I love the cover of this book and there are elements to like. The plot is definitely original but it isn’t developed well. None of it is remotely believable. A good fantasy book makes you believe in the possibilities. Likewise, the characters are syrupy sweet, with about two inches of depth.

Zoe wants a cat, but her parents say no. So when a tiny kitten shows up, she hides it in her room. When it is the size of a full-grown cat after just one day, she and her friend, Harrison, take it to the vet thinking something is seriously wrong. Of course, the vet doesn’t believe her. So she keeps the cat, Pipsqueak, hidden until she can think of a plan. But the cat keeps growing. And then talking. And even reading. Soon it outgrows the shed. The only one who might be able to return Pipsqueak to its original size is her aunt. So she hatches a plan to travel to Vermont with Harrison on Pipsqueak’s back, camping along the way. When she finally reaches her aunt, she learns the truth about why Pipsqueak is the way he is and what she (Zoe) has to do with it.

This story had potential, but I found none of the characters realistic. I wanted a little conflict. The relationship between Zoe and her brother was almost nauseating, it was so far from reality. Zoe’s magical ability really wasn’t explained well and the reason given for how these animals come to be the way they are just wasn’t satisfying. The page length clearly makes this a middle grade book, but the tone and plot make it more appropriate for younger kids.

I feel like Sarah Beth Durst can write anything! Such a versatile author and honestly who doesn’t love a giant cat??

My kids loved this book! They said that it has great adventures. Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

DNF. I've sat on this review for a long time. I keep trying to finish this book and getting angry all over again.

Listen, I get I'm not the target audience, but that's kind of the point here. When you're writing middle grade, you can't have parents who are emotionally abusive and then not challenge it on the page. You're just teaching kids that these are acceptable things and ways to be treated.

Anyway, thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group, Clarion Books, & NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love cats. This book has a cat. I love this book. This middle-grade story (although I think it’s better for children grades 4-6), is about Zoe and her continuously growing kitten Pipsqueak. Just three days after Zoe finds the kitten in her garage, Pipsqueak is already the size of a chonky cat! What will Zoe do? And how will she hide this from her parents?

The author, Sarah Best Durst, is clearly familiar with all of the hilarious quirks that a common house cat possesses. I couldn’t help but cuddle up with my cat while reading this book too. The story is a perfect introduction to the realm of fantasy and is excellent for cat lovers of all ages.

4.5 stars rounded up.

An adorable read for elementary age readers, this is a magical adventure. Zoe is an average kid in an average neighborhood who finds a tiny kitten and brings it home. She talks her mother into letting her keep it since it is her twelfth birthday and she is growing up and being more responsible. Problems arise when the tiny kitten grows to a full grown cat overnight and continues to grow and grow. Zoe must find a way to hide the cat and try to figure out what is happening.This is a fun read.

A heart-warming story about change, growing up, and learning to let go, Catalyst is a quick and fun read that makes you believe in magic just around the corner. When Zoe finds a tiny kitten and convinces her parents to let her keep it she doesn't know it will end in a cross-country journey with her best friend Harrison while her parents think they're at a sleep-away camp. But the kitten, Pipsqueak, is growing at an alarming rate, there are sightings of a neon green dog, and a mouse has sprouted butterfly wings. Zoe, Harrison, and Pipsqueak go on a grand journey to try and find out what's happening while Zoe grapples with the possibility that there may not be a solution. Fans of Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume will likely enjoy this fantastic adventure.

WOW! This one reminded me of Clifford the Big Red Dog but with a giant cat instead. It was pretty inventive and great little story. I couldn't put it down and I loved all the characters. I can't wait for more from this author! This was a cute little story with great pacing and an even better story.

Zoe has a bleeding heart when it comes to rescuing animals--she just can't help herself. When she discovers an extremely tiny kitten in need of some TLC, Zoe decides to help it in secret. Everything seems to be fine until the kitten won't stop growing and begins to talk. How far will Zoe go to keep her new pet?

This is a very fun, engaging fantasy story. It won't take much to "sell" this to kids especially once a giant, talking cat is mentioned.

Sarah Beth Durst has written another delightful story for middle grade readers. Zoe’s brother is leaving for college at the end of the summer, her father is excitedly anticipating a home construction project, and her mother has a new demanding job while Zoe is dreading all the changes and excitement. When she finds a tiny abandoned kitten, she is overjoyed that she can keep Pipsqueak. Things quickly get out of hand when Pipsqueak grows to the size of a lion, then a hippo, then a large horse and when she starts to speak... Zoe has to figure something out. The adventure continues for Zoe and Pipsqueak and along the way Zoe starts to understand that change is never entirely negative. There is joy to be found in every challenge and unwanted change, even if it’s just a small silver lining. It’s an uplifting message amidst a delightful story of a girl and her cat.

I love Sarah Beth Durst's middle grade books. I have read all of them and she is a favorite author of mine. Her books are unique and flow easily and make it easy for students to actually finish them. (so many middle grade books that are checked out don't get finished) This book is excellent. I love the characters, especially the magical animals. Who wouldn't want to ride around on a soft, gigantic cat? Will definitely be purchasing for my library.

I absolutely positively adored this book! Enchanting story for young and old alike - especially cat lovers! Can't wait to introduce Pipsqueak and Zoe and Harrison et al to my grand kids!