The Cat Mummy

Verity's old tabby cat Mabel might not be quite as lively as she used to be and yes, she smells a bit and doesn't always make it to the litter tray on time, but she really loves her. More importantly, Mabel once belonged to Verity's mum - not that Verity actually ever knew her mum because she died. She really doesn't mind too much about not having a mum, apart from when she goes to visit her grave, which makes her think about being in the ground with a head full of worms. So, when Mabel dies, Verity goes to extraordinary lengths to preserve her in the style of the ancient Egyptians.

The simply sensational Jacqueline Wilson strikes hard and fast with this superb story of a feisty little girl coping with the death of a much-loved pet. But, as usual, the wily Wilson doesn't just leave it there. Instead, she goes on to deliver a graceful, poignant, and barely perceptible exploration of the close-to-the surface emotions of a family who have never truly recovered from the long-ago death of a loved one.