In cut-paper artist Nikki McClure's latest picture book, a kitten
practices the basics of feline behavior over the course of a day. A
single word of text per spread teaches readers "how to be a cat"--how to
stretch, clean, pounce, feast--while the striking paper cuts illustrate
the kitten's attempts to imitate an adult cat's mastery of each skill.
At times the kitten triumphantly succeeds, and at other times the kitten
struggles, in vignettes that range from whimsical to profound.
A celebration of all things feline, How to Be a Cat also tells a
universal story of mastering life skills, and of the sometimes tender,
sometimes stern relationship between parent and child, teacher and
pupil. Cat lovers of all ages will connect to this loving portrayal of a
mentor-student relationship.
Praise for How to Be a Cat
STARRED REVIEWS
Purrrrfect for beginning readers and little artists with an eye for fine
cut-paper compositions and craftsmanship.
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
A delightful picture book in every way. Beginning with the paw-print
endpapers, youngsters will know that they are in for an adventure. The
simplicity and flow of page design are beautifully done as viewers
follow a kitten and his mother as she teaches him basic feline
behavior.
--School Library Journal, starred review
McClure's cut-paper spreads can be mesmerizing.
--Publishers Weekly
McClure wonderfully captures the shape and movement of the feline form,
and kids will also enjoy pointing out the blue and white butterflies and
the black-capped chickadee that also appear on several pages.
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Perfect for cat lovers of all ages, the book helps us reconnect with
memories of our own jouney of growth and learning.
--Cat Fancy
