Elin Hansson
Oda Valle (ill.)

My Life As A Cat

Mitt liv som katt

Freaky Friday with cats

On her 11th birthday, Katja gets more than she bargained for when she wishes she were a cat. The next morning, she wakes up with four paws, whiskers, and a tail – she has switched bodies with her beloved cat, Kitty!

But life as a cat in Lion Hill is far more dangerous than Katja imagined. All summer, cats have been disappearing from the neighbourhood. Is there a cat-catcher on the loose? Or something even worse – a cat killer?

Together with her best friend Carl-Otto and Kitty (now stuck in Katja’s body), Katja must solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim. But how do you investigate a feline crime spree when your mum is a busy mayor, your dad a distracted brain surgeon, and your older sister only cares about social media?

My Life as a Cat is a magical yet down-to-earth story, filled with humour, heart and suspense. With striking illustrations by Oda Valle, the book takes readers on an adventure that combines the warmth of Astrid Lindgren with the whimsical imagination of Roald Dahl.

A funny and gripping tale about identity, family, and friendship for everyone who loves cats and great stories!

Illustrated by Oda Valle.

Photo: Kristin Aafløy Opdan

Elin Hansson (b. 1985) made her debut in 2019 with the children’s book Pencil Heart, which was nominated for ARK Children’s Book Prize and Bokslukerprisen (Middle grade award). Elin lives at a small farm in the Norwegian countryside, and has previously worked as a photographer. She’s played the harding fiddle since she was ten years old.

Oda Valle (b. 1983) is an illustrator, graphic designer, author and cartoonist. She has a bachelor’s degree in visual communication from Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, and studies in educational theory and practice in design, art, and craft from the University of Bergen.