Pandora [Hardcover]

William Mayne (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Illustrated in full color. Here is a captivating picture book for cat lovers of all ages--told from a feline point of view.  Pandora, a beautiful black cat, has lived contentedly in a cozy house with a man and woman who cherish her. One day they bring a baby home, and Pandora begins to feel both unloved and unwanted.  She runs away in a huff and learns how to fend for herself in the wild.  But when she gives birth to two kittens of her own, Pandora begins to understand why her humans were so protective of their new baby.  When her kittens are strong enough, Pandora leads them back home, where they all live together as one happy human and cat family.  This tender story of tolerance will especially appeal to children who have to accept a new baby into the family.  

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K?Pandora is a beloved black cat that lives happily with a man and woman. Life is perfect until something comes into the house wrapped in a blanket and shawl, smelling of milk. With the arrival of "It," the new parents have no more time for Pandora. She gets in their way, and they banish her to the shed. Feeling completely rejected, she leaves to make a life in the wild. One night, she herself becomes a mother. The love she feels for her two kittens helps her to understand the humans' preoccupation with their baby. She forgives them and returns home with her kittens. The couple greet her with great joy, realizing that they had treated her badly. Mayne tells this warm story from the feline's point of view. In pithy, lilting sentences, he captures cat-talk perfectly. Throughout the book, he retains Pandora's essential catness?her dignity and independence. The detailed paintings add another dimension to the text by setting the story in a European house and countryside. Some of the full-page spreads and smaller pictures are almost portraits, especially the one of Pandora in deep grass. (One does grow a bit apprehensive about the baby, placed precariously on the edge of the couch). A delightful book to share with children and cat lovers alike.?Virginia Golodetz, St. Michael's College, Winooski, VT
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 4^-8. The perennial subject of sibling rivalry is explored here from the perspective of a black cat. Pandora has a cozy home as the center of her people's attention, but when a baby arrives, she is rudely demoted to the shed. Proud Pandora runs away to the wild wood for a life of independence. However, after having kittens, she understands the love that people have for their children. She returns home to a warm welcome. The beautifully detailed paintings in clear, deep colors have a pensive warmth. The graceful text sways with an occasional rhythm and rhyme and is satisfying to read aloud. Kids will commiserate with Pandora's dilemma and be pleased by both her independence and happy homecoming. Leone McDermott

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (May 7, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679841830
• ISBN-13: 978-0679841838
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,673,613 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated and thoughfully written, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Pandora (Hardcover)

William Mayne has written a touching and thoughtful book about a cat and its human attachments. The illustrations by Dietlind Blech compliment the story perfectly.