Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Catwings summary
Brief summary
Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin is a heartwarming tale of four winged cats who embark on an adventure to find a place where they belong. It's a story of friendship, courage, and the power of being true to oneself.
Topics
Table of Contents
Catwings
Summary of key ideas
The Beginning of a Journey
In Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin, we are introduced to four kittens, Thelma, Roger, Harriet, and James, who are born with wings. Fearing for their safety, their mother encourages them to fly and escape the dangers of the city. The kittens, with their newfound ability, take off into the night sky and find themselves in a new world, the countryside.
Here, they encounter a barn, where they meet a kind young boy, who is the first human they have ever seen. He names them and takes them home to his farm, where they find a safe, warm place to live. They are fascinated by the new world they have discovered, but they also miss their mother and the city.
Exploring New Worlds
In Catwings Return, the second book in the series, the kittens decide to return to the city to find their mother. They face various challenges, including harsh weather, predators, and humans who are both curious and afraid of them. Despite these challenges, they manage to navigate through the city and find their way back to their old home. However, they are heartbroken to discover that their mother has passed away.
After their emotional journey, they return to the farm and continue their lives there. They grow close to the boy and his family, forming a special bond with them. They are still different from the other cats and long for the city, but they have found a new home and a new family in the countryside.
Learning to Adapt
In Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings, the third book, the focus shifts to the boy, Alexander. The kittens have been living with Alexander's family for a while now, and they have become part of their everyday life. Alexander, who is a sickly child, is fascinated by the kittens' wings and their ability to fly. He is often bedridden and spends his time reading about adventures, wishing he could have some of his own.
The kittens decide to grant Alexander's wish by taking him on a magical, breathtaking flight. This experience fills Alexander with joy and gives him the hope and strength to fight his illness. The kittens, too, are happy to have brought some excitement into his life. They realize that they have found a purpose in helping their human friend.
Embracing Differences
In the last book, Jane on Her Own, the focus shifts to Jane, the only female kitten. She has always been different from her brothers and longs for independence. She sets off on her own to explore the world beyond the farm, despite her brothers' concerns. She encounters various adventures and challenges, but she also discovers her own strength and resilience.
Throughout the series, the Catwings, despite being different from other cats, learn to adapt and find their place in the world. They embrace their unique abilities and use them to help others. They also learn the importance of family, friendship, and the courage to explore and accept their differences.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Catwings about?
Catwings is a charming children's book by Ursula K. Le Guin that tells the story of four winged cats who escape their dangerous city home in search of a better life. With beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming tale of friendship and bravery, this book is sure to captivate young readers and cat lovers alike.
Catwings Review
Catwings (1988) follows the tale of remarkable flying cats and their adventures. Here's what makes this book stand out:
- Featuring charming, imaginative storytelling, it transports readers to a magical world where extraordinary felines take flight.
- The book explores themes of identity, friendship, and bravery through the unique perspective of these unusual creatures, captivating readers of all ages.
- With its whimsical charm and delightful illustrations, this book transforms a simple tale into a heartwarming and unforgettable reading experience.
Who should read Catwings?
Children who love stories about animals
Readers who enjoy fantasy and magical elements
Those who appreciate themes of friendship, courage, and acceptance
Categories with Catwings
Book summaries like Catwings
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
34 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Catwings FAQs
What is the main message of Catwings?
The main message of Catwings highlights the importance of embracing differences and finding where one truly belongs.
How long does it take to read Catwings?
Reading Catwings typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Catwings a good book? Is it worth reading?
Catwings is worth reading for its heartwarming story and valuable lessons on acceptance and friendship.
Who is the author of Catwings?
The author of Catwings is Ursula K. Le Guin.
What to read after Catwings?
If you're wondering what to read next after Catwings, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fox by Martin Wallen
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- Green Illusions by Ozzie Zehner
- Energy Myths and Realities by Vaclav Smil
- Fukushima by David Lochbaum, Edwin Lyman, Susan Q. Stranahan and the Union of Concerned Scientists
- The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels by Alex Epstein
- Should We Eat Meat? by Vaclav Smil
- Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart