Reading List: Jayne’s Cat … okay and one dog Reading List
B Reviews Category / Book Reviewscats / children's fiction / childrens-books / dogs / picture books2 Comments
Catology by Adrian Searle and Oliver Ninnis
Just what is your cat thinking? As it gazes up at you, are those eyes filled with love and admiration or spite and scorn? From the author of the award-winning 101 Uses of a Dead Kindle and If Dogs Could Swear comes a hilarious insight into the twisted, venal, self-serving psychology of our cutest four-legged sociopaths.
Catology is a psychiatrist’s view of your moggy; a brilliant, unforgettable and twisted look at the many bizarre, ridiculous and instantly recognisable scenarios in which cat owners find their beloved pets every day.
Review
I’ve had cats in my life since childhood and dogs for a number of years. Yes, there is a big difference between unconditional canine love and “what’s in it for me” feline tolerance. Yes, cats do have solar panels on their tummies and I’ve experienced one switching to Venus Fly-trap mode when I’ve annoyed them by touching it. Yes, if they had opposable thumbs we wouldn’t be having this debate. I think cat lovers will be able to see the humor in this (quite) darker view of how cats see us and our place in their world. Dog lovers will probably feel vindicated. B
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Disappearing Desmond by Anna Alter
Desmond likes to disappear, blend into the background, and hide in the cleverest of places. But when a new student named Gloria arrives at his school, Desmond finds himself noticed for the first time. Can Gloria help Desmond get used to the life in the spotlight?
Anna Alter’s charming story is an original and reassuring take on overcoming shyness.
Review
I have a Desmond who skedaddles the moment someone enters my home. I know exactly what piece of furniture he’ll be under until the coast is clear. If only I could figure out some way to convince him that no one is out to get him … Well here Desmond the shy cat is slowly coaxed out by a new friend. Have fun finding Desmond in each picture. B
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Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats by Alicia Potter
A tale with many tails, perfect for cat lovers everywhere!
Miss Hazeltine is opening a very special school for shy and fearful cats. They come from all over, and Miss Hazeltine gives them lessons in everything, from “Bird Basics” to “How Not to Fear the Broom.”
The most timid of all is Crumb. He cowers in a corner. Miss Hazeltine doesn’t mind. But when she gets in trouble and only Crumb knows where she is, will he find his inner courage and lead a daring rescue?
Filled with adorable illustrations and ideal for fans of Disappearing Desmond and The Invisible Boy, Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats is a story that’s perfect for shy and fearful children as it both helps them face scary situations and accepts them just as they are.
Review
And behold, this might be a way for me to help my shy kitty overcome his fear of, well, just about everybody except me. Crumb is scared of everyone and everything – maybe even of himself! But he discovers his inner strength and saves the day. I love the illustrations of this one. B+
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The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read by Curtis Manley
It’s not easy to teach a cat to read, but one boy tries to anyway in this sweet and silly picture book debut that captures the challenges and rewards of learning to read.
Nick loves to read books—and he loves to play with his cats, Verne and Stevenson. So naturally Nick decides it’s a great idea to teach his cats to read. But Verne and Stevenson don’t appreciate when Nick wakes them up with a flashcard that says NAP. Nick finally piques Verne’s interest with words like MOUSE and FISH. But not Stevenson’s. While Nick and Verne go to the library, Stevenson hides under the porch. Will Nick ever find a way to share his love of reading with his feline friends?
Review
Verne and Stevenson are cool cats. But while Verne quickly takes to reading and borrowing books from the library, Stevenson isn’t so easily interested. It takes Nick a while to discover what makes Stevenson’s reading motor purr but with a little effort, he’s got both cats hooked on reading. Now … can he teach them to talk? Nah, probably not. B
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Dreaming of Mocha by An Swerts
Florence wants a dog. It doesn’t matter what kind of dog. Just any dog. To take care of, and to pet. To run with, and to play with. If she gets a dog, she will NEVER whine again and she’ll always be good. That’s what she promised Mom.
One day there’s a little dog in Florence’s garden. He came out of nowhere.
“Mocha” it says on his collar. Mocha and Florence become the best of friends.
But then Mocha’s owner is suddenly at the door. And he is a very nice man.
What will Florence do now?An endearing picture book about loving animals and loving people.
Review
I’ve had four dogs over the years and all of them came to me second hand when I was already an adult so I can’t quite put myself in Florence’s shoes but I do know that dogs have enough love for the whole world and are more than willing to share it. B
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I confess that I still buy/read children’s books. In fact, I bought several picture books last week for both the stories and the artwork. I think several of these may also go in the cart. And I just bought Catology–altho I may need to go into it with a bit of the “I don’t care if you think my cat is a jerk” attitude from the sound of it.
@Susan: I adore children’s books which is why I review so many of them here and yes, the cat cartoons in “Catology” are definitely “it’s all about me.” >^-^<