Here Comes the Cat (Hbc341) [Hardcover]

Vladimir Vagin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Hbc341 | Publication Date: June 1990

In 1986, two artists—one Russian, one American—joined forces, against the odds, to tell a brand new kind of picture story.

In Here Comes the Cat!, a single mouse runs around shouting "HERE COMES THE CAT!" again and again—in both English and Russian—until everybody he knows is worried sick. Just when the tension can't get any tenser, the cat arrives… with a giant wheel of cheese! A big party breaks out and everyone—the reader included—laughs a huge laugh of relief.

Funny, whip-smart, and illustrated in mesmerizing detail, Here Comes the Cat! is a parable about fear, more relevant than ever, that follows in the great tradition of Chicken Little. McSweeney's proudly presents this deluxe new edition, complete with a fold-out dust-jacket, on the 25th anniversary of the book's conception.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This unique Soviet/U.S. collaboration, in PW 's words, features "colorful, humorous illustrations that include delightful details" and "turns the universal 'cat vs. mouse' theme pleasantly upside down." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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 an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Weston Woods; Bk&Cassett edition (June 1990)
• ISBN-10: 9991955267
• ISBN-13: 978-9991955261
• Product Dimensions: 12.8 x 11.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,491,264 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

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.