When Peter unwillingly visits a bookstore with his mother to select a book for a school assignment, Silas the bookstore cat plays an important role in helping him discover that reading can be as enjoyable as playing soccer.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
``There are all sorts of cats just as there are all sorts of people,'' begins this well-intentioned collaboration-just as, of course, there are all sorts of picture books. And this one, it appears, is of the insipid variety. Despite the presence of a very cat-like-and rather endearing-title character, Mather's story quickly becomes obvious and heavy-handed. Peter, a boy with a strong aversion to reading, is so thoroughly rehabilitated by an encounter with the eponoymous ``bookstore cat'' that he promises to return to the store and read to the winsome white feline. Peter's mother, meanwhile, is saddled with lines like ``Reading is a gift, but not one that can be given all at once.'' Like the text, Van Dusen's artwork, in dingy shades of browns and muddy yellows, never rises above the serviceable. Ages 7-12.
Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Gr 1-3--Peter doesn't like to read, but his fascination with a bookstore cat leads him to discover a book that interests him. The feline is not overly anthropomorphized in either text or pictures. The author takes only a small literary liberty in presenting the creature's thoughts and feelings, while its duties, e.g., sitting on the newly delivered newspapers or keeping the cellar clean of mice, are ones any cat might enjoy. There is more text than in many picture books, yet it is clearly displayed on a clean white background and is interspersed with full-color pictures that range from full page to small spots. In contrast to Silas, who is portrayed realistically yet simply, the pictures of the human characters are less successful. Their faces are cartoonish with exaggerated expressions. Also, Peter's mother's lecture on learning to read is a little heavy handed. The didactic message may not reform any reluctant readers, but most children will be as interested in Silas as Peter is.
Karen James, Louisville Free Public Library, KY
Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Book,
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Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Silas: The Bookstore Cat (Hardcover)
I felt it was a little heavy handed on getting kids to read. It's a great message. It's just that kids don't want to be preached to, but I do think it's a good book and great for the child who loves animals and especially cats.
Author of "Hobo Finds A Home"
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A great gift for a cat lover,
By Adam Travis (Saugus, MA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Silas: The Bookstore Cat (Hardcover)
This book tells the story of a cat, who lives in a bookstore, and is able to help a young boy. The story is cute and charming. It makes a great gift for a child who loves cats.
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