leg; he laid his head on Mike's lap. Mike stroked him, talking to him, remembering all of the fun times they had together. When he was finished he noticed that Kitty was dead, or as the book states, “life had left his friend." Mike buried Kitty next to his mother and sister that had been laid to rest many years ago. Mike and a Lynx named Kitty” was really heartwarming and touching in a way. I hope that you get a chance to read this wonderful novel by Mike Kerr.

Mike and a Lynx Named Kitty

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (11/06)

In “Mike and a Lynx Named Kitty,” Mike Kerr generously shares a bit of himself.  He begins with an introduction to life in Alaska and facts about a Lynx.  Mike Kerr was born and raised in Alaska; he fished commercially in the 30’s and 40’s.  Boys began fishing, trapping and hunting at the early age of five or six.  It was on such a trip that Mike found an orphaned lynx kitten.

One day Mike is told that he must stay at camp and watch the dinner.  He hears the sound of a kitten.  It’s not a domestic kitten but a small weak lynx.  So begins a unique friendship.  Mike must make a very hard decision between his love for Kitty and the need to return him to the wild. 

This is a book about love, self-sacrifice, and maturing.  Mike teaches us to respect nature and wildlife.   He shows that we have a responsibility to nature.  Mike knew from the moment he found the kitten that someday he would have to return him to the wild.

This is a heart-warming tale.  The illustrations add much to this beautiful story.  From the moment I saw the cover I was hooked.  I could barely wait to open this treasure chest with the promise of literary treasures inside.   I was not disappointed.   It is a delight to find a story that teaches morals and values in an interesting way.   As a reading coach, I search for books such as this one; they are hard to find.  My students will delight in the story.  I highly recommend “Mike and a Lynx Named Kitty” for children and adults alike.  Mr. Kerr, thank you for sharing a piece of your childhood with your readers.
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