Review posted April 6, 2016.
Roaring Brook Press, New York, 2015. 108 pages.
Here’s a delightful beginning chapter book with lots of pictures, told from the perspective of an adorable kitty.
There are five chapters. In the first one, “Mr. Independent,” the cat introduces himself.
I’m a lucky cat. I live a carefree life.
This is my territory. I know these streets like the back of my paw. Lots of cats are tied down by staying with their pet humans, but not me. I’m my own cat, and the only one I have to look out for is myself. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The cat knows how to get food from various humans along his route.
It took me a while to master “the Look,” but it’s essential to getting what I want from humans. And let’s just say, I always get what I want. I mean, who can resist this face? I’m adorable.
Of course, the pictures show the wide-eyed look, which is indeed adorable.
The cat has friends (a dog, a rat, another cat) who all have pet humans. But he likes not being tied down.
Then a family moves into the abandoned house across the street from the tree where the cat likes to sleep. He happens to be hungry, and a window is open.
The young human inside proves to be easy to train, with enough rewards for good behavior. Her mother, however, is a different story.
Kids will enjoy this easy-reading tale, told from a slightly different perspective. The language isn’t dumbed down, but there are enough pictures, it almost has the feel of a graphic novel, and is very non-threatening.
This is a nice twist on your standard new-to-the-neighborhood story. What does it take to find the perfect pet human