Varjak Paw facts for kids
cTAS
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| Author | S. F. Said |
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| Illustrator | Dave McKean |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Varjak Paw |
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure |
| Publisher | David Fickling Books |
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Publication date
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1 January 2003 |
| Media type | hardback paperback |
| Pages | 255 |
| ISBN | 0-385-60415-7 (hardback) ISBN: 0-552-54818-9 (paperback) |
| OCLC | 50938878 |
| LC Class | PZ7.S1315 Var 2003 |
| Followed by | The Outlaw Varjak |
Varjak Paw is an exciting fantasy adventure novel. It was written by British author S. F. Said and illustrated by Dave McKean. The book was first published in 2003. Its illustrations have a unique, slightly dark style.
Varjak Paw won the 2003 Smarties Gold Award. This award was for books aimed at children aged 6–8 years. The story has also been turned into other forms, like plays and an opera.
Contents
Meet the Characters in Varjak Paw
This section introduces the main characters from the book.
Varjak Paw and His Family
- Varjak Paw: He is a young kitten and the main hero of the story. Varjak is curious and brave.
- Jalal the Paw: This is an ancient Mesopotamian blue cat. He was the first cat to explore the "Outside" world. Jalal found a home with the Contessa.
- Elder Paw: Varjak's grandfather. He remembers parts of "The Way of Jalal." This is a special set of skills.
- Julius Paw: Varjak's older brother.
- Father: He is the son of Elder Paw. He is also the father of Varjak and his siblings.
- Aunt Juni: She is the mother of Jasmine. She is also an aunt to Varjak and his brothers.
- Mother: She is the mother of Varjak and his siblings.
Cats of the City
- Sally Bones: A mysterious white cat. She rules the West Side of the city. Sally Bones also knows "The Way."
- Razor: He is Sally Bones's main helper.
- Ginger: This cat rules the East Side of the city.
- Holly: She becomes Varjak's future friend and companion.
- Tam: A friendly tabby cat. Tam is a good friend to both Holly and Varjak.
Other Important Characters
- The Contessa: An old woman who owns Jalal's family.
- The Gentleman: A mysterious man who comes to the Contessa's house. He brings danger with him.
- The Black Cats: Two strong black cats. They work with The Gentleman. These cats are very skilled fighters.
- Cludge: A friendly dog that Varjak meets. Cludge helps Varjak escape from The Gentleman.
Varjak Paw's name might remind you of the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. In that film, a character named Paul Varjak writes a book. The book is called "Nine Lives."
Varjak Paw on Stage and Screen
The story of Varjak Paw has been adapted into different types of entertainment.
Theatre Productions
In October 2013, the Playbox Theatre Company created a play based on Varjak Paw. It was a big show with lots of special effects.
Opera Performances
A composer named Julian Philips wrote an opera about Varjak Paw in 2010. An opera is a play where most of the words are sung. The words for the opera were written by Kit Hesketh-Harvey. The Opera Group performed it later that year.
Film Adaptation
Varjak Paw is also planned to become an animated movie. The Jim Henson Company is working on it. This company is famous for creating the Muppets. Faith Fawusi is set to direct the film.
