The Best Cat in the World

Book Description

Even the best cat in the world doesn't live forever, and Victor is very sad when his beloved cat, Charlie, dies. His mother suggests getting a new cat, but Victor isn't so sure. Finally, when the vet tells Victor she has another cat that really needs a home, Victor agrees to give the new cat a chance.

But the new cat, Shelley, isn't like Charlie. She doesn't look like Charlie, or act like Charlie, or like to do the things Charlie used to do. With all these differences, is there any chance that Victor can learn to accept and love Shelley?

Lesléa Newman's gentle story honors the full range of a child's feelings after losing a favorite pet, while Ron Himler's soft pencil and watercolor illustrations capture Victor's poignant emotions as well as the playful antics of his new kitten.

Customer Reviews:

Best Cat in the World and One of the Best Books in the World.......2006-11-20

The Best Cat in the World is well written and deals sensitively with the loss of a pet. My preschooler fell in love with this book after checking it out from the public library. I had no idea that it was about the loss of a pet, but it was well timed as we had lost a beloved hamster just a couple of months previous. We had the book so long that we had to either return it or pay for it! That's when I purchased it from Amazon.com. The book is simple enough for even a young child to understand but yet not so babyish as to be unusable with older children. I highly recommend it to any family with pets and children!

An excellent book for anyone who loses a beloved pet........2004-06-17

As a book reviewer for Funseeker's Radio Network I read a lot of books for children. This one helps with the process of saying goodbye to a treasured pet and getting used to another, sometimes more different, pet. In this case Charlie has had a long and happy life as "the best cat in the world" for young Victor. The boy is devastated when Charlie dies and doesn't think he will ever want another cat, but Charlie's vet, Dr. Levin calls him and offers him a new kitten. He accepts reluctantly and soon finds that Shelley is a different cat altogether. Her habits and ways are not like Charlie's, but he finally realizes that he again has the "best cat in the world." The story is well-written and the illustrations by Ronald Himler are excellent. I would recommend this book highly to anyone who has lost a pet or as a gift for someone who is dealing with the death for a pet.

Can the heart make room?.......2004-05-26

A boy has lost his friend and companion-an orange cat named Charlie-to old age. He cries inconsolably for two whole days, and cannot even eat the favorite supper Mom prepares for him. He and Mom plant a rosebush with orange flowers at the burial site, and the boy sits by it after school and tries to talk with Charlie. Listen as hard as he may, however, there is no reply.

When the vet calls to ask if Victor would provide a home for Shelley, a brand-new tortoiseshell kitten, he is hesitant. Perhaps he won't like the kitten, or the kitten won't like him.

Victor brings home the multi-colored bundle of fur, and gradually adjusts to her ways, which often differ from Charlie's. She does not like to be scratched between the ears while she eats, as Charlie did. She prefers the windowsill to the special pillow on Victor's bed where Charlie used to sleep.

Soon, however, Victor begins to delight in Shelley's unique behaviors-how she plays with the water while he brushes his teeth and how she chases her own tail.

Himler's pencil-and-watercolors capture Victor's full range of emotion-concern and worry, grief, amusement, and joy--in this book that demonstrates how the human heart can have many rooms.

A profoundly compelling picture book about grief.......2004-05-19

Flowing color paintings by Ronald Himler add a moving touch to The Best Cat In The World is a poignant story by Leslea Newman about a young boy named Victor who loses his beloved feline companion Charlie to old age. When a new cat, Shelley, comes to the household, she is different from Charlie in almost every way - she doesn't do the things Charlie used to do, or respond in the same way. But in time Victor learns that his new friend is unique and special, and every bit as much "the best cat in the world" as Charlie was, in this profoundly compelling picture book about grief and the slow process of healing. The Best Cat In The World is especially recommended reading for young people who have lost a treasured animal companion.

Purrfect!.......2004-02-27

I am a softie for any books with cats on the cover. The title of this book, `The Best Cat in the World' reminds me somewhat of Cleveland Amory's book (`The Best Cat Ever'), but this is not a book like that - this is a children's book. It tells the story of two cats, really - one named Charlie, who passes away early in the book, and one named Shelley, who finds a new home with the young boy Victor after Charlie is gone. It is a wonderful tale about letting go and starting anew. One of the good things about children having pets is that they learn love and responsibility; one the sadder parts about children having pets is that they die, and the children have to deal with the loss.

Charlie was a special cat for Victor, with set mannerisms and patterns Victor was used to. After Charlie died, the family buried him in the back yard, and Victor was nearly inconsolable. However, Victor's mother and the vet brought Victor together with another cat, Shelley, who had been dropped off at the office. At first Victor is very resistant, comparing Shelley to Charlie in somewhat unfavourable ways. `Charlie never did that,' Victor would think, as Shelley would do (or not do) as Charlie had done. However, felines have the kind of magic that works on a willing soul, and Victor comes to love the individuality in Shelley, without diminishing his love for his lost companion, Charlie. Shelley becomes heir to the title `Best Cat in the World', and rumbles purring in response in the same fashion as Charlie did.

The text is simple, sweet and very readable by children. The author Leslea Newman has penned several children's books, some with cats and some without. Ronald Himler, the illustrator, has provided his wonderful graphic pen for some seventy-five books; the drawings are charming and engaging, and enhance the story with a softness watercolours provide and detail that pencil can add.

Book Description

Kitten Cuckoo had one favorite friend who favored him too. An elephant baby named Paquile E. Derm, who felt really bad when he stepped on a worm. A story of unlikely friendships, Kitten Cuckoo and Paquile E. Derm forge a bond that time and distance cannot erase.

Customer Reviews:

great book.......2007-10-09

we all loved this book and can't wait to read it again and again! great illustrations and fun story, easy to read great book, highly rec!

sweet story!.......2007-09-05

A wonderful tale of unlikely friends overcoming great odds, exotic distances and uncanny coincidences to finally chit chat, cat nap and sneak snacks together -- happily everafter -- which we all know are the best things in life!

The hand-drawn pictures and hand-lettered print make the book even more special, especially in these times of digital everything. Analog and amazing.

A cute adventure.......2007-06-12

Reviewed by Stephanie, Parish (age 3), and Isaac (age 1) Rollins for Reader Views (5/07)

Ed Baker both wrote and illustrated "The Story of Kitten Cuckoo." The illustrations are simple and bold. Parish and Isaac loved the pictures.

The kitten is bright blue with a red "X" on his head. He lives with Harrison Cruz, a reporter. The kitten loves the zoo. He especially likes the baby elephant. The other animals talked about how they were not meant to be friends; they were too different.

A Chinese food craving can make anyone go a bit crazy. It made the kitten and baby elephant go on an escapade. They found Chinese food and a disco club. With their bellies full, they fall asleep. Someone takes the elephant away. This makes the kitten sad. He continues on the escapade.

The kitten becomes a cat. Then he stumbles upon a group of elephants. He finds out that the big elephant was his former friend. The other elephants give the cat a "full-trunk salute" for a welcome. Harrison Cruz went to Africa to film a television special. He met up with the elephant and cat.

This is simply cute. Parish and Isaac like the pictures. Parish enjoyed the travels of the cat and elephant. Parish wants to keep "The Story of Kitten Cuckoo."

Reviewed by Sabrina Williams.......2007-05-25

Kitten Cuckoo is "a tiny blue kitten with an X on his head." His unlikely friend is a baby elephant he met at the zoo, Paquile E. Derm. The two become inseparable, but the other animals at the zoo find their unusual friendship out of place and make fun of the pair.

The two escape together one night and head for San Francisco for "Chinese food, warm milk and a disco." After partying all night, they fall asleep on the street, which is where Paquile is discovered and returned to the zoo. After Kitten Cuckoo makes his way back to the zoo, the other animals inform him that Paquile has been sent to Africa because he misbehaved. After discovering the news reporter he lived with is also gone, Kitten Cuckoo sets out to travel to Africa to find his lost friend.

Bright colors, rhyming, and hilarious illustrations make up this children's book intended for ages four to eight. Its simple, catchy rhythm makes it an instant hit with young children. It is a book that is just as much fun for a parent to read aloud as it is for a child to listen. The story of two mismatched animals overcoming adversity and scorn to maintain their friendship is one that can be appreciated by parents and children alike.

As with any good children's book in the Internet age, the reader can also visit the corresponding website for wallpaper, coloring sheets, and other added goodies to embelish the story. Kitten Cuckoo even has his own MySpace page for fans. For a lighthearted, fun read, The Story of Kitten Cuckoo by Ed Baker definitely satisfies.

A Luminous and Inspirational Tale for Children .......2007-05-11

Ed Baker has created a richly colorful story about friendship and personal values in his newest children's book THE STORY OF KITTEN CUCKOO, a little book with a big message about courage, choice, and individuality told in poetic form. Baker not only writes well and with a verse sense that is sure to please young children as well as entertain any adult, but he also has provided the paintings that illustrate the story as well as marking lessons for learning on their own.

Kitten Cuckoo is a strange appearing blue little kitten with a red X mark on his head (he is the pet of a news reporter Harrison Cruz!) who meets a baby elephant named Paquille E. Derm. Though the two make a strange pair, they play games, eat and chit chat with each other much to the laughter of their fellow animals. They travel to San Francisco where Paquille is captured while the two are sleeping the night in the streets. Devastated, Kitten Cuckoo sets out on a journey to find his friend after attempting to live with his fellow cats. He ends up in Timbuktu where he sees all animals in the wild and, now a full sized cat, he finds the big mature Paquille: once again their friendship thrives.

Baker sensitively suggests all manner of social ills as he traces the journey of these 'mismatched friends' and that opens the door for many cogent discussions with the children who read this book. But first and foremost the book is a delight to read aloud and a pleasure to view the copious illustrations that accompany the poem. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 07

Chato Goes Cruisin' (New York Times Best Illustrated Books (Awards))

Average customer rating:

Excellent book, terrific art
They get there fast and then they take it slow

Chato Goes Cruisin' (New York Times Best Illustrated Books (Awards))
Gary Soto
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 039923974X

Book Description

Chihuahua! What are two low-riding cats to do when they sign up for a cruise and end up on a ship full of dogs? Chato and Novio Boy try to have fun, but they're miserable watching endless games of Bark at the Moon. Plus, the dogs get sick from all their running around and excessive consumption of milk bones.

When the two cool cats go for help, they see the cruise they were meant to be on—a catamaran full of cats—and they have to decide whether to join the fun or be cats of their word. With extra storytelling in comic strips on each page, this ocean adventure is sure to garner the laughs and acclaim of Chato's Kitchen and Chato and the Party Animals (both ALA Notable Books).

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book, terrific art.......2006-03-31

Hard to compete with such a terrific review, but I must add my own HUZZAHs.

I love the artwork. I love the interspersed black and white comic strips that add to the exposition.

I love the spanish slang scattered throughout: after but a few readings, my 3 year old now says, "FUU-CHI!" (yucky, stinky) as he wipes kisses off (with a smile, of course -- he's a sweet boy).

I bought Chato Goes Cruisin' in a bookstore and ordered the other 2 sight unseen, fully confident that they'll be as wonderful.

They get there fast and then they take it slow.......2006-03-25

Some picture book series get progressively less inspired as time goes on. Ian Falconer's, "Olivia" books do this. Ditto "Babar". It's just a common occurrence that people kind of come to expect. You would think that an author like Gary Soto would have used up all his creativity and ideas in the "Chato" series with "Chato's Kitchen" and "Chato and the Party Animals". In much the same way, Susan Guevara's illustrations should, logic dictates, become less entrancing and pleasant to the eye as she brings Chato's world to brilliant life. Yet here I am staring at "Chato Goes Cruisin'" and I can't for the life of me figure out how Soto and Guevara managed to come up with yet another remarkably fresh escapade in the lives of my favorite barrio boys, Chato and Novio Boy. I can't figure it out, but somehow it happened. We should be this lucky with every series.

There are distinct advantages that come with eating your cereal every morning. In Chato's case, the advantage is that he now has a chance to enter and win a free cruise for himself and a friend. He enters, wins, and before you know it he and his best friend Novio Boy are off for a vacation of pure relaxation. In theory. The truth of the matter is, when they get to the docks they find a cruise ship occupied entirely by dogs. Well behaved party dogs but dogs just the same. There are dog snacks, dog games, dog videos in the library, and a heckuva lot of howling at the moon. Soon enough, however, the dogs become ill and it's up to our intrepid duo to save the day. But when their rescue boat meets up with the REAL cat cruise, will they keep their promise to the canines or join a far more alluring ride?

Once again, Soto gives this book just the right mix of Spanish terms sprinkled alongside English ones. At the same time, Chato and Novio Boy use phrases that sound natural and completely appropriate for the situations they find themselves in. When Chato goes to the library to watch some movies and find only flicks with titles like, "Great Dog Rescues", Chato's reaction is a heartfelt, "Man, this is sorry". The plot makes sense, comes out all right, and the last image of the two slowly cruising in their beautiful car (with the license plate "Vato Gato") brings the whole thing home.

And Susan Guevera just gets more and more creative with every Chato book she illustrates. I liked "Chato's Kitchen" okay when it first came out, but her style at that time struck me as too loose and insubstantial. It began to tighten with "Chato and the Party Animals" and finally here with "Chato Goes Cruisin'" she's hit her peak. She's grown so comfortable with her art that she's willing to shake it up a bit for the sake of amusement. So you have the usual Chato kookiness, but also some very cool black and white comic strips on the bottom of some of the pages to give you a little insight into Chato and Novio Boy's heads. There are also countless amusing details all over this book just waiting for you to find them. When the dogs greet them at the dock, for example, the comic strip on the page shows a flag pointing to their dock with a dog head, and another flag with a cat head pointed in the opposite direction. When our heroes can't sleep for all the howling, they might have been cheered had they known that a cut-away of the boat shows a pack of very busy mice toiling relentlessly in the kitchen. Yum. Then there are the details that I think make it work the best. Novio Boy retains his title as the sexiest cat in children's literature (check out the shot of him lifting weights). And both he and Chato sport some mighty fine facial hair, making them the only felines I can think of to sport goatees and `staches in picture book fare.

Hard to object to anything in this book, really. If you enjoyed the first two installments in Chato's adventures then the best thing I can say about, "Chato Goes Cruisin'" is that it does its predecessors proud. Funny, filled with great slang in English and Spanish alike, and just a rousing adventure, it's the best of the "Chato" lot and a fine fine purchase.

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Helped us with the loss of Luna
The Best Cat
The BEST EVER CHILDREN'S BOOK!
animal love
Desser the Best Ever Cat

Desser the Best Ever Cat

Manufacturer: Dragonfly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0440417740
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Book Description

A heartwarming and cathartic book for anyone who has ever loved, and lost, a cat.

This is the story of a cat, told by the little girl who loved him best.

From his first plaintive mew to his last loving purr, Desser was an essential member of the family. And for the little girl, especially, he was a constant companion. He was the catalyst for her first steps, thrilled when she got her first big bed, and he was waiting for her after her first day of school. But as the girl grows bigger, Desser grows older. And eventually it is time to say good-bye. Still, by telling his story and remembering him well, the girl finds a way to keep him alive in her heart.

With the simplest words and truly adorable illustrations, Maggie Smith captures the special bond we have with our pets and offers a helpful method for coping with their loss.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Helped us with the loss of Luna.......2007-03-28

Our 14-year-old kitty died recently and for my two children, ages 4 and 7, the loss was devastating. I checked this out from the library (along with Cat Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant, another fantastic book) and I cannot believe how much this book helped soothe the pain of her loss. My four year old asked to read it several times a day, and we got to the point where we laughed more as we read it than cried. It's a touching, sweet story, worth every penny.

The Best Cat.......2006-01-19

I like this book because its about a cat. It's a cat named Desser. I think that the book is a litle sad.But in the time it gets way beter.I think other kids should read this book too.I like books like this because they always have happy endings.

The BEST EVER CHILDREN'S BOOK!.......2005-01-19

This is my most favorite children's book, hands down! It's sweet, humorous, touching and sad --all in one--and the pictures are so beautiful and expressive. We originally borrowed it from the library and as I read it by myself (because I couldn't stop looking at the beautiful pictures) and cried my eyes out remembering all 3 of my dear kitties that have passed on, I knew I had to have my own copy. My four year old daughter loves it as much as I do... and I know she sees our current cat through different eyes now!

animal love.......2005-01-11

If you love this book, then let me suggest the book, "Florence the Goose: A True Story For Children of All Ages." They both share "true stories," animals who change the lives of the narrators immeasurably, a sublimly painful detailing of loss and exquisite artwork!

Desser the Best Ever Cat.......2004-10-07

A perfect book for cat lovers and children, especially those dealing with the loss of the beloved family cat. The illustrations and text bring to life the cat personality and the interactions between young children and cats. I am ordering one for me and one for each of my siblings because it so reminds me of our childhood cat King Topence, who was almost human by the time he died at 18 years old.

Best in Show for Rotten Ralph: A Rotten Ralph Rotten Reader (Rotten Ralph Rotten Readers)

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Best in Show for Rotten Ralph: A Rotten Ralph Rotten Reader (Rotten Ralph Rotten Readers)
Jack Gantos
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0374363587
Release Date: 2005-07-14

Book Description

“To thine own self be true.”

The cat show is coming to town and Rotten Ralph is hungry for glory – and desperate to defeat his perfect cousin Percy, whatever it takes. According to Sarah, Ralph has to stop being a lazy scoundrel and follow her regimen to achieve poise and polish. When the competition gets under way, Ralph pretends to be something he’s not, and fails. Just in time, Ralph decides victory can be his only if he stops pretending and really lets the fur fly.

With eye-popping art and an ingeniously comic text, this fourth book in the appealing series for beginning readers follows everyone’s favorite red-furred rascal on his path to a wholly satisfying last laugh

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Dog and cat book

Best in Show! (Bob the Builder)
Sonali Fry
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0689857209

Book Description

Can She Win It? Yes, She Can!

When Farmer Pickles trains Scruffty for a dog show, Scoop wants to enter Pilchard, too!

But can a cat win a dog show?

Customer Reviews:

Dog and cat book.......2004-03-05

Scoop is helping to build Farmer Pickle's barn. He watches Pickle training his dog for a dog show. Scoop decides to enter Pilchard the cat in the dog show. Pilchard first acts like a cat and ignores Scoop's training efforts. But eventually Pilchard comes around in time to share the prize for best in show with Pickle's dog. If your child has a heavy machinery fascination, this book may not satisfy it, since the book is more about dogs and cats than dozers. It has about 600 words.

What's This Cat's Story?: The Best of Seymour Krim

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What's This Cat's Story?: The Best of Seymour Krim
Seymour Krim
Manufacturer: Paragon House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1557784701

The Loudest, Fastest, Best Drummer in Kansas

Average customer rating:

Incredible Illustrations Excite Little Readers

The Loudest, Fastest, Best Drummer in Kansas
Marguerite W. Davol
Manufacturer: Orchard Books (NY)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 0531331911

Customer Reviews:

Incredible Illustrations Excite Little Readers.......2000-05-12

Cat Smith takes a whimsical story and adds incredible depth through her fantastic artwork. Each illustration is like a high-quality painting rather than a typical book illustration. My young son was captivated by the artwork, especially Smith's energetic faces and movements. I highly recommend this book, as well as any other Cat-Smith-illustrated books (i.e., Feliciana Feydra LaRoue), to anyone!

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You'll Need a Warm, Furry Friend to Curl Up With

Best-loved Cat Stories
Reader's Digest Editors
Manufacturer: Readers Digest
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0762100508

Customer Reviews:

You'll Need a Warm, Furry Friend to Curl Up With.......2002-01-29

This collection of short stories is certainly one that will make you want to run out and buy a furry, new kitten or at least curl up with an animal to read this book with. My favorite short story in the bunch is titled How a Cat Played Robinson Crusoe by Charles G.D. Roberts. This story is enjoyable to read and you find yourself rooting for the poor cat that is left stranded on an island. This cat is very resourceful and cunning and learns the hard way how important a family is. This story has a very happy ending that leaves you with a pleasant feeling. One thing that irked me about this book is that I began each short story thinking to myself, "O.K., is the narrator a cat or a human?" This problem could have been overcome by having sections with the fantasy stories separated from the realistic fiction. I found myself disliking the short story titled The White and Black Dynasties by Theophile Gautier. Perhaps it was over my head or the right context clues were not put in their proper places. Either way, it's a good thing there were not many selections such as these. The Cat That Walked By Himself was an enjoyable tale by Rudyard Kipling that I had never read before. I couldn't wait to find out how the cat would outsmart the woman in the end. I had no doubt that the cat would get what he wanted, it was just a matter of how. The only cat missing from this collection is of course the most famous one in the signature red and white striped hat. Overall this is a pretty good read especially if you have a warm, furry bundle to curl up with.

Average customer rating:

Boring!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best Dog Stories
Lesley O'Mara
Manufacturer: Wings
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0517064987
Release Date: 1991-08-27

Book Description

Lesley O'Mara. ed. Introduction by Gerald Durrell. B&W Line Art. Outstanding authors Virginia Woolf, P.G. Wodehouse, G.K. Chesterton, Jack London, James Herriot, O. Henry and many others have contributed to this touching collection of stories that pay tribute to man's (and woman's) best friend. 256 pages. 6 X 9.

Customer Reviews:

Boring!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......1999-03-24

I love dog books but this was AWFULL!!!!!!! I really don't recomend it!!!!!

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