Marilyn B. Wassmann’s writing in THE OPOSSUM AND THE CATS, an illustrated book that focuses on the gentle, quiet bonds that form between certain animals, is incredibly melodic, carrying the reader’s eye over every syllable with a lulling sense of wonder. It’s accompanied by intricate pencil sketches on several pages, adding further physicality to the whimsical prose. The imbalance between the two favors the written word, placing a clear emphasis on the book’s literary nuances, thereby making it appropriate for a slightly older audience as well. But young readers, who seek to grow their vocabulary with new expressions, will especially find this book a delight.
The plot itself, which follows an encumbered cat seeking refuge from various threats to lay down and give birth, is impeccably paced. With just enough of the narrative lingering on the prelude to the kittens’ birth, the rest of the tale is then given the scope to reveal the playful natures of the newborns, as well as the self-inflicted perils they face. What’s more, by positioning a cat and an opossum in a shared space, the author delves into the biological nuances of both species. More interestingly still, every piece of information that is delivered plays into the progression of the story, creating a seamless, highly illuminating reading experience. For example, the reader is encouraged to note the marvel of marsupials, which carry their young in a pouch and, in the case of this story, make good use of their opposable thumbs. As a result, every creature that materializes on the page is swiftly brought to life.
As the kittens grow and form ever-changing ties with the opossum, a timid sense of tension arises. That’s because the playfulness of youth soon outstrips the constraints of reason, leaving them flirting with the danger that lurks at the bottom of the untouched pool in the yard. The consequent impulses to aid those in need not only prompt the rest of the nearby animals to act, but craft a meaningful moral for the reader to walk away with.
Marilyn B. Wassmann’s THE OPOSSUM AND THE CATS contains notes of friendship, joy, and heroism which together comprise a thrilling tale of valor and compassion.
~Neil Czeszejko for IndieReader