How in the world can a series on cats be featured as my “Multicultural Book of the Month”? I will gladly tell you why.

I came across the “Warriors” series when I was looking for a fun audio read to listen to on Hoopla during our down time. I needed something engaging for my daughter and since she loves cats, I hoped it would be a big hit.

Boy, was I right! She not only got hooked, but so did this mama!

And like Miss Mason says, if an adult can’t enjoy a particular children’s book, then it won’t be enjoyable for the child either.

STORYLINE

The storyline for “The Prophecies Begin” book set is riveting. Extremely well written and often unpredictable, each book would make my heart race at one point or another because it is just that good.

The story begins with the first book: “Into the Wild”, which is about a young house cat, Rusty, longing for more of a purpose in life. When he comes across a few feral cats from the forest, he learns there’s a whole other world out there, full of adventure that’s been calling to him in his dreams. Being in desperate need for new warriors and upon seeing Rusty’s potential, he’s asked to join “Thunder Clan” by their noble leader, Bluestar.  She then teaches Rusty how to live by the Warrior Code. But not everyone welcomes Rusty into clan life.

Within this entire series, Rusty, who is later renamed “Fireheart” when he becomes a warrior, has to endure constant prejudice, ridicule, and taunts due to his former “kittypet” life. Regardless, Fireheart proves over and over again that his bravery, kindness, loyalty, and faith are what can save his new family from all types of dangers, including other clans, though he was not clan-born himself.

Clearly written in a living manner by Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, and Tui T. Sutherland under the collective pseudonym “Erin Hunter”, this classic “Good vs Evil” fantasy reminds me a bit of C. S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Though not written as a Christian allegory, families can easily connect their faith journey with that of Fireheart’s, as he clings to his belief in StarClan and becomes the leader he is destined to be with “The strength that comes with faith restored.”

THEMES

The multicultural aspect comes in through the many themes explored here such as:

• Prejudice
• Segregation
• Multiethnic families
• Foster and Adoptive mothers
• Disabilities/Physical Challenges
• Mental Health
• Bullying

Other themes that enrich this series are that of:

• Loyalty
• Love
• Family & Friendship
• Forgiveness
• Compassion
• Helping those in need
• Caring for the young and elderly
• Selfish ambition

What takes the Warriors Series to the next level in terms of audiobooks is that it’s narrated by Macleod Andrews, who might very well be the best narrator I have ever heard in my life. That’s saying a lot because we listen to tons of audiobooks!  His incredible ability to read each of the many characters with a distinctly unique voice deserves the “academy award” for narrators.

WORD of CAUTION

Though this is an amazing series, as a parent I do have to include a caution. Since the stories have many battles, beloved characters die and some scenes can be a little graphic so if your child is sensitive to such matters, then you might want to pre-read to make sure it’s a right fit for him or her. For these reasons, I would recommend this series for older children.

Nevertheless, “Warriors” has become a favorite in our home and we continue to highly recommend to our friends with older kids.  And for those who can’t get enough, such as my daughter and me, there are plenty of more series within this series, including continuations as well as back stories.  It can’t get better than that for any true Warrior fan!