Customer Reviews

Black Cat

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

We checked this book out at the library for my 2 year old son who loves cats and at first read, I was blown away by the incredible artwork and the jazzy text. Although the book is intended for slightly older kids, my son enjoyed it the more we read it and loves to point out where the cat is in each picture. I really appreciated the way that my son is able to see another way of life in America, that is the "urban life," and to see it through the positive lense of this lovable cat. We need more authors to celebrate and make positive the experience of kids growing up in the city which also helps suburban kids (and parents) to see another way of life. Isn't that what Sesame Street was all about? GET this book, it's truly an excellent piece of children's literature!

I first saw this book when I was visiting the Art Institute of Chicago where it was being featured. The entire book is visually intriguing! I've never seen a book quite like it. Although the book is classified as a children's book, I think that anyone would enjoy it. Myers' book is a poem that takes you through Brooklyn by following a seemingly mysterious cat accompanied by wonderful and colorful collages. The book has become a favorite of mine, so I would strongly recommend it!

I found this book on clearance at a local teacher's store; when I picked it up and skimmed it, I was blown away by the unique illustrations and the beautiful poem. As a teacher I absolutely believe this book is appropriate for all audiences, all ages, anywhere-- Just as the front cover states, "Black Cat's rhythmic poetry and bold collage art will stimulate readers of all ages to explore their own feelings about identity, beauty, and home." This is not a book exclusively for "advanced readers" or "older readers"; this book will attract even the younger reader's attention. Stories of identity, beauty, and home are universal and even applicable to "middle America".

This coffee table book is vibrant and dark at the same time, wonderful poetry splashed across urban images... Really happy I bought it!

After my first grader checked this out from the school library for the fourth time I decided we should buy it. The first time I read this book I liked it but did not really love it. As I have read it over and over you realize how sophisticated and catchy the words are. Very unique way of putting words and ideas together; they mix well with the unique illustrations. I think some of the words are geared for older children but my preschooler enjoys it and I think there i something for all ages. As a comment to another reviewer who rated it poorly: we are from the Midwest as well and I think this book is great no matter the region of the country you are from. It is a way to expose those of us in farm country to "big city" terms. In summary, this is a smart and cleverly written book; do understand it is unique but that is what I love. I wish publishers would stop printing the same formula cardboard cut out books and more like this one. I highly recommend it.

This book follows a black cat on his way throughout a city. The book is dedicated to all children of the city. The format is appealing and interesting, especially the artwork which was created by using pastels and collage techniques over actual photographs of Harlem and Brooklyn, New York. The text is a poem that describes the cat's journey. So many books today are set in a middle-class neighborhood; this one shows images of more diverse settings that are most likely from a lower socio-economic class. Some slang words are used as well. For instance, "tag" is a term for graffiti gang symbols, and "projects" when speaking of housing projects and "bodega" are all words that appear.

The words and images of the book may appeal to some, but could leave others wondering. Children, and teachers, who have never lived in the city, may not be familiar with housing projects or playground cages. The book may help others to understand how city-life is different, but at the same time, it may drive a wedge between them. I did not see how this book would help people to integrate these societies in any way. If anything, it just showed what the differences between urban and rural or suburban living are without attempting to show any similarities between the areas.

Why 3 stars?:
The illustrations were interesting and the poem well written. However, this book, when compared with other children's literature on the market, simply does not stand up to its competition. It has a target audience and I don't feel that it would really apply to students who were not in an inner-city school. Therefore it loses appeal for me as a teacher.

The art and poetic phrases are magic to an adult. It's a lovely book and the art is moving. The poetic phrases captivate the mature mind.

Unfortunately, this book is a bit of a "tweener." It's art and words are best suited to a more mature audience (9-adult), but it's format and theme is for smaller children.

The topic is decidedly urban--the photos were taken in Brooklyn and Harlem. Thus, I'd recommend this book more to inner city kids--kids who live in an environment with grafitti and chainlink fences, concrete and brownstone. I might also recommend this book for older kids who are slow-readers.

In short, the book generally misses its mark, but I enjoyed it for myself.

Many of the words and ideas much too old for a third grader from the midwestern area of the United States. I would call this a poor book for all but the most advanced. The pictures are nice.