October 8, 2026 Outstanding Creator Awards (excerpt)
Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)
Kris the Cat is a charming, heartwarming children’s book by Ross Hewitt!
“…suddenly very far removed from the comfortable life he has always known. has always known. has always known, what follows is a wonderfully simple little adventure. This is one of the cleverest little details in the story: At the castle, Kris catches mice and receives treats and praise from Queen Helga. At the farmhouse, he uses that same talent to give something to someone else. Catching mice begins as a job for which Kris is rewarded, but it becomes an act of generosity that finally earns him the friendship he has been longing for. It is a remarkably clean and effective way to show character growth in a story intended for very young readers.
There is another lovely detail here: until he reaches the farmhouse, the protagonist is repeatedly referred to simply as “the cat.” Only after finding a home with the little girl and beginning his friendship with Freyja does her father suggest that they call him Kris. Whether intended symbolically or not, the timing is beautiful. Kris gains his name at almost exactly the same point that he gains the companionship missing from his former life.”
October 5, 2026 —Reader Views (excerpt) 5 Stars
What a delightful story! I love how it’s based on an Icelandic folktale. Children will enjoy learning a new folktale that has great characters, illustrations, and a beautiful message. They will learn in a simple way how important it is to find people you love and who you enjoy spending time with. The story and characters are relatable in that we all feel lonely and long for new connections at times, and sometimes it can take some time to be willing to open up to someone new. There are always people out there who will love and accept us for who we are.
The story will keep children engaged with its bright, adorable illustrations by Arnel Dime, Jr. They truly capture the characters’ unique personalities. Kris is a friendly, spirited cat who children will admire. He learns how to push through his fears and discover new places that lead him to a loving home. This goes for Freyja as well. They both grow by learning to open up to others and find those who love and accept them for who they are. Queen Helga, another admirable character, grows by learning Kris’ needs and how to take care of him. This leads her to invite more special people into her life.
The descriptive setting and worldbuilding in this story are incredible. I felt like I was right there in the story alongside the characters! I’m sure children will feel the same way and be enchanted with the beautiful, serene setting.
They will also get to learn new words (with a helpful dictionary in the back) and answer important discussion questions; perfect to do with their families. I highly recommend Ross Hewitt’s Kris the Cat to all children to read and enjoy—it will surely become a new bedtime favorite!
Another 5 Star Review for Kris the Cat (book)
AUGUST 27, 2026 — Sometimes what you’re missing most can turn up when you least expect it. In Kris the Cat by Ross Hewitt, Kris has a pretty good life with Queen Helga in an Icelandic castle. He has plenty to eat and an important job chasing the mice that get into the grain used to make bread. Still, his life isn’t quite complete. He doesn’t have a friend. One day, he spots a mouse hiding on a horse-drawn cart and jumps aboard. He’s so busy trying to catch it that he doesn’t realize how far from home he has gone. Suddenly, nothing seems familiar, and he has no idea how to get back. His journey through the countryside includes a meadow, a bee, an unexpected plunge into some very cold water, and a much-needed rest in the forest. Just when the cat is tired, wet, and alone, a little girl finds him. Could getting lost lead Kris to exactly what he’s been looking for? I really enjoyed Kris the Cat by Ross Hewitt, and I think kids will too. It has adventure and a great message about friendship, kindness, and compromise. Plus, there are some funny parts. I especially appreciated the “Words to Learn” section at the end. It defines terms such as “grain,” “lurched,” and “patient,” including some that adults might assume young readers already understand. The discussion questions are another nice addition. I’d love to share this with my kindergarten students because we could talk about how Kris feels when he’s lost, making friends, sharing, and finding solutions that work for everyone involved. We could also use the vocabulary list to build on the story. The illustrations by Arnel Dime, Jr. are colorful and expressive and will hold children’s attention throughout. Cat lovers and kids who enjoy animal adventures with a meaningful lesson will want to pick this one up. I can see this book earning a place in homes, classrooms, and libraries. — Jennifer Senick, for Readers Favorite
Kidlio Mag Loves Kris the Cat Book
AUGUST 17, 2026 — Some stories teach you about bravery. Some teach you about finding a new home. Kris the Cat by Ross Hewitt quietly does both — and wraps it in friendship, humor, and the warmth of unexpected connections.
The story begins in a castle. Kris is not just any cat. He has a very important job: protecting Queen Helga’s grain from mice. He is diligent, proud, and completely devoted to his duty. But one day during a mouse chase, Kris loses his way back to the castle. What could have been a story about being lost becomes a story about finding home in unexpected places.
Kris meets a little girl who offers him kindness, a warm home, and a name. She calls him Kris. There, he also meets Freyza, another cat. What starts as curiosity quickly grows into a deep, playful friendship. Just when Kris thinks he’s found a new family, his old one is looking for him.
Hewitt captures the language of cats beautifully, not with words, but through shared naps, chases, and quiet companionship. With warm illustrations and a gentle heart, this book teaches children that family can grow bigger and love can live in two places at once. By the last page, you don’t just close a book. You feel like you’ve made two new feline friends.
A must-read for ages 3-8.
TMFF Review
“the project has that sunny, optimistic aura that stems from a real passion for the fascinating world of storytelling”