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Mur, the Kitty-Knight Adventures in the Fairy-Tale Animal World

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"Mur, the Kitty-Knight: Adventures inthe Fairy-Tale Animal World" is astory about a brave kitty named Murwho becomes a knight in a magicalworld of animals. He helps those whohave fallen on hard times, saves arare plant, finds a common languagewith a dragon, and even attends aroyal ball. Mur sets an example thatstrength is not only physical might,but also kindness, wisdom, andhonesty. Upon returning home, heshares his adventures and lessonswith his friends and family, teachingyoung readers the importance offriendship and kindness.

Illustrated children book for aged 5 to 12 years, about Friendship and Kindness.

77 pages, Hardcover

First published July 3, 2023

About the author

Igor Shnayder

6 books61 followers
My name is Igor Shnayder, born and raised in the seaside city of Odesa, Ukraine. I am a maritime engineer by education and have worked in this field for fifteen years.
I have been professionally involved in photography for over eleven years.

My love for fairy tales and stories of adventures began in childhood when they were read to me. This interest matured into more serious genres of fantasy and science fiction, although classic literature also holds a special place in my heart - for that, I thank my schooling!

Writing was mostly a personal endeavor for me, and I had long promised my children to write a fairy tale. This promise culminated in my first children's book about a Kitty-Knight named Mur.

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5 stars
33 (57%)
4 stars
17 (29%)
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5 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Helga.
1,181 reviews313 followers
August 24, 2023
4.5
Strength lies within your mind and body, but it is crucial to use it wisely and with good intentions.

He is kind. He is brave. His dream is to become a knight; a kitty-knight, more precisely, because he is a kitten.

His name is Mur and he wishes he was strong enough to be able to help and protect others and make the world a better place.

So, he embarks on a journey full of adventures, meets other animals, solves mysteries and learns many things along the way.

I read this book with my seven year old daughter (she can read by herself but is lazy as a sloth when it comes to reading) and both of us positively enjoyed the book’s silky-smooth prose and its beautiful illustrations.

Thanks to the author for sending me a copy in return for my review.
Profile Image for Dez the Bookworm.
388 reviews240 followers
October 8, 2023
This little chapter book sends such a wonderful message and my kids adored it.

The book itself has vibrant illustrations, full of color and wonder. The story teaches kids about courage, kindness, determination and wits. This was a fun book, for my 5 and 7 year old and they were dialed in the whole time. We follow Mur the Kitty as he learns to become a knight, each interaction a lesson in core values. Definitely one we will be reading over again.

This is a short chapter book, great for kids to read on their own about 9-12* I’d say, and great for parents to read to their younger readers starting at about age 4* (*give or take depending on your readers skill level).

Solid 4.5 stars for me.

Many thanks to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Lady Clementina ffinch-ffarowmore.
901 reviews219 followers
September 4, 2023
My thanks to BookBuzz for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

From the title and cover of this book, I’m sure it’s no surprise that I clicked on and requested this book the moment I saw it on NetGalley. This is a cute little independently published children’s book about the adventures of a kitten Mur, who grows up to be a Kitty Knight, not only brave but also kind and compassionate. Written by Igor Shnayder, the review copy didn’t mention whether the author himself or someone else created the lovely art which was in the book.

When the tiny kitten Mur is born in the town of Kittengale, his mother knows at once that there is something special within him. And so it is for he is brave and bright but also kind and generous helping everyone he can. His mother knows that he is a ‘Knight of goodness and bravery’ and to become that he goes to train with a wise master, Shurko who of course not only helps him build his physical prowess but also strength of mind and spirit. In short chapters, we follow Mur’s various adventures as he locates a missing neighbour, solves a puzzle, resolves a conflict amicably, helps a lost creature find her family, finds a missing relic and competes in a tournament, among others. This is a children’s book meant to convey lessons and through each episode, and seeks to put across (without being didactic) how it is much more than what we call bravery that is truly important, how conflict can easy be resolved by communication, how one shouldn’t do things merely for rewards since helping others is its own reward, and how competition or coming out on top is not necessarily the best outcome but acknowledging the strengths of each is more fulfilling.

These little episodes are very enjoyable, and I liked the different adventures that Mur has, whether it is helping lost folk, recovering missing relics, solving complex riddles or navigating terrains full of obstacles. All of the characters are likeable, especially Mur himself and any child reader would enjoy spending time with them. Each chapter has one full colour illustration, all of which I thought were beautiful. We also have some lovely descriptions, such as of the mysterious ‘Star Lake’:

The lake gleamed in the moonlight, reflecting stars that seemed to have drowned in its depths.

While all the stories were lovely, fleshing out and developing some of them would have made some of them far better. For instance, in the story of the Mysterious Island, we are told that Mur solves a difficult riddle requiring plenty of effort—I’d have preferred to know what it was and how he solved it; similarly, while accompanying the Golden Butterfly, I’d have liked to hear some of her stories and know something of the obstacles they faced, in the Star Lake the secret of the runes, and from the Fox Queen’s ball, who had hidden the relic and why? The honey thief story and that of the dragon were in that sense my favourites since they seemed more complete.

Mur the Kitty Knight is a lovely character and idea, and gives the intended audience some enjoyable stories. If a little more detail is added to some of these, it would make them more satisfying reading.

3.75 stars rounded off to 4
Profile Image for Cheryl .
1,023 reviews126 followers
October 24, 2024
Mur is a little cat who lives in Kittengale. He is sweet tempered and always tries to be kind and treat others as he would want to be treated. After stopping an act of vandalism by a group of bullies, Mur is recognized as a hero by the townsfolk.

He is noticed by a wise old and respected cat, Master Shurko, who offers to train Mur to become a knight. Master Shurko teaches Mur many skills and shares his knowledge with Mur. The training is very difficult and involves many trials.

This wonderful and heart warming story with it’s beautiful illustrations conveys a message about the importance of kindness, empathy, respect, patience, and honesty. The various animal characters are likable and relatable. Young readers of middle school age would be enchanted by Mur’s story. It would be a great book to read aloud with them.
Profile Image for Karen.
2,226 reviews694 followers
October 30, 2024
“Words and good intentions, yes. Many challenges can be solved that way.”

This exquisitely illustrated and written book by the author is filled with positivity. It also proves to be a wonderful teacher to children about kindness and bringing goodness in to the world by the actions we take and the words we use.

Readers will have the opportunity to follow this fairy tale through the adventures of Mur, a kitty-knight who dreams of “protecting others, making the world better, and being a symbol of kindness and bravery.”

And, not only will the adventure be fun, it will also provide good learning lessons for kids, along the way. The illustrations by the author are stunning, and certainly showcase his amazing artistry, which will no doubt captivate the adults who read along with the kids.

I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.

Reading level – ages 8-12 years
Profile Image for Jennifer.
665 reviews44 followers
November 6, 2024
It’s a bit hard for me to rate this as I don’t have children and it’s been a long time since I have been a child. Some of it seems a bit simplistic but it IS geared towards children so I took that into account. It’s a little too sweet but again it’s geared towards children with the intention of imparting wisdom and good choices. In that, I think it succeeds and I believe young children would enjoy this story while also learning some valuable lessons. Thanks to the author for bringing this to my attention all the way from Ukraine.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
1,870 reviews107 followers
July 31, 2023
Mur the Kitty Knight was a debut children book with amazingly beautiful illustrations. Written with classics type plot and storytelling style, this book will guide your younglings to learn big qualities to become a Knight.

Personally illustrations in this book mesmerizing me since the cover page. The streotipe troublemaker gingercat with handsome armor and regal pose. Who's dont want to see it happen?
The story chapters offer short adventure of the Mur but I really want extra depth in his personality. He seem very perfect since born and never make mistakes. I wish our children can learn more to understand about perfectly imperfect. Make mistakes, take the lessons and doing better in the future.

Thank you Netgalley and the author to provided my ecopy. My thoughts and opinion are my own. This cute book self published 2 July 2023.
Profile Image for Neha Singh.
76 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2023
Really cute book with a lot of values incorporated within the story. The illustrations are nice and I can see children learning a lot of good things from Mur’s character.
I would like to see more details in each chapter (i.e., what did Mur do) as that would be a good way to keep the reader hooked on. Also, some more illustrations along with the story will make the book a lot more engaging.
Overall, it’s a nice read and easy read 😃
Profile Image for Anschen Conradie.
1,256 reviews74 followers
May 2, 2024
#MurTheKittyKnight -Igor Shnayder
#KindleUnlimited

Most of us grew up with fables, albeit unknowingly, short stories primarily for children with the advancement of a moral of a lesson as main purpose. Aesop immediately comes to mind: the tortoise and the hare, the wolf in sheep’s clothing, etc. all fictional stories employing anthropomorphism as tool. More modern examples include George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”, Richard Adams’ “Watership Down”, and the beloved Dr Seuss.

The author, a maritime engineer in Ukraine, wanted to both educate and entertain his young children by means of storytelling, and hence created Mur, the kitty yearning to become a knight. Not for fame or fortune, but because he wanted to serve and assist.

Mur was only a youngster when he started training with Master Shurka, an old and wise cat. He then embarks on various adventures, following a treasure map to save a rare and precious plant, encouraging a dragon to face the real source of his constant anger, learning to overcome challenges as part of a team, finding a lost little squirrel, facing bandits, acting a mediator in an altercation, and learning to lose gracefully in a competition.

The subtext conceals the lessons whilst the story is being read or told but is revealed and explained at the closure of each individual adventure. Colourful illustrations that will appeal to younger readers depict both Mur and his friends.

Fables are an ancient concept, as relevant now as it was then, and this little book illustrates the love of a father for his children.

The recommended age group is a bit wide, however. It is deemed suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years of age, but this is hardly feasible; there is a huge educational divide between a 5-year-old and a 12-year-old. The nature of the fables, the language and grammar will be of greater appeal to youngers between 5 and 7 years old.

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Uitdieperdsebek
Profile Image for Fran.
833 reviews13 followers
September 11, 2023
Many thanks to the author for sharing his delightful collection of short stories, starring Mur, the kitten who dreams of becoming a knight. The illustrations are beautiful. The stories are fast and light, but could inspire deep conversations and “teaching moments” between reader and young audience. Utterly charming!
Profile Image for Rafa.
71 reviews117 followers
September 30, 2024
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review

Wow! I mean....wow!!
This is actually an educational kind of children's book. It has both "action" and "story". I am sure any child would love reading it or listening to their parents read and explain it to them.

I am very amused by the whole concept of the book and the adventures of our little kitten. I am more amused because usually the books with cutesy pictures are never good enough for me but this one stood out.

I am sure kids are gonna love this book! This is the type of book I would like to read to my children one day.
Hats off to the author! Keep writing more like this.

A THOUSAND STARS FOR THE CUTE CATS!! I loved looking at those (being a cat lover myself). I just wish the title of the book was shorter and more catchy.
Profile Image for April.
153 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The adventures of Mur, the Kitty-Knight was heart-warming, endearing and uplifting. The moral lessons of kindness, courage, bravery and respect are all apparent throughout the book. The illustrations were beautiful. I really enjoyed seeing the growth of this kitten who was striving to become a knight. I would definitely recommend this book to others. It is a well-written story, and I would love to see more tales about Mur, the Kitty-Knight.
Profile Image for Leah.
1,949 reviews
September 18, 2023
Fantastic story with beautiful illustrations. This gives life lessons without being preachy.
Profile Image for Abigail L..
1,234 reviews77 followers
July 25, 2023
An enchanting tale that takes readers on a delightful journey through a magical realm of animals. Mur, the brave and kind-hearted cat, captures your heart from the very beginning as he embarks on daring adventures filled with friendship and valuable life lessons.

From rescuing a rare plant to attending a royal ball, Mur's actions exemplify the true essence of heroism, proving that strength lies not only in physical prowess but also in compassion and empathy. The charming narrative beautifully weaves together themes of kindness, wisdom, and the importance of helping others. Young readers are sure to be captivated by Mur's endearing character and the wonder of the fairy-tale animal world
Profile Image for Sirah.
2,138 reviews15 followers
October 5, 2023
Mur is a cat who is born, goes to lessons, and begins adventures as a knight. This book follows nearly a dozen short stories of his origins and the brave quests he embarks upon.

The stories are creative and magical, and I like Mur as a character. The style, unfortunately, feels more like a summary than a musical fairy tale style, but it still has potential.
Profile Image for Emilija.
1,257 reviews23 followers
June 25, 2024
2024 52 Book Challenge - 43) About Finding Identity

I received this free review copy book at my request and I have voluntarily left a review.

I thought this was a really lovely book about a kitten who wants to be a knight, and learns valuable lessons along the way. The main character was lovely, and the artwork was beautiful. I particularly liked the story and artwork with the Queen Fox.
Profile Image for Kate.
77 reviews7 followers
June 24, 2024
This was a really sweet book following Murr on his quest to become a knight. It is technically broken down into little side missions which could be good for young kids learning how to read or even a quick bedtime story.

Each mission ended with a new lesson learned and how it helped him become a new stronger knight.

Thank you Igor for reaching out with an ARC of this book. It was adorable!
Profile Image for ♡ kitty *:・゚✧.
442 reviews32 followers
August 26, 2023
super cute children’s book! i love anything cat related and Mur was a great character to follow the adventures of.
the art included was very cute also!
Profile Image for Sophie Leigh.
278 reviews21 followers
September 4, 2023
It is a beautiful story about curiosity, courage, and joy. A nice fairytale with stunning illustrations of Mur and all the creatures met along the way.
Profile Image for Paula Grover.
Author 4 books22 followers
April 21, 2024
"Mur, the Kitty-Knight Adventures in the Fairy-Tale Animal World" by Igor Shnayder is a delightful collection of children's tales about a kitten prodigy who becomes a knight so that he can help others.

"World, meet Mur," the hero's mother introduces him, upon his birth. She recognizes that Mur has a very special gift to give to the world. As he grows, Mur demonstrates a great passion for helping others, such as rescuing his sister when she becomes stuck in a tree and finding a lost squirrel. Each story builds the moral character of the kitten as he grows from childhood to his youthful time of learning with his enlightened teacher, Master Shurko, to his growth as an eager Kitten-Knight, to his eventual transformation into a wise cat-knight who teaches others about the importance of being a compassionate peace-maker rather than a violent, glory-seeking fighter.

I truly enjoyed these tales of Mur. The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter were stunningly beautiful. The stories were interconnected, each one building on the one before. They are told in the traditional style of classic fairy tales, with a distant narrative voice relaying the stories to the reader. I feel that this adds to the charm of the book. It is a gently rolling narrative that will be refreshing and reassuring to children and parents alike. There is some advanced vocabulary, so it is suited for slightly older children (ages five to twelve) who may learn new words by looking them up in the dictionary (example: the word "decoction" is one I have never heard, but it is in the dictionary.) Younger children will enjoy it as a read-aloud story, reading with parents or older siblings.

I also loved the many colorful characters that Mur met on his journey, from the Golden Butterfly to the angry red Dragon to a bear who terrorizes bees, known as "The Great Honey Thief." Mur helps each one of these beings that he meets, even those who are at first fighting against him. He deals with each of them in a humane and compassionate manner. He favors peaceful negotiation over sword fights, only fighting as a last resort. The "villains" are soon won over by Mur's loving strength.

In a couple of tales, such as "The Royal Ball", I felt that the action resolved at little too soon. The rebels in this chapter seemed to surrender to Mur almost immediately, without question. I felt as though the character of "Baron Boar", the leader of the rebels, could have been a good foil for Mur in the same way that the angry red dragon or the Great Honey Thief were, but we aren't given much insight into his motivations for leading a rebellion. I wondered why the rebels were plotting against Queen Fox: Did they have a cause for complaint?

I really liked the chapter about the tournament, because it turned the usual competitive way of doing things on its head. Mur encourages the fighters to share their experiences with each other, and the people change their attitudes from winning at all costs to sportsmanship and cooperation. I also liked that the hero did not win first prize, as that was different from most stories.

I would rate "Mur, the Kitty-Knight" 5 stars because of its well-written, sometimes almost poetic prose, and its beautiful message of friendship and peace. In a world where violence and competition are routinely emphasized on TV and video games, Mur's message of kindness, extended even to his enemies, brings a spiritual depth to this story that children and their parents will enjoy and appreciate.
Profile Image for Fae k.
83 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2023
"Mur, the Kitty-Knight Adventures in the Fairy-Tale Animal World" by Igor Shnayder is a charming and touching story about Mur, the heroic cat. Mur faces hardships in a fairy-tale animal world in this charmingly whimsical narrative with life lessons. The author expertly emphasises that genuine power comes from compassion, intelligence, honesty, and empathy, not physical might.

Mur meets many charming characters, from assisting people to becoming friends with dragons. The story is amusing and deep, making it appealing to youngsters and adults. Children learn about friendship and goodwill from Mur's adventures, which are perfectly incorporated into the novel.

Mur emphasises the value of passing on lessons, sharing his experiences and acquired knowledge with friends and family after returning home. Mur's mystical world is brought to life with captivating drawings. "Mur, the Kitty-Knight" is a charming tale that teaches morals and entertains, making it a great addition to any child's bookshelves.
Profile Image for Jenn Marshall.
947 reviews25 followers
August 26, 2023
This book was cute, but it was either too long or too short. I felt like it needed to either have more details to be a chapter book or less events and more pictures to be a picture book.

3 stars
Profile Image for Erica Baxter.
881 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2024
This chapter book for children centers on a young cat who learns to become a knight. Even though it is a cat's tale of following his dreams and reaching his potential, at its core, this is a story about how to be a good human. Each chapter ends with a with a moral lesson meant to encourage young readers to follow paths toward self improvement. This book promotes positive qualities such as kindness, empathy, and selflessness.

Cute and simple stories of kitty adventure with strong moral lessons.
Profile Image for Ruchi.
158 reviews49 followers
July 16, 2023
In a world where children's literature often tends to rely on flashy gimmicks and superficial entertainment, Igor Shnayder’s "Mur, the Kitty-Knight Adventures" is a breath of fresh air. This delightful tale takes young readers on a journey filled with courage, kindness, and valuable life lessons.

From the very first page, the charming illustrations are reminiscent of lovely old-fashioned fairy tale books. The attention to detail in the artwork is amazing, capturing the whimsy and magic of the story. Cats in armor are exceptionally adorable.

At its heart, "Mur, the Kitty-Knight" is a story about the power of true strength. The protagonist, Mur, may be a small kitten, but he possesses a spirit of bravery and intelligence that is far beyond his size. Through his adventures, Mur learns that strength encompasses qualities such as kindness, wisdom, honesty, and the ability to empathize with others. These values are seamlessly woven into the narrative, making it a valuable teaching tool for young readers.

Something I loved about this book is its subtle yet profound exploration of friendship and the importance of caring for others. Mur's unwavering devotion to his family and friends serves as a shining example of the impact one can have through acts of kindness and compassion. It's heartwarming to see Mur extend a helping paw to those in distress, whether it's rescuing a lost squirrel, solving riddles on a mysterious island, or healing a dragon's toothache. These adventures not only entertain but also teach young readers about empathy and the power of making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Shnayder's writing style is accessible and engaging, striking a perfect balance between descriptive language and action-packed storytelling. Each chapter brings forth a new challenge for Mur, building suspense and creating a desire to read on. Also, the author's attention to character development shines through, allowing readers to connect with Mur and root for his success throughout the book.

"Mur, the Kitty-Knight Adventures in the Fairy-Tale Animal World" is an extraordinary children's book that will appeal to both young and adult readers with its timeless charm. Through the beautifully crafted illustrations and the endearing story, Igor Shnayder reminds us all of the importance of bravery, kindness, and the power of friendship.
Profile Image for Liam Mullen.
157 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2024
It’s admirable that someone would set out to write a book for his young children and the author does a relatively good job. I would have reservations about the vocabulary used; if the intended audience is meant to be very young children then the vocabulary needs to be simple and the writing itself needs to be less dense. The illustrations within the book are excellent.
A good try.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,521 reviews9 followers
June 28, 2024
KU. out on July 2, 2023. children's cat books. children's folk tales & myths. children's books on friendship. i was contacted by the author to read this book, at the moment i have KU ... so i said sure .. i would be happy to check it out. fun read.
12 reviews
July 19, 2023
Who is looking for a sizzling story? Here is an interesting, full of twists and lovely story. The writer has paid attention to every aspect of expressing a well written story. I am amazed to see how writer has written everything clearly. I didn’t feel any barrier to imagine the characters or scenes. Indeed, while reading the story, I felt myself lost several times. It is such a sweet, simple and beautiful story but loaded with compassion, empathy and love. Initially, it takes time to understand the story but once you understand it, it becomes favorite.
No doubt, the writer has described everything beautifully. The selection of words is absolutely perfect. The story is showcasing the imaginary thoughts of writer. Writing your thoughts with such detail is nothing less than a hard work. It takes a lot of effort. Not everyone can remember and write the emotions with such authenticity.
What I liked about the story is ‘the uniqueness’, I didn’t find it getting boring or rough anywhere. The character formation of each character is also good equally. I love the way all characters are expressive in their performance specially. There is a scene that literally made me overwhelmed
In order to understand the whole script, you need to read the whole story. While I was reading that story, I found a lot of things to count on. The emotions and thoughts of writer regarding the events were written nicely but surely, it can be improved more. The writer has included even the most tiniest details. It makes your writings distinct from others.
Profile Image for Lais.
109 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and the author for the eARC.

'Mur, the Kitty-Knight Adventures' is a beautiful children's book. The cover and all the inside illustrations are so beautiful and really caught my attention.. The story is easy and shows important perspectives to teach kids qualities that can help them in life. Some of the chapters left me wanting more of the story, like the 'Mur and the Mystery of the Star Lake''. (what could improve the life of the forest dwellers?), but i think that is my adult mind talking. In the end, the book is really cute and the ilustrations are amazing, I would certainly read it to a younger family member.
Profile Image for Kathy Broyles.
227 reviews10 followers
September 21, 2023
Excellent book for young children or young readers. Mur, the kitty-knight performs all sorts of heroic deeds. He helps so many of his fellow creatures. Some of them, he helps find lost objects or a lost creatures find their way home. He helps solve arguments that lead to new friendships. These are only a few of his adventures.
Profile Image for Debra Gaynor.
544 reviews4 followers
September 23, 2023
Mur, the Kitty-Knight
Adventures in the Fairy-Tale Animal World
Igor Shnayder
A tiny kitten named Mur was courageous, kind, generous and intelligent. He was always trying to help those in need. He climbed trees to fetch toys for his sister. He shared with others. He loved his friends, family and those around him. He dreamed of becoming a kitty-knight. He would protect others, make the world a better place to live as he represented kindness and courage. He studied hard to increase his physical, mental and spiritual strength. Shurko, his teacher told Mur, “A great knight is not the one who wins battles for personal gain. A great knight is one who uses their strength to make the world a better place for others.”
Mur took his responsibilities of knighthood seriously and set about helping others. One day little squirrel was missing. Mur set out to find her. Little squirrel was frightened but felt hope when Mur found her. Mur saved a plant on the verge of extinction. He helped a lost butterfly, soothed an angry dragon, taught a bear how to help honeybees, and found the Royal Globe. Mur is a very special kitty.
I’m a pushover for fairytales and this one did not disappoint me. The author wrote the book for his children. The story of Mur the Knight teaches children the importance of kindness, the importance of mental, physical and spiritual strength, the importance of leaving a place a little better than it was, and the importance of putting others first. The tale is well written, and the illustrations are outstanding. Kudos to author Igor Shnayder for an excellent children’s book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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