I'm Not Going to Chase the Cat Today! [Hardcover]

Jessica Harper (Author), Lindsay Harper duPont (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

The dog who chased the cat who chased the mouse who chased the lady...who invites you into the story to see just who is chasing whom today.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Every dog has its dayAand this one's a dilly. Getting up from his nap (taken in a bed in his own fully appointed room), a sportily dressed dog confidently announces, "I don't want to chase the cat today!" That most uncharacteristic statement gets the cat to thinking: "Now that you mention it I don't want to chase the mouse today," she adds, turning a cartwheel. Before long, the mouse is in on the act, vowing not to chase the lady of the house. And "because nobody's chasing nobody today," the whole group celebrates by sharing juice and cake. Making her picture-book debut, actress and children's performer Harper adapts this chipper rhyming ditty from an original song found on her most recent recording, Rhythm in My Shoes. The story is buoyed by a gentle silliness and features an almost-familiar scenario that allows young readers a knowing enjoyment of the fun. DuPont, Harper's sister and also a newcomer to children's books, provides ink-and-watercolor compositions that benefit from long, lean lines and a crisp palette. Her overly anthropomorphic animals and snappy sense of movement across the pages add to the goofy good times. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-A dog wakes up from his nap and suddenly realizes that he doesn't feel like chasing the cat anymore. Scratching his head, he can't figure out "why I ever chased that cat. I must have been nuts, acting crazy like that." When the feline stops to think about her behavior, she, too, realizes she never liked chasing the mouse. The mouse in turn vows to "stop bothering the human race." All are relieved with the truce and they celebrate with a party, complete with a peace sign decorating the cake. The colorful, stylized illustrations convey a sense of newfound freedom: the chic cat in polka-dotted leotards turning cartwheels, the cool dog dancing around the room. The engaging repetition and rhyme of the text begs to be read aloud and a musical version of this story is featured on the author's CD Rhythm in My Shoes (Rounder Records). Perfect for introducing concepts of peace and friendship.
Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; First Edition first Printing edition (May 3, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688176364
• ISBN-13: 978-0688176365
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #896,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jessica Harper



Jessica Harper wears many hats. As an actress she co-starred in Stardust Memories with Woody Allen, Pennies From Heaven with Steve Martin, My Favorite Year with Peter O'Toole, Minority Report with Tom Cruise and cult favorites 'Phantom of the Paradise' and 'Suspiria.' Harper won a Cable Ace Award for best actress in 'It's Garry Shandling's Show,' and her numerous other television appearances include a guest shot on Late Night With David Letterman. Her stage experience ranges from 'Hair' on Broadway to co-starring with Al Pacino in regional theatre.

After she became a mom in 1989, Jessica wrote and produced seven CDs of music for children, which have earned multiple awards and rave reviews from critics in Entertainment Weekly, Parenting, Family Fun, Billboard and others. TV Guide's Parent's Guide stated that 'her lyrics'rank with the best of contemporary children's poetry.' Of Harper's 2002 release, 'Inside Out,' Lynne Heffley of the LA Times said, 'Children's music doesn't get better than this.' People Magazine did a special feature on Harper, her music, and her focus on family.

Not busy enough just being an actress, recording artist , mom, and wife of a busy executive, Jessica became an award-winning author, penning seven picture books in the last decade, including the best-selling 'Nora's Room.' Her most recent book, 'A Place Called Kindergarten' (G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006), received a starred review in Publisher's Weekly and a NAPPA Gold Award. Next on the agenda for Harper is a series of chapter books for young readers. The first, 'Uh-oh, Cleo,' will be published by G.P. Putnam's Sons this spring.

Jessica's charitable work includes a board position at PXE International (www.pxe.org) and weekly mentoring sessions with a teenage girl, under the auspices of WriteGirl (www.writegirl.org).

For lots more information, please visit Jessica's website: www.jessicaharper.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love It!, May 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: I'm Not Going to Chase the Cat Today! (Hardcover)

A great story by Jessica Harper with wonderful pictures by Lindsay DuPont. The illustrations are colorful and have great images of the Dog, Cat and Mouse, while the story is funny and has a nice message for the kids. A perfect gift for a Baby Shower

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm Not Going To Chase The Cat Today!, June 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: I'm Not Going to Chase the Cat Today! (Hardcover)

This cumulative tale is a fantastic read-aloud for young children. The ryhthm of the words is playful and draws the reader in. The illustrations are "old-fashioned" and delightful. The dog decides not to chase the cat; the cat decides not chase the mouse; the mouse decides not to chase the "lady". The ending is charming and ties up everything nicely but I don't want to give everything away! LOVED IT instantly!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A marvelous book when teaching reading, August 8, 2000

By 

Susan Riedner/Erwin Riedner (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I'm Not Going to Chase the Cat Today! (Hardcover)

After reading and thoroughly enjoying the high-spirited book, I'm Not Going to Chase the Cat Today,I began using it as part of my book list to teach English as a second language to 4 to 7 year-old children with whom I work. The book, along with its delightful and humorous illustrations, is a wonderful tool for introducing children to the joys and engery of the American language. The book has many common expressions in it, which are repeated so they can be learned not to mention reinforced by the colorful pages filled with animal and human antics. Word and phrase repetition helps children become comfortable with language - strong illustrations give language life and clarity. My young pupils clearly enjoy the book each time I use it, and ask for it over and over. It provides a story whose actions and attitudes they can understand, with a meaningful and gratifying ending. I'm sure other teachers and parents will find the strengths and delights of this book to their liking, and certainly in line with their children's tastes and emotions.