Three Wise Cats

By Harold M. Konstantelos and Terri Jenkins-Brady
Penguin, $18.95, 198 pages

Three Wise Cats parallels the traditional Christmas story about the birth of Christ and the visit of the three wise men bearing gifts. The story is told from the perspective of three cats who journey together on a quest to find the Messiah. Their quest begins after their mentor, a wise old cat named Ptolemy, observes a star in the night sky, shining brighter than the others. Ptolemy shares the prophecy about the three finding the one with his young charges, Kezia, Abishag, and Ira. Adding intrigue and tension to the quest is the presence of a miscreant rat who decides to tag along against the wishes of the cats. During the journey, the cats have several adventures and eventually come under the care of the actual three wise men on their pilgrimage to Bethlehem.

Anyone who’s owned a cat that’s gone missing for a long time will appreciate this book. In fact, any cat lover will likely warm to this cute story. Unfortunately, this reviewer found it difficult to determine if Konstantelos and Jenkins-Brady were writing for children or adults. Ultimately, it appeals to both, though children might be the primary audience. Three Wise Cats has a corny feel at the beginning, but once the story gets going, it gets more engaging. A clever, quick book for the Christmas season.

Reviewed by Grady Jones