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Joanne Rocklin
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The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook Hardcover – April 1, 2012

by Joanne Rocklin (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 106 ratings
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In this warmhearted middle-grade novel, Oona and her brother, Fred, love their cat Zook (short for Zucchini), but Zook is sick. As they conspire to break him out of the vet's office, convinced he can only get better at home with them, Oona tells Fred the story of Zook's previous lives, ranging in style from fairy tale to grand epic to slice of life. Each of Zook's lives has echoes in Oona's own family life, which is going through a transition she's not yet ready to face. Her father died two years ago, and her mother has started a relationship with a man named Dylan--whom Oona secretly calls "the villain." The truth about Dylan, and about Zook's medical condition, drives the drama in this loving family story.

Praise for The Five Lives of Our Cat ZookWinner of the 2013 Golden Kite Award for Fiction given by the Society of Children's Book Writers and IllustratorsA Parents' Choice Gold MedalistSTARRED REVIEW"Rocklin's characters are fully developed: readers will be invested. Set in Oakland, readers are also treated to a refreshingly authentic child's view of a diverse city. The only imperfection in this novel is that it ends."
--Booklist, starred review

"Oona's character is a combination of Harriet the Spy in curiosity and Anastasia in spunk. Another emotionally satisfying outing from Rocklin; hanky recommended."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Just as she did in One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street, Rocklin intertwines her characters so smartly that the many coincidences and serendipitous events feel organic to the story. The story's ending--bittersweet, inevitable, and true--offers much-needed catharsis for the family and for anyone who has ever loved a pet."
--The Horn Book"This heartwarming family tale is filled with resilient and thoughtful characters who are willing to learn from their mistakes. Readers who enjoy the novels of Jeanne Birdsall and Leslie Crunch will appreciate this charming story."
--School Library Journal

"There is a strong sense of place in this loving story with the ending sure to generate some tears. This would make a strong library lesson extension activity."
--Library Media Connection
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    240 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Lexile measure
    760L
  6. Dimensions
    6 x 1 x 8 inches
  7. Publisher
    Harry N. Abrams
  8. Publication date
    April 1, 2012
  9. ISBN-10
    1419701924
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1419701924
  11. See all details
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New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade. New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade.

Editorial Reviews

Review

*STARRED, Booklist "The only imperfection in this novel is that it ends."

About the Author

Joanne Rocklin is the author of many books for children, including The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook, which won the Golden Kite Award, and Love, Penelope, which was an NCIBA Golden Poppy Book Award winner.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harry N. Abrams (April 1, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1419701924
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1419701924
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 760L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 106 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Joanne Rocklin

Joanne Rocklin

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JOANNE ROCKLIN's latest middle grade novel is FLEABRAIN LOVES FRANNY. "Not to be missed!" (VOYA)

THE FIVE LIVES OF OUR CAT ZOOK won the 2013 Golden Kite Award for Fiction given by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. It is also published as an audiobook. "The only imperfection in this novel is that it ends." BOOKLIST, starred. It is a Parents' Choice Gold Award winner.

She is also the critically acclaimed author of several other books, including ONE DAY AND ONE AMAZING MORNING ON ORANGE STREET, which won the California Library Association's Beatty Award, the FOCAL Award of the Los Angeles Public Library, and the California Book Award Gold Medal from the Commonwealth Club. It was also voted best middle grade by the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association. STRUDEL STORIES was a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year and an American Library Association Notable Book, and FOR YOUR EYES ONLY!, was a School Library Journal Best Book and a Bank Street Best Book. Her early readers THREE SMART PALS and THIS BOOK IS HAUNTED will soon be e-books, the latter also to be released as an App.

She has a doctorate in psychology and is a former elementary school teacher, presently writing children's books full-time. For several years she taught a popular class in writing children's books at UCLA Extension. She gives presentations in schools, libraries and bookstores and has been a speaker for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the California Reading Association, and other organizations.

Originally from Montreal, Canada, Joanne lived in Los Angeles for many decades. She now lives in Oakland, California.

Her website is www.joannerocklin.com and she welcomes comments.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
106 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

E. Nolan
5.0 out of 5 stars Review by a 4th Grader
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2013
Verified Purchase
I especially loved this book because of the way the story was told. I liked the way that Oona told the different stories about Zook in different styles, like in a fairy tale. It was a sad book but also happy at the same time, which made it very interesting. Oona liked to tell stories because her dad, who had died used to do it so she learned how to tell stories from him. It made her feel happy and it also comforted her brother through the wonderful dramatic adventures that she made up for Zook's past lives. My favorite part was at the end of the book, when they got a new cat and the cat was very similar to Zook, except he didn't have 26 toes. I recommend this book to anyone who likes stories, fairy tales and who loves cats. It made me happy reading this book.
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Gabe
5.0 out of 5 stars I love Zook, and I'm not even a "cat person"!
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2013
Verified Purchase
It's really difficult for an adult author to convincingly capture the "voice" of a ten year old, but Rocklin really nails it in this story. "The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook" is told from the perspective of protagonist Oona, who has a marvelous outlook on life, an inherited gift for storytelling, and a propensity for multi-colored whoppers (these are mostly harmless fibs she uses to aid her through life and enhance her tales). I particularly enjoyed the relationship she shares with her younger brother, but her interactions with all of her characters, including her mother, father, and unconventional "employers" are all solid and convincing.

Oh, and Zook, of course- he's pretty darned cool, too (and I'm not a cat person). There is some heartbreak in this story (an unfortunate staple of most children's lit, I'm afraid), but it is more than equaled out by the brightness of Oona and her determination to do everything within her power to aid her family and her beloved Zook.
One person found this helpful
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Anne Packham😁
5.0 out of 5 stars Sad but great
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2013
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This is a very interesting and heartbreaking story. It has a happy and non-happy ending. I loved this book and I would recommend this book to everyone even if you love pets. It is sad when they have to put Zook down but they do it for a good reason I loved this book! Elvis seems adorable. RIP Zook
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PenroseTribar
5.0 out of 5 stars Bought for my child, read it first & fell in love with the storyline.
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2013
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my 11-year-old. However, while flipping thought it upon arrival, I was captivated enough to sit and begin reading it myself. All of the characters and details about their lives are real-world pitch perfect, especially Zook and those who most love him. This is one of those grade school books you really want your kids to soak up; the life lessons about people and the world around them are that important and will stick with them.
2 people found this helpful
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BookTeacher
4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story!
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2014
Verified Purchase
Please don't judge this book by its (awful) cover! This is a very sweet/sad/tender story.
You can read the abstract from the publisher. 4-7th grade students will enjoy it.
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Sblair71
5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice story!
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2013
Verified Purchase
What a Great story!! My son really enjoyed this book! Even though Reading Counts at school had some characters which he insists are not in the book (happened last year too), he loved it! I read him a few paragraphs and easily got into the story! I like the colored Whopper part!!
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A. Rose
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2013
Verified Purchase
I bought this book after reading a copy at the library. It is a great story about a girl and her imagination. This girl and her brother go through the experience of losing a pet, something that a lot of kids that age end up going through. This dealt with death is a very sensitive manner.
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Patty
4.0 out of 5 stars This one was good but maybe not exciting enough to keep my grandkids ...
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2015
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I ordered book for grandchildren to read while staying with me during summer and after school. I read most of the books myself. This one was good but maybe not exciting enough to keep my grandkids wanting to keep reading.
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