I hope no one is allergic to cats – but even if you are….grab a kleenex and enjoy this wonderful little book. You’ll probably have to grab it at the library – but you will enjoy the wonderful illustrations.
Title: Cats Know Best
Author: Colin Eisler
Illustrator: Leslie Anne Ivory
Publisher: Dial Books, 1988
Genre: Fiction
Audience Age: 2-8
Themes/Topics: Cats
Opening Sentences: Cats know the best places to be. Where to stay warm…or keep cool.
Synopsis: A simple story of the sometimes silly, lazy, indifferent behavior of cats and their day complemented with beautiful illustrations.
Why I like it: At only 103 words, it is a lovely, quick read that leaves you with a cozy feeling. The illustrations are gorgeous. Ms Ivory loves cats and you can tell. I’m sure I hear purring every time I read it. The backgrounds vary from quilts and rugs and trees and barnyards to indoor parlors and china teacups to outdoor kittens and snowflakes. Each page invites paying attention to details. On the quilt page for instance my grandgirls have to find the hidden pictures in the quilt. My grandchildren know this is a special Grandma’s book and they like to ask for it. They enjoy tracking and finding all the little kittens and their particular favorite cat. They range from tuxedo cats, to tabbys, longhair, to Siamese. There are kittens in dresser drawers and cats in the barn. The cats on the inside covers beg to be counted each time. And if you want to know all the names of the cats, those are listed under the author’s thank yous.
Activities/Resources: Catly activities of course. Here is a link to cat crafts, cat games, cat math, cat science and even cat treats!
Availability: This is an older book but well worth seeking out at your library or used book store. Some used (inexpensive paperback)and new (pricey) copies are available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
(Susanna Leonard Hill is the originator of PPBF and you can find all the other PPB recommendations and links on her blog.)
Enjoy the read!
Laura (Grandmamiller)
PURRFECT!
😛
Love cats and have seen this one in the library. Perfect choice!
Thanks for stopping Diane!
I’m not a big fan of real-life cats, but I’m fine with book-cats, and this sounds like a fine book! 😀
Glad to hear, Erik, and the illustrations are meownificent!
We have two Ragdoll cats at home. . .they are quite the characters! We always have a story to tell about Cosette and Luciano, and they keep us laughing. You’ve heard the saying, I suppose: “Dogs have masters, cats have staff.”
Jarm, I love your cats’ names…are you an opera fan by chance?
My kids say, “Cats make Mommy go ah ah ah choo!” Still, my sis has cats, and my niece loves them. She would probably adore this book. Thanks, Laura!
Sorry to hear of your allergies. This at least would be a safe way to enjoy them.
Must show this to my daughter, who just got a cat! She would enjoy it! Thank you Laura for a lovely share.
Yes, I’m sure your daughter would be delighted. Thanks for stopping by Patricia.
This book looks lovely, Laura! I love that it’s so sparse on text and that there’s so much to look for in the illustration – such a purrfect combination for the little ones 🙂 As you know, I have dogs (my husband is allergic to cats) but I grew up with cats and love them, so I’m glad to have such a pretty cat book added to our list!
Thanks, Susanna. When I met my hubby I owned 2 cats. He said he was allergic to cats…apparently he got over it….it’s 31 years later and we still own a cat. 😛
This one looks pretty kid friendly – even though I’m not sure about that title! I like Ms Ivory’s artwork. We have some books – cat books – with her illustrations. Thanks for sharing! Especially the cat treats!
Thanks, Rhythm. I’ve already heard from my chocolate lab that I need to give equal time to your species. 😉