Read, Write, Repeat.

The other day, a box arrived at my house.

And these shoes were inside.

(They’re John Fluevog shoes, for those of you who care. Spring edition “Michaels.” Just released.)

I tried them on, and my feet smiled.

And as I walked around with my happy feet, I couldn’t help but think of a popular children’s book and a great video of the author and illustrator sharing it with children together.

The book is Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes (HarperCollins, 2010) written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean.

And it’s just the niftiest look ever at colors and shoes and rolling with the ups and downs of life.

It’s the sort of book that’s so perfect, you wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?” And even though you didn’t, you’re glad that someone else did.

You can read the text as a story, sing it as a song or just chime in on certain parts, like: “Goodness, no!”

Kids love it. Adults love it. I bet you will too.

And if you want to get the sense for how it’s supposed to be read, watch this video of it being performed live by Eric and James.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

You’ll be smiling and humming for a good, long while.

No matter what color your shoes are.

(If you’d like to see more of Pete the Cat, you certainly can. There are several other titles in the series, including Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons.)

If you’ve visited my blog before, you’ve probably noticed that my cat, Vince, periodically shows up to provide his special take on cat-related children’s books.

Vince is hard to impress, but he’s earned a fairly devoted audience and occasionally even gets recognized on trips to the vet.

Well, Vince hasn’t felt up to reviewing books lately. His tummy has been bothering him, and he’s spent more time at the vet than he would prefer. (If you’d like to see Vince’s views on going to the vet, check out his review of The Five Lives of Our Cat, Zook by Joanne Rocklin.) His most recent vet visit was for an ultrasound, which left him — shall we say – less than camera ready.

So Sunny, our household’s second cat, and a relatively recent arrival, has volunteered to fill in for Vince until he’s feeling up to par.

She’s a new book reviewer, so please give her a warm welcome as she shares her thoughts on Gail Page’s How To Be A Good Cat (Bloomsbury, 2011)

——————

Well, it’s certainly nice to meet you all. And, I must say, I am pleased to be able to fill in for Vince. Although many cats would say I shouldn’t even consider it after the less-than-warm welcome Vince gave me when I joined the house a few months ago.

It was bad enough that he followed me around with his tail twice its normal size for weeks. It was bad enough he pounced at me whenever he could. But he even sniffed me in some very … unmentionable places.

All in all, he wasn’t a very good cat.

Perhaps he should have read this book by Gail Page.

It’s all about a good dog — like there even is such a thing, maybe that’s why the book is fiction – who offers to take care of a kitten while its owners are away.  He thinks the kitten is naughty because it climbs the curtains, unrolls the toilet paper and doesn’t blatantly follow dog commands like “sit” and “fetch.”

But then, the kitten, named Bonkers, shows the dog some things it’s good at that the dog isn’t and the two learn to get along.

And that’s sort of how it worked with Vince and me. He introduced me to the best sleeping spots in the house, and I taught him how to play a game called “chase.”

Of course, we aren’t chasing around as much now that he’s not feeling well. But I’m sure he’ll be back reviewing before long. Personally, I think he could have done it now. He’s just too embarrassed to have his picture taken after he was shaved for his ultrasound. (Can you say, “Cat mohawk”?)

Anyway, if you have a dog and a cat, or just a new cat, you’ll want to read this book to pick up a few pointers. Or leave it around the house and let your new family member read it themselves!

——————

Ummm … Thank you, Sunny. (And if you were worried that Vince wasn’t getting love while he recuperates, this picture should make you feel better.)

If you’d like to learn more about Gail Page, you can visit her website. Besides her books, it showcases her teapots and floorcloths and other art.

This was Sunny’s first review. But if you’d like to see Vince’s other literary leanings, check out his reviews of:

• Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku
• Tom’s Tweet
• I Am Tama, Lucky Cat
• Where is Catkin?
• Frankie Works the Night Shift
• Raj, the Bookstore Tiger

Today’s guest reviewer has pets — a cat and a gerbil to be exact.

So when she decided that another cat would be a good thing, others in our family were not convinced.

“You already have a cat,” said her dad.

“Another cat means more cat hair,” said her older sister.

But Sonia would not be dissuaded. She made a list of reasons another cat was a good idea. (See the photo in the lower right.) She shared the merits of cats. She drew pictures of cats. She dreamed about cats.

Eventually, her persistence won out, and Sunny joined our family.

Sonia’s story is remarkably similar to Prudence’s as described in Prudence Wants a Pet (Roaring Brook Press, 2011) by Cathleen Daly and Stephen Michael King.

Prudence desperately wants a pet. Her parents say no for all the usual reasons. Prudence decides to take matters into her own hands and tries out a branch, a twig, a shoe, a tire and her baby brother as possible pets.

Let’s just say none are ideal.

Things look hopeful when her parents say she can get a packet of sea buddies. But the buddies don’t move or even have faces.

It is the final straw. Prudence takes to her closet in despair.

Which leads to her parents having a whispered conversation.

I won’t share the ending, except to say everyone involved is happy. And that’s always a good thing.

As an aside, this is totally my kind of picture book. It has the sort of dry, understated humor that I like with a lot of heart just below its surface.

The writing is well done. And, I love how the illustrations only show the parents’ legs and arms.

Now, let’s see what animal-loving Sonia had to say.

—————–

Our reviewer: Sonia

Age: 10

Things I like to do: Play with my new cat, Sunny. Play with water. Make concoctions. Play with sidewalk chalk, draw, sleep and eat.

This book was about: A girl who wants a pet, but her parents don’t want one. They think it’s too much work.

My favorite part was: When Prudence got a pet that was a cat.

I was worried when: She lost Twig.

I was surprised when: She used her little brother as a pet.

My favorite words or phrase in the book was: “Dad broke the branch into little bits and put them on the woodpile.”

My favorite picture in the book is: When she’s hugging the kitten.

Three words that describe this book: “Pet.” “Meow.” “Branch.”

Other kids reading the book should watch for: Her begging for a pet. The small specks in the fish bowl. And, when her little brother turns green.

You should read this book because: If you want a pet, it shows you how to get one. (Sonia’s best tip from her own personal experience? “Say you’ll clean the cat litter.”)

—————–

Thank you, Sonia!

If you’d like to learn more about author Cathleen Daly, you can:

• Read her blog.
• You can also read this article about her.
• Or  this review of Prudence, by two teachers who liked it as much as Sonia did.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Stephen Michael King, you can:

• Visit his website.
• Watch this animation he created.
• Or read this interview.

Vince has not always been a willing book reviewer for my blog. In the past, I’ve used bribery and threats to get him to read books for me.

But this time, I found Vince curled up with Joanne Rocklin’s new middle-grade novel The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook (Amulet, 2012).

And then, a few days later, Vince created the following review. I think the enthusiasm he showed for this title is the best endorsement possible.

Take it away, Vince.

*******************

First, I’d like to get one thing straight.

Cats.

Don’t.

Cry.

We evaluate. We judge. We dismiss.

Sure, when the situation warrants, we also purr and play and, if it suits our purposes, snuggle.

But crying? No way.

And, while I’ll admit that I read The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook. I did not so much as sniffle.

Sure, the story might make less-cultured creatures tear up. It’s about an older sister, Oona, and her younger brother, Freddy, and their mom and their cat, Zook (short for Zucchini). And parts of it are, objectively, sad.

Oona and Freddy’s dad died several years ago, and they all miss him a lot. And Oona has a secret she’s been hiding about Zook, who is, as it happens, sick and at the veterinarian. The secret makes her feel guilty and having Zook at the vet makes her feel worried.

Now, a word about veterinarians if you will.

I try to avoid them at all costs. In fact, all the people who feed me have to do is get out my cat carrier and I start yowling on principal. I’ve mastered the art of not going into a cat carrier, so they usually end up wrapping me in a blanket and carrying me, which never seems fair.

Veterinarians do terrible things like hold you down and clip your claws. And pry open your mouth to look at your teeth. And squeeze your stomach. All while telling you how handsome they think you are.

Liars.

So, I don’t blame Oona for not trusting the veterinarian caring for Zook. She’s a smart girl. Although her reasons for not trusting him are a little offbeat. But Oona does have an imagination that gets carried away at times. Anyway, Oona decides to catnap Zook and bring him back home where she’s certain he’ll get better. But she’s caught in the attempt, which leads to a Serious Discussion with her mother.

And those are never good things.

If all this weren’t enough, Oona is also worried about her mother’s growing friendship with Dylan. Dylan seems nice enough, but Oona thinks she knows bad things about him. In fact, she refers to him as “The Villain” in her mind. Unfortunately, her reasons for disliking him aren’t any better than her reasons for disliking the veterinarian. (Although in the case of the veterinarian, I can at least see why she’s predisposed not to like him.)

To keep her mind off her troubles and to help her little brother feel better, Oona starts telling him stories about Zook’s previous lives and the daring feats he performed in each. These were my favorite parts of the book. Oona has an obvious understanding of the natural heroicism and grandeur of cats. Freddy likes these stories, too, and is comforted when Oona reassures him that cats have nine lives and Zook is only on his fifth one.

But Oona’s secret, and her stories, catch up with her.

She discovers that Dylan and Zook share an unexpected connection and that her secret might be revealed. And, when Dylan shows a nicer side than she expected, she has to reconcile her conflicted feelings about him.

Ultimately, Zook comes home, and all seems well. Oona even tells her secret and finds out it’s not as bad as she expected. But then, Zook gets sick again and things are not well at all. In fact, it looks like Zook might … might …

(Editor’s note: Vince had to take a break at this point in the review. He insisted his seasonal allergies were acting up, and I didn’t argue with him.)

Anyway, Oona takes the news especially hard. So does Oona’s mom, who even argues with Dylan. But Freddy is calm. He expects Zook to return any moment for his sixth life. And when that doesn’t immediately happen, Freddy falls apart. Until Oona, her mom and, eventually, Dylan help him move on.

It’s heartwarming and, for other more-emotional readers, quite moving. So have some Kleenex handy.

Not that I needed them.

*******************

Thank you, Vince, for that cat-tastic review!

Non-feline readers will also appreciate the rebuses Oona uses throughout the book that are fun to figure out. And the tips for telling stories she shares at the end. And while I’ve never eaten deep-fried zucchini, the book made me feel that it might be a good thing to try.

If you want to know the story behind the story of this book, including the lost cat that inspired it, read this blog post by author Joanne Rocklin.

She sounds like an all-around, cool cat of a person.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I did ask Vince if it’s true cats really have nine lives. He suddenly had pressing matters to take care of in another part of the house. If he gets back to me, I’ll let you know.

If you’d like to see Vince’s other literary leanings, check out his reviews of:

• Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku
• Tom’s Tweet
• I Am Tama, Lucky Cat
• Where is Catkin?
• Frankie Works the Night Shift 
• Raj, the Bookstore Tiger

Editor’s note: Please welcome Vince, who periodically blogs about cat-related books, back to the site.

So, I’m back. I certainly wasn’t planning on it.

After all, I try not to make a habit of writing book reviews because then the people who feed me come to expect it. And goodness knows part of the mystique of being a cat is never, ever, relinquishing the upper hand.

Nevertheless, it’s a cold, Wisconsin winter. And after I’ve eaten, asked for treats, yowled to have the water turned on in the sink so I can drink that instead of what’s in my dish, taken a nap, raced randomly from room to room and then asked for more food, there isn’t much left to do.

So while I was racing from room to room, I knocked over a stack of books that was too high to begin with and discovered one called Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku (Henry Holt and Company, 2011) written by Lee Wardlaw and illustrated by Eugene Yelchin.

It caught my eye immediately because the cat was the only thing shown on the cover. Which is as it should be. Too many books about cats put children on the cover. This one was smart enough to put its star front and center. And look below … he’s nearly as handsome as I am.

This cat lives in a shelter. He has the basic necessities — food and a place to sleep. But he’s missing that certain extra something. You know. Someone to care when he yowls. Someone to cater to his cat-specific demands.

So people come to choose a pet. This cat knows the dogs are no competition. Because, really, a dog? Let’s be serious. He acts like he doesn’t care, but he’s hoping he’ll be chosen. And then … he is.

I don’t talk about it much, but I’ve been in this cat’s collar. I was in a shelter for three whole months before someone picked me. A few well-timed nose nudges from me to the woman who was obviously in charge of the decision sealed the deal. I consider it my best work yet.

This cat does a nice job of not letting his new family think he’s too grateful. He hides under the bed, turns up his nose at the food, scratches their sofa and leaves a present in one of their shoes. But he also puts up with being dressed up for tea, scares off a neighboring cat who surely had ill intentions and quite likes the little boy who chose him.

This book is written in haiku — and very nicely I might add. Here are two of my favorites:

Hel-l000. I’m waiting.
Put down that pesky pencil
and fetch the catnip.

I explained it loud
and clear. What part of “meow”
don’t you understand?

So if you’re looking for a good book about cats to educate yourself or others in you life, I’d give this one my pawprint of approval. The author has three cats she chose from a shelter, so she knows whereof she writes.

To learn more about Lee Wardlaw, the author, visit her website or watch this video interview.

To learn more about Eugene Yelchin, the illustrator, who definitely knows how to draw a cat, visit his website or read this interview.

Editor’s note: After finally receiving my long-awaited copy of Tom’s Tweet (Alfred A. Knopf, 2011) in the mail, I found the following book review from my cat, Vince, a few days later.

Because I’ve had to force Vince to review cat-related books in the past, I was quite pleased that he’d decided to give me a holiday break. So, without further ado … VINCE!

**************

Well, it’s that time of year again.

The time when all the humans in my house get together, fill two entire tables with food and sit down and eat — wait for it — a bird.

Those of you who have read my previous reviews may recall that these same humans once stopped me from doing the exact same thing.

OK. The bird I wanted to eat was still alive, but I don’t think that’s such a huge distinction. Living or dead, a bird is a bird is a bird.

I also think it’s funny that my humans brought Tom’s Tweet into the house just as they’re preparing to pig out. It’s a book about Tom, a real cat’s cat. He sees a baby bird on the ground and swaggers over. He’s all set to pounce and gobble it down when he notices how tiny it is. How alone. He pauses.

I almost gave up on Tom right there. I mean, really. Hasn’t he ever heard of an appetizer?

But, I guess even the coolest cats feel all warm and fuzzy sometimes. I myself have been known to snuggle down into a pink blanket and let the house’s smallest human surround me with her stuffed animals. But that’s really beside the point.

So I wasn’t surprised when Tom decided to help the baby bird back to his nest by carrying him gently in his mouth. But I was surprised how Tom reacted when the mama bird showed up and started dive-bombing his head. He could have dropped the baby and saved himself a lot of grief.

But no. No-o-o.

Tom runs away with the baby bird still in his mouth and hides in the flowers. The baby won’t stop tweeting, so Tom builds it a nest, lets it sleep under his arm and even — yuck — feeds it chewed-up worms. When the mama bird finally flies away, Tom hustles the baby back to its nest and thinks he’s done with the whole mess.

But no. No-o-o.

Tom misses the baby. And the baby misses him. And the baby must have explained to its mama that Tom took good care of him because the mama has an unexpected proposition for Tom.

Now, I’ve read enough cat books to know what’s what. And this book is worth your time. It’s got it all. Jill Esbaum’s story is funny and sweet and great to listen to out loud. The smallest human read it to me. And, the cat’s natural leadership skills are duly lauded in the end.

Another thing it’s got going for it is that Dan Santat is an illustrator who obviously understands cats. Tom is macho and crusty and frustrated, but a softie at heart. I bet Santat has several cats.

So read this book. Learn from Tom. And, please, try to control yourself this Thanksgiving.

**************

Vince also wanted me to point out that Jill Esbaum and Dan Santat have websites worth visiting. You can find Jill’s here and Dan’s here.

And, I’d like to point out that Vince has reviewed several other cat books, including Where Is Catkin?, Frankie Works the Night Shift, Raj, The Bookstore Tiger and I Am Tama, Lucky Cat. Feel free to check out his feline perspective.

Finally, no matter what you choose to eat, Vince and I both say, “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!”

When I sat down to read Phyllis Root’s latest picture book, Scrawny Cat (Candlewick Press, 2011), to a class of second graders, they were all excited.

They had lots of stories to share about their pet cats, cats that belonged to friends and neighbors, and cats looking for homes.

So, they were very interested to hear the story of a lonely, little, lost cat looking for a home. They were sad when people told the cat to “get out of here.” They were worried when a mean dog chased him. And they were scared when the dinghy the cat hid in floated out to sea in a storm.

But just when it seemed all was lost, the dinghy landed on an island and Scrawny Cat met Emma who was just as lonely as he was.

And, when I finished the book, and the kids saw Scrawny Cat happy, safe and loved with Emma, they all said, “Awwww …”

Now, let’s hear from today’s guest reviewer, Aria, one of the students in the class. She’s never had a cat, because her sister is allergic to them, but she says that someday she’d like to have one.

Today’s reviewer: Aria.

Age: 7.

Things I like to do: Climb trees, color and paint.

This book was about: A cat named Skipper who was a stray. His owners must have lost him. And he hides on a boat to get away from a mean dog and the boat sails away to a girl named Emma.

The best part was when: Skipper got his home and family — a new owner.

I smiled when: Skipper met Emma and she scratched his ears.

I was worried when: The boat drifted away in the big storm. And when the cat was being chased by the big dog.

I was surprised when: The girl picked him up and took him home and the cat was so worried that she would toss him out the door.

This book taught me: If a friend doesn’t want to be your friend anymore, that’s OK. Because you can find another friend who will like you, too.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Kindness.” “Nice.” “Friendly.”

My favorite line or phrase in the book: “Now, everyone called him Get Out of Here. But the scrawny cat knew his name was not Get Out of Here.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: “The big, growly dog.”

You should read this book because: It’s nice. People who have cats might like this book, too.

Thanks, Aria! You did a marvelous job.

This book’s author, Phyllis Root, has written more than 30 children’s books. If you’d like to learn more about her, you can visit this website, or read this question-and-answer interview.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Alison Friend, who made scrawny cat look so pathetic and scared that I just wanted to pick him up and give him a hug, you can visit her website.

Of all the members of my family, my cat, Vince, has the easiest schedule this summer.

I mean, just look at him over there on the right. He’s not working, going to summer camp or running errands. He doesn’t even pick up after himself.

While the rest of us rush around, Vince sleeps in a sunbeam or gazes out the window. The only time he shows any enthusiasm is when he thinks we ought to feed him.

It doesn’t seem fair, does it?

So, I decided to put Vince on his own version of a summer reading program. After all, he’d grudgingly reviewed cat-related books for my blog before. (You can read his takes on Where is Catkin, Frankie Works the Night Shift and Raj, the Bookstore Tiger).

Asking him to review one title this summer didn’t seem too taxing.

And goodness knows I could use the break.

In the past, I’ve succeeded in getting Vince to review books by casually leaving them around the house where I knew he’d see them.

This time, I was more direct.

I put I Am Tama, Lucky Cat (Peachtree, 2011), a Japanese folktale by Wendy Henrichs and Yoshiko Jaeggi, in front of Vince’s nose and told him to make himself useful and to make it snappy.

He ignored me and snuggled into his sunbeam.

I threatened to cut off his supply of cat treats and switch him back to dry food. But he was unimpressed.

Finally, Vince relented.

He left the following review on my computer and promptly went back to sleep. Same sunbeam, different angle.

Take it away, Vince.

This book is about a cat named Tama. He lives in Japan where he is doted on by a poor Buddhist monk.

Doted on.

The monk lets Tama come in out of the cold, shares what little food he has, admires Tama’s beautiful orange-and-black markings and is happy to have the cat simply sit by him. Tama’s mere presence is enough to make the monk happy.

He never expects Tama do extra things like book reviews.

But anyhow … Tama is grateful for the monk’s care. And he wants to help the temple, which is old and run-down. Like any self-respecting cat, he catches a mouse now and then. But one day, he does something much more important.

A samurai warlord seeks shelter under a temple tree during a storm. Tama raises his right paw and welcomes him. The samurai is impressed and comes forward to greet the cat. As he does, the branch of the tree he was standing under is struck by lightning and falls, landing right where the samurai had been just a few seconds before.

It’s a near miss. And, the samurai — intelligent man that he is — recognizes that Tama’s friendliness saved his life. He thanks the cat by repairing the temple and making sure the monk, the worshippers and the cat have everything they need to be comfortable for the rest of their lives.

And, of course, Tama’s actions result in cats like him being linked to good fortune throughout Japan. You’ve probably seen a replica of Tama if you’ve ever visited a restaurant or shop that has a cat figurine with one paw raised displayed on its counter.

And, for the record, I’m not as lazy as the owner of this blog would have you believe. I’d be happy to catch a mouse if I ever saw one inside the house. And if a samurai warlord was stuck in the rain, I’d invite him inside. The right opportunity just hasn’t presented itself yet.

But now, I’ll be ready when it does.

If you’re looking for other reviews of this book, here are three to consider. Of course, I can’t endorse them fully. They are written by humans, after all. But sometimes, a cat just has to work with what’s available.

• Evie Bookish.
• Quixotic Magpie.
• Aelia Reads.

Thanks, Vince!

Editor’s note: You can learn more about illustrator Yoshiko Jaeggi by visiting her website.
You can learn more about author Wendy Henrichs by visiting her website.

Sometimes, it takes just the right book to charm a reluctant reader.

My cat, Vince, has written reviews a time or two for my blog. (You can read his literary observations here and here.)

But lately, he’s been pointedly ignoring all the books in our house, even yawning loudly when I show him options I think he might enjoy.

So when Raj the Bookstore Tiger, a 2011 release from Charlesbridge Press, arrived in the mail, I smiled at the cat on the cover, but didn’t rush to show it to Vince.

But later that day, the following review appeared in my drafts folder. Vince feigned ignorance, but I wasn’t fooled. He’d left paw prints all over the keyboard.

Take it away, Vince …

Some cats have all the luck.

They not only have a nice home and people who give them tuna on demand, they’re also mistaken for jungle cats. I’ve always fancied I resemble a puma. Unfortunately, no one else seems to see it.

This book is about a cat named Raj. And, get this. Everyone at the bookstore he hangs out at thinks he’s a tiger.

So, as you can imagine, he pretty much has the run of the place. He can bask in the front window. He can sit in whoever’s lap he wants at storytime. And, when he stalks through the store, people squeal, “Look at the tiger!”

Then, another cat arrives and spoils Raj’s fun. He’s white, so no one has ever thought he’s a tiger.

Plus, his name is Snowball. Any cat worth his kibble knows Snowball is at the top of the list of mortifying cat names right under “Fluffy” and “Snookums.”

Anyway, Snowball doesn’t think Raj is king of the jungle. He tells him he’s just a regular old kitty with delusions of grandeur. Then, he takes over all of Raj’s favorite bookstore spots.

This sends Raj into hiding. But, fortunately, while he’s under a chair, he hears a famous poem about a tiger. I’ve never met the William Blake guy who wrote it, but it’s obvious he knew something about the respect and reverence cats deserve.

After hearing the poem, Raj gets his cat-titude back and is the center of attention when a visiting author shows a video featuring tigers in the wild. Poor Snowball is scared of the video until Raj shows him a book with pictures of a rare white tiger.

Then, together, they stalk off to rule the bookstore.

After reading this book, I might have to pay more attention to the other books scattered around this place. Maybe I’ll find a photo of a puma that looks like me.

Thanks, Vince! It’s great to have you back on the blog.

Raj the Bookstore Tiger is written by Kathleen T. Pelley and illustrated by Paige Keiser.

You can visit Kathleen’s website. Or, you can see a video of her reading the book.

And, you can see more of Paige’s artwork on this site.

I like cats. And that means I like most books about cats. Especially books about cute cats doing cute cat things.

So, Where to Sleep (Sleeping Bear Press, 2009) by Kandy Radzinski made me smile. It’s a sweet, gentle, beautifully illustrated story about a kitten looking for the perfect place to take a nap. 

I’ve seen my cat sleep in some pretty unusual spots (on top of a computer … on a window ledge with his head hanging off … inside a box) so this kitten’s attempts to sleep in a shoe or in the vegetable patch seem perfectly logical.

Today’s reviewer, Gabby, doesn’t have a cat. But her dog, Pickles, sometimes falls asleep in odd spots. Once, she woke up and he was in bed with her … snoring.

Here’s what Gabby had to say about Where to Sleep.

Reviewer: Gabby

Age: 8

I like to: Jump rope, sing, dance and have fun. Oh, and I love to be wild.

This book was about: A kitten who wanted to sleep somewhere. First, it went by the cow. Then it went to the vegetable patch and by the chickens and a lot of other places before finding the perfect spot.

The best part was when: The kitten imagined chasing the bunnies.

I laughed when: The kitten said all the chickens would do is talk, talk, talk. I talk a lot, too.

I was worried when: The porch swing was full. The kitten’s little face looked so sad.

I was surprised when: The kitten tried to fit into the shoe.

Three words that describe this book are: “Sleep.” “Cat.” “Friend.”

My favorite line from this book is: “All curled up at my best friend’s feet.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The rabbits’ ears in the vegetable patch.

You should read this book because: It gives you lots of ideas for places to sleep if you’re a kitten. If you’re not, you really should sleep in your bed.

Thanks, Gabby!

Kandy Radzinski has written several other books — many of which also include cats. You can learn more about her by visiting her website.