Nanami is a young teen who loves to read. She notices more and more books are missing from the library, and she and Tiger, a talking cat, go on an adventure to find the missing books. An excellent book for middle graders, rating 3.5 rounded up to 4 due to the superb translation and life lessons learned by the end of the novel. Though this novel was written to be dystopian, unfortunately, it is becoming a reality in some parts of the world, where books are banned and burned while ideas, imagination, and free thought are unacceptable or curbed. This should be a must-read for all pre-teens, as it contains life lessons, morals, and social responsibility towards freedom of choice and thought. A thought-provoking book for middle-grade readers. Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan | Picador for this arc. This is my honest review.

I did enjoy this book however there was not a huge amount of action and the emphasis felt like it was mainly on morals and teaching the reader multiple life lessons. It felt slightly overbearing. It’s obvious the author loves words and books and this shows throughout.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series.
However, the following novel somehow lacked the flow and charm of the first one. It's hard to put a finger on it, as seemingly, all of the ingredients are there.. Tiger the Tabby, books and adventures..
I was struggling to power through and I couldn't force myself to enjoy it. It was a miss, rather than hit for me.

This is such a cute, sweet story. This would’ve undoubtedly been my favourite book at 13, as I resonate so strongly with Nanami’s experience of the world. A 13 year old asthmatic who loves the library and books, who gets to go on an adventure to save the novels she loves so dearly? This is brilliant. I loved this.

It is a heartwarming tale of the effects books can have on our lives - as well as censorship and self.

I am really torn on how to rate this one. I found I started off wanting to pick it up but had this not been an advanced copy I would probably not have finished it.

I really enjoyed the asthma rep and was got towards the end there were a few passages that I highlighted that were so good, but I think all of the points could have been made in a much shorter story

Disappointing. I really enjoyed The Cat Who Saved Books but this seemed lacking. Nanami realises that a lot of books are missing from the library so when a talking cats asks for her help she eagerly follows it through a portal. The book philosophizes on the need and benefit of reading. Even when she is trying to escape the portal, the story is as grey and bland as the grey soldiers chasing her. I hope Sosuke will return to form with her next book.

“When it came to her beloved library, she was confident that her memory was at least more accurate than the head librarian’s and possibly even more brilliant than a detective’s.”

The Cat Who Saved the World gave me contradictory feelings. This book brings us into a world as whimsical as it’s dark and scary. I loved how it was pictured and believe that it has an unbelievable visual potential. It truly felt easy to imagine (and to imagine how it could be depicted on a screen), and was very beautiful. “Seeing” this world, the characters taking life felt truly enchanting.
That very pictorial side, and the 13 YO main character made me believe, however, that this book would fit more to a younger audience. Don’t get me wrong, I read YA (and middle grade) books. I love them. But the initiation story is almost a coming of age (but Nanami is a bit too young), and she lacks a bit of nuances –and knows a bit too much for a girl of her age. That would make this story a great one for younger readers, but adults non used to reading that kind of book might feel frustrated.
I loved how the author hints at the “fast fashion” phenomenon in publishing, how he enhanced the power of stories and of empathy. But here too he hints at a lot of things and doesn’t go deeper most of the time.

Thank you to the author and Pan MacMillan/Picador for the eARC. My opinions are my own.

3.5/5

A sweet follow-on to the first book, The Cat Who Saved Books, in this novel we get to see more of our sassy furry friend, Tiger, and do get to see some other familiar characters too.

I really enjoyed this. As with the first book, this was an easy-going and cosy read exploring the importance of reading and literature in general, woven into a fantastical and fun plot involving a talking cat.

While the style of these novels may not be for everyone as they’re very to-the-point and simplistic, for me this was just such a laidback and relaxing book and I had a wonderful time reading it.

Can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

AD/PR: thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel.

I really love this series!

I loved this new adventure with a new character Nanami and the returning talking cat as she has to save books from disappearing from her local library and as it turns out, all over the world too. The grey man was a dark and scary character who does everything in his power to destroy books because they are 'dangerous'.

I also loved that Rintaro returned in this second book too who is now a young man as they all try to fight the grey man and stop him from burning books. The overall message of the book is about censorship and what happens when people stop reading and instead turn to money and success. This book perfectly shows the power that books have!

Loved this book! It definitely gives off Studio Ghibli vibes (big fan btw). Nanami is a lovely character who adores books and who doesn’t love a talking cat.
I wanted a book that would be easy, magical and comforting, and this ticked all those boxes. Gorgeous!

This is the follow up to The Cat who saved books, but I feel this can be read as a stand alone - though the first book is fabulous and I recommend it, and the book does link into the previous book, revisiting a bookshop and of course, the Cat is the same!

As with the previous book, this is gentle, heartwarming, and full of human goodness, Louise has done the translation of the book justice.

Our main character (other than the Cat of course), is Nanami, a headstrong young lady who is held back physically by asthma, but who finds joy in the library. When books start to go missing, she is swept up with who is stealing them and why.

A heartwarming tale, and beautifully written and translated.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Picador Team for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

13 year old Nanami Kosaki loves books and reading and her local library is her second home. As she suffers from asthma and so cannot participate in the same activities as her friends and schoolmates, she visits the library all the time especially on her way home from school.
But just lately she has noticed that books have begun to vanish from its shelves. Old favourites such as a particularly nice edition of ‘Anne of Green Gables’ appear to have gone for good. However, she is also aware that none of the library staff appear to have noticed despite her attempts to involve Mr Hamura the oldest librarian. Nanami’s best friend, Itsuka calls him ‘Old Ham’ behind his back.
Nanami’s father works hard and often late which means that she often eats alone and has had to become self reliant.
Then one day, after Itsuka says her goodbyes and goes home, Nanami realises that she’s alone in the library except for a man dressed smartly in a grey suit wearing a deerstalker cap. She’s already noticed that books seem to vanish after his visits. After he adroitly disappears behind a bookshelf, she discovers that a complete set of books about Arsene Lupin, Gentleman thief has vanished. It’s one of her favourites.
Angry, she begins to look for him and her asthma begins to kick in as she sees a soft bluish light at the end of an aisle. As she hesitates a voice warns her not to investigate.
Nanami turns around and discovers to her surprise that it belongs to a solid looking, beautiful tabby cat that can talk. A cat that can quote from Macbeth and has a good line in quips. As Nanami says:
‘You really are perverse aren’t you?’ to which Tiger replies:
‘That’s how cats are.’
And who could argue with that? They join forces, and together, they find themselves in a castle where a group of grey men are taking crates of books to be burned. They meet the General who is at pains to explain that the powerful books that he has separated and put in display have put up a fight against being burned. Instead, he has to wait for their power to weaken and once people have forgotten them then they will meet the same fate as the others. He adds that
‘Books are to be burned because they’re dangerous. They lead people astray.’
When Nanami challenges the General by saying that she never forgets a precious book, his guards point their muskets at her and Tiger. Should they stay or run? But then the display books begin to shine or ‘fuss’ as the General calls it. As Nanami makes her decision and runs with one of her favourite books clutched tightly under her arm and Tiger running with her they flee down the passage through which they entered to meet one of Tiger’s old Friends. ‘Mr Proprietor’ he calls him.
But will Nanami and Tiger save the day with the help of her best loved heroes?
This is the sequel to ‘The Cat Who Saved Books’ and it was a welcome return for Tiger with his ears like ‘isosceles triangles’ and jade green eyes.,
It’s an enchanting YA book that in some way referenced Ray Bradbury’s ‘Fahrenheit 451’ with the burning of books and the rationale for doing it. But books are dangerous. They can call you to action, take you to other worlds or somewhere else for a couple of hours.
Libraries are places where people can not only access books but also ideas and this book comes at a time when, in Britain, we are having to watch as these great repositories of knowledge are being closed or reduced in numbers due to seemingly unending cuts in funding in local councils budgets.
Nanami is able to access the world through her love of reading and her choices seemed advanced for a 13 year old and she reads widely. Due to her asthma she is unable to join in so lives through her books which enabled her to experience other worlds and other lives. Through Tiger she makes new friends with a character from the previous book.
There is some philosophising on the nature of publishing and the current view that:
‘only the best selling books are masterpieces’ and
‘You’re only a great writer if you make money.’ But there’s also plenty of action and drama.
I remember the day I joined my local library as it felt like an important rite of passage so I recognised Nanami’s pride in her father taking her there for the first time.
As she continued to visit the library her world expanded as:
‘books had the power to lift her spirits, to rescue her from loneliness and sadness.’
Rediscovering them makes them feel like old friends.
I loved the idea of a talking cat although I would be worried what any of mine would have said!
I’m looking forward to meeting Tiger again on his next adventure!

A very apt storyline in the present climate I thought.
This is a follow up to The Cat Who Saved Books, however, it reads perfectly on its own. Nanami, an eleven year old, spend her time between school and the library, necessitated by her father’s working and her asthma. Nanami doesn’t see this as a hardship as she loves books and the library. One day she notices that books are disappearing from the library, the librarian offers no help. One day she observes a strange man and sees that he takes a number of books, following him she finds herself confronted by a light filled doorway and a cat.
A wonderful book full of meaning, a delight for all ages.
My thank to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc.

Sosuke Natsukawa’s *The Cat Who Saved the Library* enchants readers in a delightful sequel that seamlessly blends whimsy with wisdom. This uplifting tale unfolds through the eyes of Nanami Kosaki, a passionate young reader who finds solace in the cozy corners of her local library. When a suspicious figure begins to steal the very books that fuel her imagination, she teams up with an audacious talking tabby named Tiger, leading readers on an adventure that is as thrilling as it is heartwarming.

Natsukawa’s prose sparkles with a genuine love for literature, reminding us of its profound ability to change lives. The vibrant characters and enchanting storyline capture the essence of childhood curiosity and the brave spirit of inquiry, encouraging us to always seek the truth, no matter the odds. The narrative is peppered with humor, charm, and poignant messages—proof that this is more than just a children's story; it's a celebration of the written word's power.

With themes that resonate on multiple levels, *The Cat Who Saved the Library* is a must-read for both young adventurers and the young at heart. It affectionately underscores the importance of community, the joy of reading, and the courage to stand against injustice. In a world where literature often faces challenges, this book serves as a beautiful reminder to cherish and protect our stories. A truly enchanting read!

I had a hard time finishing this book, maybe because the topics covered are not completely new, but seen and read many times. However, for young readers it can be a good approach to certain themes such as censorship and power.

THE CAT WHO SAVED THE LIBRARY - SOSUKE NATSUKAWA

If you read The Cat Who Saved Books, I'm sure you're keen to know whether the follow-up lives up to the magic of the original. In my opinion, it does. It also manages to feel different enough so that the main storyline and themes don't become repetitive.

This time, the protagonist is a 13-year-old girl called Nanami; she suffers from asthma and has found comfort in her almost-daily visits to her local library. On a personal level, I related to Nanami so much, as I used to visit the library just as regularly after high school finished for the day.

While the first book consisted of short story-style chapters, where the characters would meet a new adversary and challenge in each chapter, the second book is different. Instead, Nanami is trying to solve the mystery of books disappearing from the library, and comes up against a villain and magical setting that represent values that are threatened by or oppose books and readers.

With each visit to that world, Nanami and Tiger (our favourite talking cat) face bigger dangers and, for me, the stakes felt higher than the first book. In addition, there are some familiar faces in the second book, which still helps to give the book heartwarming and cosy vibes.

Book lovers, you won't want to miss this one. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Release date: 10 April 2025

Review score: 4/5

Trigger warning: fire, animal injury and cruelty, bullying, chronic illness

I really really enjoyed this book. I thought that Nanami was a great FMC and I really enjoyed the dynamics between Tiger, the cat and herself. The book flows really nicely and I loved the touches the book had to a lot of classic literature that we are all fond of.

The book was easy to follow and is definitely thought provoking.

Warm, wise and wonderful. I can’t help but echo that last paragraph of the blurb. This is a wonderful book, and absolutely appropriate for this time. People are in danger from those who have forgotten what really matters. It may be just me, but it strongly evokes the news of the moment. We have to fight whatever is making people forget what really matters.

From this you understand that I was totally absorbed into this world and its strange events. It’s beautifully written, and argued between the characters. I suppose I should class it as ‘literary’ but somehow it’s more accessible than what ‘literary’ means to me.

If you have not yet read The Cat Who Saved Books, then do so, as a matter of priority. I don’t think this would be a good place to start, but it’s an excellent place to continue. And I don’t think it’s for children, although kids these days have such different experiences to cope with, maybe it would help.

don't know what to say, I'm not sure I enjoyed it. It centres around a young, asthmatic girl who spends a lot of time in the library. She realises books are going missing and a talking cat takes her to rescue them.

It's similar to book 1 - an interesting story on the power of books, but didn't really grip me like other Japanese translations.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

The second instalment of 'The Cat Who Saved...' series, The Cat Who Saved the Library can quite easily be read as a stand-alone novel, with the story this time following a young junior high girl, who has been leading a pretty sheltered life of just going to school and the local library for books, due to an overprotected dad worried about her poor health (asthma) due in part to her taking after his late wife.

The story is ultimately about growth as a person with the girl gaining independence, and developing more of a social life after the cat takes her on a trilogy of magical realms ruled by an overlord described as being a grey man who has warped beliefs that books are too dangerous to be read.

Thank you netgalley & picador for the e-arc, I'm looking forward to buying myself a copy once it is formally published.