The Upstairs Cat [Hardcover]

Howard Fine (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 1997 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

This rhyming tale about two perpetually warring cats living under the same roof delivers a message of simple truth about the futility of fighting. The lively text is complemented by animated, action-packed oil paintings.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2. "Let's begin with the facts./The facts are that/there's an upstairs cat/and a downstairs cat." So begins this story in rhyme about two fussy felines. With admirable brevity, the war between them is described and the conclusion reached: "And nothing is dumber than war./Is that clear?" Kuskin obviously knows her subjects well, as does Fine, who matches the author's true-to-life description of their fights with wonderful "cat's-eye view" pastel illustrations. His inventive manipulation of perspective accompanies the creatures as they leap incessantly from upstairs to downstairs. The front and back cover illustrations are particularly effective as viewers' eyes move from the large downstairs cat in the foreground, to the second story of the house where the upstairs cat sits on the windowsill. Although the text is deceptively simple, its underlying message of the futility of conflict is well established. Useful as an amusing read-aloud as well as for its underlying lesson.?Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

This appealing verse story about an upstairs cat and a downstairs cat concerns their unending war "that neither is winning." One cat is "older and meaner," the other "younger and leaner," and they fight whenever their paths cross, usually in the middle of the stairs. This battle continues week after week, year after year, until the fed-up author declares that "nothing is dumber than war. Is that clear?" It most certainly is, and the deceptively simple text may lead to interesting family or schoolroom discussions. Despite its earnest message, the book is fun, both to look at and hear. A 1998 Parents' Choice® Silver Honor.

Reviewed by Selma G. Lanes, Parents' Choice® 1998 -- From Parents' Choice®

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (October 20, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395701465
• ISBN-13: 978-0395701461
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,762,881 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Cats, November 15, 2007

By 

A. D. Cox (northern PA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Upstairs Cat (Hardcover)

Great book for any cat lover

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"