Purr: Children's Book Illustrators Brag About Their Cats [Library Binding]

Michael J. Rosen (Author, Editor)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

Forty-three children's book illustrators celebrate the lovable, enigmatic, and mischievous cat, in a collection of stories that includes the writings of such artists as Lane Smith, Edward Gorey, Audrey Wood, Janell Cannon, and Peter Sis.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 5?Pause a moment to enjoy this potpourri of cat tales, poems, anecdotes, fantasies, and artwork. Similar in format and design to Rosen's Speak! (Harcourt, 1993), this title features 43 children's book illustrators, each of whom takes a page to showcase their widely different talents and relate their favorite feline encounters. The result is a book that's varied in style and tone. Janell Cannon's cat Vincent "works as an excellent thermometer." Victoria Chess can't speak of her current pets without remembering those who preceded them: "They overlap like the seasons." Vladimir Radunsky introduces Fedora, who perches contentedly on a bald man's head. Nancy Willard writes an ode to her six-toed cat, Thumbs, and Robert Sabuda falls victim to Tammy and Reba's need for "The Perpetual Nap." Ranging from the heroic to the humorous, these vignettes will appeal to feline fanatics young and old. Animal lovers will also like to know that profits from this book support animal welfare agencies throughout the country.?Joy Fleishhacker, New York Public Library
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 7 and up. Although a dog owner himself, editor, illustrator, and animal lover Rosen sees no conflict in championing cats, as he and 40 plus illustrators do in this companion to Speak! (1993), a brag book about dogs. There are a few memorable snippets of text, among them a nice poem by Nancy Willard, but, as in the previous book, the text is simple and rather nostalgic, consisting mostly of plain-spoken tributes to beloved felines. It's the art that grabs attention, and the oversize format allows plenty of room for expression. There are large, full-color paintings, black-and-white thumbnail sketches, and even cartoon strips--all devoted to feline posturings and posings, moods and habits. The pictures, by such luminaries as Janet Stevens, Steven Kellogg, Audrey Wood, and Diane Stanley, will certainly attract the picture-book set and middle-graders, but it will likely be adult cat fanciers (and art students) who appreciate the book most. Profits go to The Company of Animals, an organization that offers grants to animal welfare agencies. Stephanie Zvirin

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Library Binding: 42 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books (J); 1st edition (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152008373
• ISBN-13: 978-0152008376
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,476,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cat lovers - you need this book!!, March 2, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Purr: Children's Book Illustrators Brag About Their Cats (Library Binding)

As a dyed in the wool cat lover AND a children's librarian I knew that I needed this book even before I actually saw it. I have not been disappointed. Cats are wonderful, complex creatures and these children's book illustrators have provided a delightfully wide range of viewpoints. From the cat who during WWII miraculously brought home a steak to its owner, to the mama cat who had her kittens in the closet among dad's shoes (kittens were appropriately named Etonic, Reebok, Nike, Converse, and Adidas), to Tuxedo the cat who had his own birthday party (the guests were a beagle, a kitten, a rabbit, a goldfish, and a parakeet!), this book is chock full of wonderful anecdotes of cats loved and remembered and terrific illustrations to accompany them. The fact that each illustrator has a different voice and artistic style only serves to make the book even more enjoyable. Note also the bonus that the fees, royalties and part of the profits from the book go to help animals in need. (Additional side note: If you're into dogs, check out the companion volume, Speak also edited by Mr. Rosen.