My Cat, Coon Cat

As a girl greets a stray Maine coon cat she finds on her front porch, she poses questions to the cat, while gradually working to befriend it ("Hi cat, coon cat, / Heard you at the door.../ Brought a mouse to our new house?/ Did you live here before?"). In singsong verse, the girl wonders if the cat needs a home, if it's wild or tame, and if it's hungry. After the coon cat naps in the sun, is chased by a dog, and interacts with the girl's small kitten, she brings it inside. As it curls up at bedtime with her and the kitten, she gushes a final welcome: "Tiger Cat, how is that?/ Now you have a name!/ I've never had a friend like you./ I'm so glad you came!" Fuller's (Moon Loon) sleepy narrative is enlivened a bit by Brett's (L Is for Lobster: A Maine Alphabet) large-scale art, which showcases the Maine spring in full bloom and offers close-up images of cats that feline lovers will savor. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)

Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--A girl befriends a Maine coon that seems to have set its sights on her. Like the history of the breed itself, this cat's background is mysterious. Is he a stray or a former occupant of the child's new house? Will he stay? The progression of the relationship is told in rhyming text that leaves little doubt that the cat is moving in, despite the girl's continued questions. The illustrations are full of color and character, capturing with equal charm the bucolic background and the winsome feline. An author's note provides some detail about the breed and its connection to New England, reinforcing what the text and illustrations have already made clear--these are delightful cats that make great companions. The intimate nature of the quiet communication between the girl and the feline lends itself best to sharing one-on-one, although the spreads would show up well in a group setting. Any reader who has ever known the love of a cat will find much to relate to in this cozy book.--Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

As a girl greets a stray Maine coon cat she finds on her front porch, she poses questions to the cat, while gradually working to befriend it ("Hi cat, coon cat, / Heard you at the door.../ Brought a mouse to our new house?/ Did you live here before?"). In singsong verse, the girl wonders if the cat needs a home, if it's wild or tame, and if it's hungry. After the coon cat naps in the sun, is chased by a dog, and interacts with the girl's small kitten, she brings it inside. As it curls up at bedtime with her and the kitten, she gushes a final welcome: "Tiger Cat, how is that?/ Now you have a name!/ I've never had a friend like you./ I'm so glad you came!" Fuller's (Moon Loon) sleepy narrative is enlivened a bit by Brett's (L Is for Lobster: A Maine Alphabet) large-scale art, which showcases the Maine spring in full bloom and offers close-up images of cats that feline lovers will savor. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly Review: September 16, 2011