Cat Got a Lot

November 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 1-This imaginative early reader will help build new readers' confidence. The text uses just 20 unique one- and two-syllable words to recount a feline's shopping adventure. On the top floor of a colorful apartment building (shown in cross-section) resides Cat, and the text informs readers that "Cat liked fish." With dinner on his mind, he goes down the steps, past his neighbors' apartments, and onto a busy street. Cat goes in and out of five bold and bright establishments: a horn shop, bookstore, art supply shop, garden store, and, finally, a market for his prized fish, picking up something for each of his neighbors as well as his own treat. When Cat returns home, the text explains, "All were happy./And Cat was happy." Henry's detailed, eye-catching illustrations dramatically expand the simple story line. VERDICT An excellent addition to the series, and an ideal choice for a beginning reader shelves.-Brianne Colombo, Pequannock Township Public Library, NJ

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2015
Happy Cat and his neighbors return for another early reader (Happy Cat, 2013). "Cat liked fish." The smiling kitty descends from his attic apartment past the apartments of artist Parrot and musician Elephant, past reading Dog and gardening Rabbit and hungry Mouse. "Cat went out." He sees a trumpet in a window and goes in the shop. He sees books out in front of a store and goes in there too. He goes in and out of several more stores populated by grinning animals of all types across a quaint town in autumn, and he returns with quite a few purchases. Turns out, he has purchased something for each of his neighbors (readers glean this from the illustrations), and all are happy-including Cat, of course. Henry returns to the I Like to Read series with his smiling orange tabby. In 20 words and with many visual cues in the bright and friendly watercolor illustrations, he tells a simple shopping story. Repetition of the one- and (extremely few) two-syllable words will build confidence in readers just starting out, and the heavy-outlined, full-bleed illustrations offer myriad details to catch the eye and extend the story. Another ideal story for newly hatched readers. (Early reader. 3-5)

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