Where Is My Home?


Children - Animals
78 Pages
Reviewed on 09/12/2022
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Where is My Home? by Joan Romney Groves reminds us that life can be tough at times, difficult to understand and accept. Sometimes we get angry with the world and we just want to get away, to find a new place to call ‘my home.’ When we start thinking about the way things look better and greener on the other side of the fence, perhaps we can think about Sonic, the angry little kitten who snarled at everyone so that no one wanted him. He did get what he wanted: a place where he could be himself, by himself, all alone – and, yes, very scared. As fear, hunger and loneliness sank in, all Sonic wanted was a place to call his home, a place where he’d be loved, cared for, warm, and well fed. He had that once, but he snarled it away. Can he have it again?

Joan Romney Groves’ picture book Where Is My Home? is a charming, compassionate story about choices, good and bad, and how we deal with these choices. The plot is simple, following Sonic from his birth to his adventures in the wild. I particularly liked the scene at Christmas when Sonic finds a temporary home in a manger scene set up to celebrate Jesus’s birth. The feelings are real, but the setting isn’t and, when spring arrives, Sonic is on the move again. The characters, both human and animal, are well developed and the intensity of the consequences of anger are paramount to this story’s message. Was Sonic born to be wild, or did he just have a wild nature that needed to find its place in the world, his home? An engaging and contemplative story for young readers.

Pikasho Deka

Where Is My Home? is a children's picture book by Joan Romney Groves. It's always been said that children may sometimes wander, but eventually, they find their way back home. Born in a litter of four kittens, Sonic had a wild streak, preventing him from being adopted by the neighbors and friends of the Jakes. One day, Mrs. Newbold arrives, seeking to take Sonic to a barn 30 miles away. But somehow, Sonic escaped from his box and fled across an open field. Initially, he was happy with his newfound freedom. However, soon he realized that the outside world is full of unknown dangers. Attacked by predators and deprived of sleep and food, Sonic drifts from place to place, searching for his home. Eventually, he finds his way back to a familiar place.

Where Is My Home? is a moving story about a kitten experiencing the outside world and finding his way back home, changed as a cat. Author Joan Romney Groves tells the adventurous tale of a prodigal son through a cute cat with an especially wild streak. Books like these teach children that even pets desire to love and care and seek adventure, making it easier for them to bond with their animal companions. The colorful illustrations make Sonic's tale even more relatable and bring his story to life. You can't help but cheer for him when he eventually finds his way back to the Jakes. I am glad I read the book and am absolutely sure that children will fall in love with Sonic.

Philip Van Heusen

Tally, a female cat, has a litter of four kittens. In Where Is My Home? by Joan Romney Groves, the mom tells the kids they cannot keep all the kittens and Tally. When the kittens are old enough, they quickly give three of them away. However, the fourth one—Sonic—is different. Instead of being friendly and cuddly, Sonic scratches, hisses, and runs from people. If Sonic were a human, he would be called antisocial. However, no one wants a mean kitten. Finally, a solution presents itself. Sonic is taken roughly thirty miles away to a farm to live in a barn with other cats. At the barn, Sonic receives some of his own medicine as the resident cats hiss at him and force him to leave their domain. What will Sonic do? Will this little kitten survive not having a place to call home? Read this book and be amazed at the true journey of Sonic. The ending is nothing short of miraculous.

Children love books based on animals. Even better are books based on true stories about animals. Based on the authentic life experiences of Sonic—the young kitten—Joan Romney Groves has authored Where Is My Home? How can a city cat survive living in the woods without a home or shelter? Will weasels kill the intruding kitten? Will any other animal befriend the kitten? Sonic often mentions that he does not have a home or asks where his home is. There has to be a place he can call home. How do homelessness, exposure to extreme weather conditions, and hunger change Sonic? If anyone rescues Sonic, will he still be antisocial? Read this book and find out what happens to the young kitten. Be sure to discuss with your child how animals are affected by homelessness. Don’t forget to teach your child kindness to humans who are also homeless and seeking someone who cares.

Maria Victoria Beltran

Where Is My Home? by Joan Romney Groves is an entertaining children’s picture book based on a true story. The story unravels when the family cat Tally delivers four kittens. Brooke and her brother Danny are excited about the kittens. They take care not to touch the kittens so their mother won’t hide them. After a couple of days, the kittens can open their eyes and crawl around the garage. They call them Shadow, Tiger, Timberwolf, and Sonic. Brooke and Danny like to play with the kittens, but they soon notice that Sonic does not want to play with them. Sonic scratches Danny when he tries to hold him. Soon, the kittens are ready for their new homes, except for Sonic. The family decides to set him free in the barn. Can Sonic find the home that his heart desires?

Joan Romney Groves's Where Is My Home? is a beautifully illustrated children’s picture book about Sonic, a wild kitten who refuses to be domesticated. Designed not only to help children develop critical skills but also to teach kids the lesson from the parable of the prodigal son that no matter how far they stray away from home, the family is always delighted when they return. This book will undoubtedly capture children’s attention because it’s based on a true story, and Sonic is a lovable character. And his story is an amusing literal portrayal of the wildness that often overcomes kittens at the end of the day. Where is My Home? demands to be read aloud!

Edith Wairimu

In the insightful children’s book, Where Is My Home? by Romney Groves, a wild cat wanders looking for a place to call home. Danny and Brooke are excited when their cat, Tally, has four kittens. Soon, the kittens are big enough to leave the garage and play with the siblings. Three of the cats love the children’s attention and every day they have a fabulous time. One kitten, however, refuses to play with them. As each kitten finds a new home, the children’s mother wonders what to do with Sonic. He hisses at all the children who want to take him. Danny’s mother has a new idea and off Sonic goes to a home she thinks would be suitable for him. Still, Sonic does not fit in and continues to long for home.

Where Is My Home? is a lovely book that will help children appreciate their home. It will also inspire parents to create a safe and welcoming place for children who might have wandered away. Children will relate to Danny and Brooke’s experiences in the story. They will also be excited when the children discover the new kittens and will be thrilled at every turn in Sonic’s journey. They will also be inspired by Sonic’s courage as he battles fear, bad weather, and more, and escapes from dangerous animals. They will also love the story’s happy ending. Where Is My Home? by Romney Groves is an uplifting story about finding safety and belonging at home. It includes helpful, eye-opening lessons for all readers.