Ginger [Paperback]

Charlotte Voake (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A perfect tale for cat lovers—and for younger siblings.

Ginger the cat lives a comfortable, well-tended life. But when a pesky kitten moves in, Ginger's days of ease are over. Now it seems he must share his bed and his meals with the intruder forever! What is a pampered cat to do? The award-winning Charlotte Voake knows all about cats and their peculiar ways, as every reader of this dear and funny tale will soon find out.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Ginger has a problem. Having lived the luxurious life of a pampered cat, complete with hand-prepared special meals and his own basket, he's suddenly confronted with a kitten in the house. Ginger watches with utter feline disapproval as the kitten leaps out from behind doors, eats his food, and, in a show of phenomenal gall, climbs into Ginger's beautiful basket. Because the little girl who pampers him makes no signs of taking the frenetic little fur ball away, Ginger has no choice but to leave home. The girl retrieves an angry, cold Ginger from under a bush and sadly concludes that the two cats will never be companions. A delightful surprise ending lets us know that there is hope for these two becoming furry friends after all.

Charlotte Voake tells Ginger's story with the pen, paints, and perspective of a keen cat observer. Both the frantic hijinks of the kitten and the dignified disgust of Ginger are perfectly reflected in Voake's enchanting, comical illustrations. Kids will enjoy hearing the simple, lovely story and taking in the captivating, humorous expressions and body language of the cats. Not only is Ginger the cat's meow (one of the best cat books ever!), it also makes the perfect gift for an older sibling having trouble with the arrival of a new "kitten" in the playroom. (Ages 3 to 7) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

In PW's words, this "affectionate account of pet rivalry is well-observed in its appreciation of feline idiosyncrasies and a sound choice for children dealing with the not-so-idiosyncratic reactions to the arrival of a newborn." Ages 3-7. (May)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (May 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763607886
• ISBN-13: 978-0763607883
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 0.2 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #509,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a cat like mine, November 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Ginger (Hardcover)

Hi, My name is Gabe. I am ten years old. Our family liked your book because we have two cats, named Garfield and Kiki. Garfield looks like Ginger. He was our family cat and Kiki is the new kitten. She bugs Garfield like the kitten bugged Ginger in your book.

We read your book. I love your illustrations. I am an artist too and love cats too. As you said in your story the two cats got along, I hope that happens to our cats too.

We just read your book. Do you have real cats that do the same thing? I would like to write funny stories about cats. We hope to have you email us.

Thank you for writing the book. Maybe I will write a story about my cats when I grow up.

Your book reader, Gabriel

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars But the cat came back the very next day, March 21, 2004

By 

E. R. Bird "Ramseelbird" (Manhattan, NY) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ginger (Board book)

There's a vast range of books you can use to introduce a small child to the concept of having a new little sibling. Some books speak directly to this need, focusing on sibling relations. Others, like "Ginger", tell a story from an entirely different point of view. A distinctly feline one at that.

Ginger is a pampered happy orange tabby. When his normal routines are upset by a new grey kitten, Ginger is incensed. In a fit of pique Ginger leaves home. It is only when the little girl who owns the cats gives each animal his own space (separate food dishes, separate sleeping spaces, etc.) that Ginger and the little grey truly start to get along. The book speaks as much to parents as it does to children. In short, you cannot just throw two people (or animals) together without giving each their own space at first. If the story is charming (and it is, it is), then the illustrations match it perfectly. Voake has a wonderful grasp of cat positions and attitudes. When Ginger is curled up in his cat hamper with one paw placed gently across his eyes, he is both adorable and entirely cat-like. Likewise the kitten's playful attack on Ginger's tail is perfectly drawn. If you're searching for either a good introduction-to-a-new-sibling book or just a cute kitty story, "Ginger" is sure to please either way.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Ginger" is a keeper, October 17, 2001

By 

Ann Byrne (Williamstown, Vic, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ginger (Hardcover)

I was captivated by the illustrations as well as the narration of the simple but engaging story. Charlotte Voake has cat expressions and behaviours down pat! Ginger's look of appalled aggrievement when the kitten clambers, in such perfect kitten style, into his basket, captures feline character perfectly. And the illustration for "The kitten waited for a bit, then he got into Ginger's basket. It wasn't the same without Ginger." is priceless. I bought this book for my godchild but haven't been able to relinquish it! Well, she can have it soon - as long as she keeps it at my house.