"This light comedy . . . spotlight[s] family dynamics. Energetic rhymed couplets relay how Mom and kids repeatedly bring home stray cats, driving Dad crazy . . . spirited cartoons depict animals and humans with amusingly exaggerated facial expressions . . . The buffoonlike father's antics should prove kid-pleasing." —Publishers Weekly
"This book expertly combines a comic, rhyming text with hilarious cartoon illustrations to create a completely enjoyable romp." —School Library Journal
"A joy to read aloud," —San Francisco Review of Books & Sacramento Review of Books
"David Parkins does a wonderful job of creating engaging expressions for both cats and people. The lively rhyme and comic illustrations are sure to make readers giggle, and the poor, kind-hearted dad certainly deserves the happy ending he gets." —MyShelf.com
Parkins visualizes this comic opera with cartoon-like pen and ink and watercolor illustrations of cartoon-like characters displaying exaggerated behavior. Dad in particular is portrayed in lively vignettes. —Children's Literature
"He may rant and rave, but ultimately this softhearted dad lets the strays stay. David Parkins hilariously detailed pictures add to the fun and the surprise ending." —Baltimore's Child
"[An]inventive tale that will bring your family together—with the cat OR dog—for a laugh and a smile." —OC Family blog
"Not only is this a great book to read aloud to pre-readers, it is a great book for new readers to practice their reading skills." —Large Print Reviews.com
"A must-read for those of you who live with Dr. Doolittle!" —Diary of a Mother blog
"This is a rhyming picture book about our love affair with animals—a book for reading together, but it easily opens discussions about what we like/dislike, getting along, flexibility, and being open to change." —The Reading Tub.com
Narrated by a cat-loving little girl, this story is a hysterical romp through a family's pet adoption dilemma. Poor Dad does not like cats, and he voices his opposition to the steady stream of stray cats that always seem to wind up on his doorstep—thanks to a cat-loving Mom who wants to save every stray she finds. In an effort to win Dad over, the little girl hides a tiny stray kitten in her hood and convinces Dad to just give it one small squeeze. Dad manages, with trepidation, to stick out his pinkie and pet the creature. But now that five cats have taken over his favorite chair, he becomes desperate and makes a visit to the pound. Dad returns happily with a big, fat puppy—everyone gets something that they want. With hilarious ink and watercolor illustrations, this picture book demonstrates the resourcefulness, love, and compromises of a pet-loving family.
Thad Krasnesky is a writer, an instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the author of I Always, ALWAYS Get My Way. He lives in West Point, New York. David Parkins is the illustrator of more than 80 books and anthologies, including Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble; Fly Traps!; I Always, ALWAYS Get My Way; No Problem; and Webster J. Duck. He lives in Landsdowne, Ontario.
Childrens: Picture Books
Age Range: 5 to 7
32 pages, Cloth, 10 x 10
32 Color Illustrations, Four-color Interior
Distribution Rights: WOR
$16.95 (CAN $16.95)
9780979974656 (0979974658) Pub Date: April 2010
Flashlight Press