The City of Lost Cats

One of CBC Books’ 20 Canadian children’s books to read this summer (2025)
A Canadian Children’s Book Centre Best Book for Kids and Teens, Fall 2025
A 2026 Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice Diamond Willow Award Nominee

PRAISE FOR The City of Lost Cats:

“A gratifying, bighearted tale about community, belonging, and cats.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Kyi offers a timely tale, told from a variety of intersecting perspectives, that blends heart and humor with sharp social insight… . The story’s structure—plus the incorporation of news bulletins, whimsical commentary in verse, and community calls to action—make it an irresistible read for cat lovers… . a layered portrait of a girl discovering her voice in a noisy world; readers will likely find her wishes for independence and connection deeply relatable.” —The Horn Book

“Fiona’s fervent and compassionate narration alternates with chapters told from the POVs of the delightful felines, verse-spouting parakeets, and a pure-hearted demolitionist, making for a rounded, nuanced story. Themes of agency and community activism inject this endearing tale of misfits with infectious hope.” —Publishers Weekly

“Kyi portrays Fiona’s emotional state and the cats’ signature qualities (from neediness to aloof independence) with equal sensitivity in this appealing story, which reveals some surprises as the action unfolds.” —Booklist

“This ambitious multigenre novel provides enough twists to keep readers engaged and wondering how all the distinct elements will come together in resolution.” —School Library Journal

“This middle grade novel builds momentum and creates a strong sense of urgency with perspectives shifting among cats and humans, as well as inserts of lost pet flyers, online news articles advocating for affordable housing, and suspicious town hall messages… . Fans of the community-driven action in Escabasse’s Taxi Ghost will be captivated by Fiona’s ambitious nature and self-sufficiency, which inspire her neighbors in butcher shops, libraries, and even on the demolition team, to unite for the things they believe in.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

TANYA LLOYD KYI is the author of more than thirty books for children and young adults. She grew up with a raccoon-sized tortoiseshell cat named D.C. (for Darn Cat), who would have felt right at home in The City. Tanya has worked in the past as a graphic designer, an editor, and a dishwasher. (She considers herself entirely qualified for that last one.) Her favorite color is blue, her favorite food is cheese, and her favorite book is A Wrinkle in Time. When she’s not telling cat tales, Tanya teaches at the UBC School of Creative Writing in Vancouver, BC.

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