Here Comes the Cat! [Library Binding]

Frank Asch (Author), Vladimir Vasilevich Vagin (Author)

Book Description

Cat's arrival causes excitement among residents of a mouse settlement.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Word is out among the mice that the cat is coming. Whether they are frightened or merely excited by the prospect is not clear from the illustrations, but the mice gather in the center of town to await the feline's arrival. Suddenly, a large cat-shaped shadow looms over them, and then the cat appears, pulling a huge wheel of cheese. The mice reward the cat with a bowl of milk and a grooming. This unique book--a collaboration between a Soviet artist and a U.S. writer/illustrator--has a simple text comprised mostly of repetitions of the phrase, "Here comes the cat!" presented in both English and Russian. Vagin's colorful, humorous illustrations include delightful details, but also several misspellings that should have been taken care of in the editing process. Nevertheless, this book turns the universal "cat vs. mouse" theme pleasantly upside down. Ages 3-5.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Author of the Moonbear series, Frank Asch has written in almost every category of children's literature including poetry, concept books, juvenile nonfiction, and children's novels.

Vladimir Vagin is an award-winning illustrator of more than fifty books. Originally from Russia, he moved to the U.S. in 1990.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Trade (February 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590418599
• ISBN-13: 978-0590418591
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,176,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars unique collaboration, June 30, 2002

By 

cal clements (Athens, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Here Comes the Cat! (Paperback)

Here Comes the Cat is an exciting collaboration between an American writer and a Russian illustrator. Both Frank Asch and Vladimir Vagin play their parts distinctively. The story is filled with suspense, exciting action, and a thought-provoking reversal. The mice characters, representing humans of many ethnicities, react to the news of an approaching cat. The words, found in text balloons, repeat the exclamation, "Here comes the cat!" Yet in every case, we find them in both English and Russian. Signs on stores, also in both languages, offer a wider variety of reading opportunities. The book introduces first-grade readers to the concept of translation. All the visual elements of the book, from the calligraphic text to the full-page illustrations, have a strong and authentic Russian style. The art is excellent.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "10-star" childrens' book in English and Russian!, December 8, 2001

By 

Chapulina R (Tovarischi Imports, USA/RUS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Here Comes the Cat! (Library Binding)

A little Mouse, aloft in his balloon, sees an ominous shadow approaching the country of his people! Fleeing homeward, he cries warning to every Mouse he meets: "Here comes the Cat! Ciuda idyot Kot!" Soon the alarm is being passed from one to the other, until the entire Mouse population awaits in dread the arrival of the Cat. What will happen when Mice and Cat come face to face? Something quite unexpected! Significantly, this lovely little book is the creation of two authors, one American and the other Russian. After meeting in 1986 at a Soviet/American childrens' book symposium, they decided to collaborate on a tale with a message of harmonious coexistence. Vladimir Vagin's exquisite, highly-detailed, colorful paintings must be seen to be appreciated. And Frank Asch's story of fear and friendship will warm the hearts of adults and children lucky enough to read "Here Comes the Cat!"

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Launching Point for Discussion, August 7, 2009

By 

Susan Fitzell "Educational Consultant" (Manchester, NH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Here Comes the Cat! (Library Binding)

A cornerstone book in my work with children on bullying, prejudice and conflict resolution. It's a story that was written in a collaboration between an American Author and a Russian Author. The book addresses the issue of perceptions and conditioning very effectively. Great launching point for discussion about prejudice.