You can’t go wrong with any book by Katherine Applegate. And “Pocket Bear” is just like her other ones in an important way — it is filled with quirky characters who learn important life lessons and make lasting friendships. It’s brilliant, and it’s sure to be another classic in the middle grade collection of memorable books.

In “Pocket Bear,” the narrator is a semi-feral cat named Zephyrina. Applegate presents the voice of a rough and tumble cat who grew up alone and outside struggling to survive. Zephyrina informs us, “When I was young and on my own, I found this household of suckers willing to leave cans of cat food on their front porch for me.” She was grateful and brought them baby birds and newborn opossums, but was disgusted when the mother and daughter, Elizaveta and Dasha, nursed the little creatures back to health.

So now the cat brings them odds and end that are left on the street. Many are stuffed animals, and they are lovingly washed and refurbished and cared for. In fact, there’s a sign in front of their house, “Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured.”

But while Zephyrina is the narrator, she tells us that when she “finds” things, she brings them directly to Pocket Bear. “He was my go-to. He was my adviser. He was my friend.” And we learn that Pocket Bear is a tiny stuffed toy. He would fit easily in a child’s palm. He was over a hundred years old, and his body was not in perfect shape. But Zephyrina tells us that Pocket Bear commanded respect. And not only the cat, but the other rescued stuffed animals in the house all listen to and look up to Pocket Bear.

Every night at midnight, the stuffed animals come alive. They stretch and move and dance and play games. Zephyrina presents her latest, very important “heist” at that time. It’s a stuffed bear covered in pasta and spaghetti sauce, smelling strongly of garlic. He’s quite old, and when Pocket Bear first sees him, he gets a strange look in his eyes.

When Elizaveta and Dasha see the new toy, they clean him and put out a notice in case anyone is looking for their lost stuffed animal. What happens next is filled with adventure as the new find, named Bearwon, turns out to be a valuable antique. But he’s also a bear who has been through a lot of strife, loneliness, and misfortune. He and Pocket Bear both have been through a lot. And there’s someone who is desperate to get her hands of Bearwon — any way she can.

Elizaveta and Dasha are from Ukraine, and Dasha’s father died in the war. Elizaveta struggles to support them by working two jobs. But as Zephyrina explains, there have been times when there is no electricity, times when she doesn’t get many cans of cat food. And Dasha’s leg was injured in the war, and she is often in pain and needs crutches to get around. Their life is not easy, but they are loving nonetheless. And willing to take in and love a stray cat. They deserve a break.

The best novels in children’s literature share essential truths, important messages. Characters change for the better. We care about those we meet in the pages of the book, and we are better people for having read their story. And in “Pocket Bear” all of the above are true. Also, I love that while Applegate may now have a rescue dog, she has also had cats in the past. She knows the important truth that even formerly feral cats often, eventually, will succumb to the lure of a warm bed, a soft lap, and a gentle caress. As does Zephyrina. And they live happily ever after. Except maybe the bad guy.

Please note: This review is based on the final, hardcover book provided by Feiwel and Friends, the publisher, for review purposes.