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2004
finalists.

2004 Hackmatack

Children's Choice Book Award/Prix littéraire - le choix de jeunes

Jasmine is a well-loved house cat without a care in the world until a house fire destroys her owners' cottage. Unaware their pet survived the fire, her family returns home to Halifax, leaving the dazed and injured cat alone for the first time in her life. Jasmine sets out from the Amherst Shore in northern Nova Scotia, knowing she must somehow find her way to Joel, the boy she loves above all others. On the way, she encounters great danger and new friends. On her unforgettable journey, the little Siamese cat is transformed from a pampered pet into an independent creature, capable of fending for herself.

Cathy Brown Murphy was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, and graduated from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick. She has received a first place award in the category of writing for children in the Atlantic Writing competition, as well as a first place award in the Writers' Federation of New Brunswick competition. Jasmine's Journey is her debut novel. She currently lives in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Thematic Links

• Cats, pets
• Nova Scotia wildlife and countryside
• Independence, learning competence
• Survival
• Predators and prey
• Animal instincts
• Friendship

Suggested Activities

• Trace Jasmine's journey across Nova Scotia. Discuss places you have visited along the route.
• Research predators and prey in nature.