Varjak Paw is a Mesopotamian Blue kitten. He lives with his family in an old house on a hill. Like the rest of the family, he has never left the house. But, one day his grandfather tells him about ‘the Way’ – a secret martial art for cats. Varjak then has to use the Way to survive in a city full of dangerous dogs, cat gangs and, strangest of all, the Vanishings. The book's title and protagonist's name come from Said's own cat named Varjak, whose name is a reference to the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. In the film, one of the main characters, Paul Varjak, has written a book called "Nine Lives". When he and another character look for the book in the library catalog, it is listed as "Nine Lives by Varjak, Paul". Julius Paw is the oldest brother of Varjak, a Mesopotamian Blue. He overtakes the council from Father, and is saved from the Gentleman from Varjak.

In a large space children could try out some of the seven skills of Jalal eg slowtime, shadow walking, moving circles. (If children tried this with our activity ideas for Varjak Paw they might enjoy repeating this activity). Watch this great trailer made by a fan Could you make a trailer using photos or drawings of cats? It was a little different to what I remember it being from when I originally read it 10+ years ago, but that doesn't mean it wasn't as good. The children then write a non-chronological report, based on what they know about Mesopotamian Blue cats. The reports are then sent to the SPRB, and a reply is received in which Ms Lines asks for an explanation of The Skills that were mentioned in the reports. By now, a line of communication has been established between the children and the SPRB. Ms Lines suggests that Varjak is nominated for Cat of the Year. She asks the children to help her to persuade the judging panel that he should win. Perhaps they could write an article for the SPRB journal that tells the readers how Varjak solved the mystery of the Vanishings? Maybe, Ms Lines could turn up in person to congratulate the children on their fantastic writing! 4. Moving on

in the first book, varjak paw was taught physical fighting skills by the dream-vision of his famous cat ancestor. in the sequel, he learns how to fight a mental game - the psychological tactics that keep a cat alive in a tough world. We introduced our multi-age Grade 4 & 5 class to Varjak Paw in September. They couldn't get enough, and would bargain for more chapters to be read aloud whenever they could. It didn't take long and the tale was over, but they weren't ready to let their old friend Varjak go. They were so excited to discover there was a sequel available. We made a special class trip to the Public Library in the next town over (our town doesn't have a Public Library) to get a copy of The Outlaw Varjak Paw. We are in the middle of that book now, and they are already sad that there isn't a third. Make a Varjak mask and one for another character and recreate a scene from the story (eg when Varjak meets Sally Bones) and have imaginary conversations between the characters. Make a poster

Corgi Books Age 7-9 Varjak Paw is an exciting and imaginative adventure story which is great to read aloud and to look at closely with its striking illustrations. Varjak Paw is a pedigree kitten leading a sheltered life with his family. A bit of a misfit, Varjak looks and behaves differently to the rest of the family and is often ridiculed; but one day, when the family are in danger, he is the one who bravely ventures outside to seek help. Varjak soon finds himself in the city and a world of intimidating street cats and mysterious feline disappearances. In his dreams Varjak meets an ancestor Jalal and learns a mystical martial arts for cats called ‘ The Way’, which helps him survive life in the city. Eventually with new friends and new skills he is able to help his family and solve the mystery of ‘The Vanishings’. The story explores a number of themes and ideas giving lots to talk about including being different, bullying, friendship, courage and determination. Readwhat the author says aboutthe story here. Varjak is inquisitive and brave, he is different from the rest of his family. Not just in his appearance (He has yellow eyes, while theirs are green) but also in the way he acts. ‘ This is because Varjak is standing on the very edge of the only place he has known all his life. Who is the illustrator of Varjak Paw? Age 7-10 Varjak Paw is living in the city free of the restricted life he used to live as a kitten. Yet he finds the city and its cats are ruled by the fierce Sally Bones and her gang and she is out to get him. On the run, Varjak becomes an outlaw searching for a way to outsmart and out fight his enemy. Can his ancestor Jalal help him this time? With a fascinating array of characters from the loyal Cludge to thescary Scratch sisters and a gripping adventure, this is an exciting read. A book that will give you the chance to talk about what it means to be brave, loyal, fair, open-minded and stand up for what you believe is right. The Outlaw Varjak Paw won the Blue Peter Award in 2007.Then discuss how they could be completed. Challenge children to come up with more abstract ideas, e.g. “I can see my future” or “I can taste fear”. Write a letter to the children from a Ms Fee Lines at the Society for the Protection of Rare Breeds, informing them that a rare Mesopotamian Blue cat has been sighted near the school, and asking for any information or pictures they might be able to supply.

The first four chapters of the book set the scene and introduce the reason for Varjak’s departure from the house. Chapter five sees the cat’s dramatic climb to freedom and gives readers the chance to reflect on Varjak as a character. As he sits on the top of the wall at the end of the chapter, ask pupils to think about how he’s feeling. Write up the following sentence stems: Our school had a Christmas Bulletin Board decorating competition and, of course, they had to decorate it with a Varjak Christmas scene! They had a huge debate about whether to include Holly in the scene or not because of her unfortunate circumstance. We would love to send you a picture of their creation. Is there a way we can send the picture to you?I would say it’s a really good book because it actually is. Sometimes when you are reading a book you are so into the book you can’t hear anything. You feel like you are in the book, it’s like you are in the world of Varjak Paw and you’re not in the real world anymore and your eyes can’t see anything else.’ S. F. Said is a British Muslim children’s author. Born in Lebanon he grew up in London, known as ‘S.F.’ because few of his friends could pronounce his Arabic name.