Never Let Your Cat Make Lunch for You [Hardcover]

Lee Harris (Author), Debbie Tilley (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2004 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Pebbles the cat is great at cooking breakfast, but a disaster when it comes to fixing lunch.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Pebbles the cat is an excellent breakfast chef, contends the girl narrator of this comical word-to-the-wise. "Sometimes there's cat hair in my eggs," she admits, as her fuzzy feline gives her an apologetic look. On the other hand, Pebbles makes great oatmeal (she "loves putting milk in things"), and muffin-baking affords her a chance to nap next to a warm oven. Trouble is, even gourmet cats misunderstand human palates; Pebbles thoughtfully sneaks an anchovy into a homemade peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich. First-time author Harris makes the most of a one-joke premise by celebrating Pebbles's improvisational ability ("She had to use her paws to spread the peanut butter and jelly because she can't hold a knife"). The slim plot gets a boost from Tilley (Riddle-icious), who envisions the narrator writing this mini-manifesto in her diary. In the antic watercolor illustrations, plump Pebbles exudes grandmotherly warmth with her frizz of staticky golden fur and her ruffled, heart-covered apron. Yet readers are bound to heed the title's earnest advice. Ages 4-7. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

PreSchool-K-Pebbles the cat makes breakfasts that are all right, like scrambled eggs and bacon, muffins, or oatmeal. (The eggs in the three full-page illustrations are actually fried.) However, lunches are a problem, for the cat thinks mouse sandwiches or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with an anchovy are tasty treats, and none of the child's friends will take a chance and trade with her. That's why the youngster warns readers, "Never let your cat make lunch for you." Young listeners may find this premise amusing, but the story is slight. The pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons are more successful. They convey the funniest aspects of the book, such as the cat's obvious enthusiasm for preparing meals, such as spreading peanut butter with her paws. Another amusing picture is the cat eyeing her masterpiece, the mouse sandwich. A nonessential bit of fluff.
Anne Parker, Milton Public Library, MA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Tricycle Press (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883672805
• ISBN-13: 978-1883672805
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #772,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the funniest books about cats I've ever read!, November 1, 1999

By 

Beth Mitchum ([e-mail]) (Seattle, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Never Let Your Cat Make Lunch for You (Hardcover)

Lee Harris has struck gold with his charming feline friend, Pebbles. His book is a must-read for all cat lovers and a must-buy gift for those of you who have to put up with us. Never Let Your Cat Make Lunch for You is a short tale/tail about how the very talented and creative cat, Pebbles, comes up with great breakfasts for her friend and caretaker, a little girl. While these breakfasts are fun and nourishing for both cat and child, the child sternly warns you against ever letting your cat make lunch for you. She knows from experience that what sounds like a yummy sandwich for a cat, may not be so yummy for humans. Then again, maybe you'll like Pebbles' ideas for lunch. You never know until you try them.

Hand in hand with Lee's marvelous story is the artwork of Debbie Tilley. Tilley has masterfully captured the expressions of a thinking, creative, and somewhat wily little feline. Pebbles comes to life in full color illustrations.

While this book is theoretically a children's book--and yes, children will love it--it is also a book for cat lovers of any age.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Snappy, Colorful & Fun, November 24, 1999

By 

Doris (Washington State) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Never Let Your Cat Make Lunch for You (Hardcover)

This quick reading, colorful, fun book is an ideal "sit on my lap while grandma reads to you" kind of story. Even the tiny tots love it. It's simplicity & humor are great for any child. Would recomend it as a read along or "I can read by myself" book. Hats off to the author. Hopefully this will be the beginning of many more !

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Imaginative and entertaining, April 10, 2000

By 

Ruth Henson (London, Kentucky) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Never Let Your Cat Make Lunch for You (Hardcover)

I loved this book! I read this during my night class and I couldn't help but laugh. It is very funny yet simple. I am not an animal lover but I liked this cat. Children will love the idea of a cat making their lunch. The illustrations are great and really go with the story. Great book!