The Cat Barked [Mass Market Paperback]

Lydia Monks (Author), Claire Harvey (Designer)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 19, 2001 | Age Level: 3 and up

A charming carrot-colored cat wants to walk on the wild side -- as a dog. But do dogs really have the upper paw? This confused kitty thinks so, at least until her helpful owner proves that life as a feline really is the cat's pajamas. Lydia Monks' bouncy rhymes and inventive collage illustrations are purr-fect for young pups and kittens.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Pure fun all the way," said PW in a starred review of this tale about a cat longing for the canine life. Ages 3-7. (Mar.)
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-A bright-orange tabby feels that dogs have all the fun and yearns to be one (especially, it seems, a small black terrier). A wide-eyed, red-haired girl reminds her pet that dogs have to do all sorts of silly stunts such as roll over and fetch sticks, while cats do wonderful things like nap and climb trees. A simple message of self-acceptance is subtly presented in the short, rhymed narrative. Early readers will be able to manage most of the easy text, and will also be challenged by some new words. Monks brings humor and character to the animals in her stylish paint-and-collage illustrations. The pictures utilize lively and saturated colors, with vibrant backgrounds of green, pink, yellow, and lilac. Some of the illustrations are full of details, while others feature large, double-page close-ups of the characters. The endpapers are decorated with different dog breeds in the front and a variety of cats in the back. A pedigree choice for animal lovers and for storytime sharing.
Angela J. Reynolds, West Slope Community Library, Portland, OR
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (March 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140567674
• ISBN-13: 978-0140567670
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,807,855 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Monk's cool collages are a stand-out, April 28, 2000

By 

Nancy Parry McCluer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cat Barked? (Hardcover)

Have you ever wished you were something you're not? You know, wished for curly hair when yours is straight, or visa versa--the old "the grass is always greener" problem. That's the situation that a little orange striped cat finds herself in "The Cat Barked."

"Dogs have all the fun!" proclaims the envious puss, as she details the reasons why: dogs go to the park, dogs catch crooks and they're always the heroes in movies and books.

"Silly old cat," exclaims the mop-headed little girl who owns her, as she points out that there is a downside to dogs and an upside to cats.

The rhyming text does a good job of capturing the futility and folly of coveting your neighbor's bark. But what really stand out are the cool collages by Monks, a fine arts major at England's Kingston University. She uses a combination of paint, pencil, fabric and photos from magazines to concoct her personable canines and felines. Another unique artistic style that budding artists will be itching to emulate.

5.0 out of 5 stars dogs and cats both are good, August 18, 2005

By 

Heather Wunderlich "art mom" (SLC UT) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Cat Barked (Mass Market Paperback)

I really liked this book because it shows children the many dimensions of their pets, be it cats or dogs. The illustrations are great and the quality of rhyming verse is wonderful to read allowed. These animals have personality! The book is charming and funny.

4.0 out of 5 stars The Cat Barked?, May 28, 2002

By 

Kelly Richbourg (Clemson, S.C) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cat Barked? (Hardcover)

At some point in our lives, we all wish to be someone else. The Cat Barked? is a wonderful book of a loving cat that desperately wants to be a dog. Throughout the book, readers learn how much fun it is to be a dog. When the cats owner informs her that dogs have to do endless tricks, stay on leashes, and many more unpleasant things, she begins to think twice. In the end, she decides that being a cat might not be too bad.