Customer Reviews

The Cat Who Came for Tacos

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Cat Who Came for Tacos is great. My grandkids never get tired of hearing it. And I never get tired of reading it. I love the book's message of tolerance. The book is a warm, humorous way to show that non-human animals have their own way of seeing the world, and that people should try to understand and respect those differences.

Cat lovers, teachers, grandparents, parents and children can all delight in this charming story and opportunity for reviewing manners. It does not talk down to kids at all, which is always refreshing. I read this book to my granddaughter's kindergarten class and the kids loved it. As did their teachers when the kids showed how much they loved showing off their freshly discussed and practiced "impeccable" manners during refreshment time. It was heartwarming to watch those little ones use every "please" and "thank you" and helpful gesture they knew. The children who were new to manners were quick studies and seemed to thrive on "fitting in" and being recognized as a good cooperator and friend!!! The adults enjoyed the book too.
I can see using this book with all elementary levels for reviewing and teaching how to welcome newcomers and use respectful communication skills as well.

Diana Star Helmer, The Cat Who Came for Tacos (Albert Whitman and Co., 2003)

TACOS is an enjoyable tale of a stray that comes to stay. Flynn the cat is welcomed but encounters the house rules that he is required to obey. Flynn puts on a winning performance of his best behavior and as a result he captures the hearts of his new family. It is a delightful child's book, wonderfully illustrated, flavored with a splash of salsa, that will leave you purring with contentment.

Diana Star Helmer, The Cat Who Came for Tacos (Albert Whitman and Co., 2003)

I read this one a few nights ago, and it's taken me some time mulling it over to really get it. Now, this may seem like an odd thing to say when you're talking about a book aimed at the preschool market. But it presents itself as a cute story that'll teach your kid a little Spanish. Which is all well and good, and on the surface, that's what you get. The story, however, has a lot to say about kids' testing of boundaries. While the solutions to be found are a bit on the simplistic side (rare is the child who will do something, with no trouble, after being asked to do it once), it certainly does seem like the kind of thing you want to impart to your children early.

I liked it at first, but a few days' reflection has given me a deeper appreciation for it. This one should be on your kid's bookshelf. *** ½

Diana has done a wonderful job of writing about the cat and how he began to fit into the culture of the family-- and how he can still be a cat too! Great introduction to small children for learning a bit of Spanish also!

HOLA!
This beautifully illustrated storybook with a hurry-and-turn-the-page plot will have children begging, "Dad, read it again, please. Mom, please read it one more time."

Take heart, Mom and Dad. No adult boredom here! You'll love the story as much as the kids and you'll discover new and fresh insights on each re-reading.

"Muy bien." This warm story entertains and delights as it cretes a world that will help all children feel at home with each other.

HOLA!

This is a delightful, sweet story about a cat, who is asked to learn the manners of the house. The illustrations are colorful and an essential part of the story. Especially good for those who have a fondness for cats and their independent ways.