Koko's Kitten (Reading Rainbow Book) (Paperback)

~ Dr. Francine Patterson (Author), Ronald H. Cohn (Photographer)
Key Phrases: toy cat, new kitten

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In The Education of Koko, an adult title, Patterson described her successful career as a teacher and caretaker of a female gorilla, Koko. Since 1972, the author and Koko have been communicating in sign language, mostly on subjects important to the big, surprisingly gentle animal. Before Koko's 12th birthday, she signed that she wanted "Cereal there. Good there drink. Cat." Later she repeated, "Cat. Cat. Cat." So Patterson brought a kitten to visit; Koko named him All Ball (he had no tail) and mothered the mite with the love visible in Cohn's wonderful color photos. They show vividly the humanlike relationship developing between the huge gorilla and her tiny baby. When All Ball is killed by a car and Koko signs "Cry, sad, frown," and weeps, we know why the author cries too. It's gratifying to report that, in time, Koko expressed "Good. Nice." Her new kitten had come to stay.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4 The cover photo alone is all that is needed to "sell" this bookthe smallest, most delicate of kitten profiles in the massively careful embrace of a glistening gorilla, whose bare-knuckled fist is four times the size of the diminutive feline's head, and whose face radiates tenderness. Koko is one of a number of great apes in various experimental communication programs and is remarkably conversant in American Sign Language, used by hundreds of thousands of hearing-impaired people. With her linguistic skill, she asked for, and finally received, the small, tailless tabby kitten she promptly named All Ball. This brief, moving book records Koko's relationship with her pet. All Ball was groomed, played with, cuddled and loved, and never once showed fear of her large foster-mother, outlandish though she might seem to feline eyes. The growing relationship was cut horribly short by All Ball's death beneath the wheels of a car, and Koko's grief is dramatically recorded on film. Fortunately, Koko was given the opportunity to have another kitten, and chose a second tailless Manx. In a happy new beginning, she is shown cuddling "Lipstick." In beautiful color photos, and a brief accompanying text, Patterson and Cohn let readers see beneath the glossy fur, the heavy brows and the animal shape to the gentle mind that wanted something to love and be loved by. An empathy-building book of high degree. Patricia Manning, Eastchester Public Library, N.Y.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic (June 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590444255
• ISBN-13: 978-0590444255
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #134,826 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True-life story interweaving animals and sign language, November 19, 1999

By	Bill and Sheryl Savage (Wichita, KS) - See all my reviews

This is the heart-warming, true-life story of a signing gorilla, Koko, and her life with researcher, Francine Patterson, and pet kitten, All Ball. The narrative contains interesting insights into gorilla mentality, emotions, and human-like qualities and abilities. Because Koko uses sign language, the story is a good one to read during Deaf Awareness Week to your elementary class or your own children. Note that the video by the same name, if available, plucks the heart-strings a little more in showing footage of Koko's interaction with her beloved Ball, grief after Ball's tragic accident, and Koko's introduction to her new kitten.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking and beautiful, October 22, 2005

By	pink_puff (NYC) - See all my reviews

As a 2nd grade teacher, I am very concerned about my students developing empathy for animals and other humans. We have talked at length about feelings and respect for animals and people and I thought Koko would be a wonderful way to develop the discussion further. However, when I sat down to read the book for the first, second, and third times, I bawled like I have not cried in a long time! This touching, real-life story of Koko the gorilla and her cat All Ball struck a nerve in me not only for the grief Koko experienced when her cat died, but for the realization that we are not alone on this earth - we are not unique in our ability to love, empathize, and care for one another. What makes us unique is the responsibility we have to ensure the survival and happiness of all living creatures. I have not decided if I will read this book to my class, because I am not sure I'll get through it without crying, but I think this powerful little book belongs in every school library. The lessons to be learned through Koko's experience as a caring, feeling, sentient being are valuable for readers of all ages.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming, heartwarming book, January 28, 2002

By A Customer

I loved this book as a child, and now, as a first year teacher, i plan to use this book in my classroom. The book is informative and sweet, and the pictures are adorable.