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meredith_summers's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lagobond's review against another edition
3.0
Sonja Danowski is a gifted illustrator, as you can see from the gorgeous cover; and the story she tells is heartwarming. But most people's talents are focused in one or two areas, and sadly the storytelling here is uninspired (at least in the English translation). I wish Danowski had collaborated with a writer who could have added words to match the impact of her drawings.*
The portrayals of cat and child are stunningly and touchingly lifelike, the surroundings warm and cozy. A few things are out of proportion: the cat on the stairs is so small that he looks like a kitten. That said, the pictures certainly evoke strong emotions. There's a hint of sadness throughout, as well as much kindness and love and caring. There's plenty of detail for the eye to feast on, and the color choices are exquisite. Regrettably the illustrations alone don't carry this book, and its overall effect is not as powerful as it could have been.
* Some people can create that magical writer/illustrator combo all by themselves (see Brian Lies' Bat Books). Others, like Danowski or [a:Jan Brett|16325|Jan Brett|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], deliver incredible artwork that fizzles out due to the unimaginative language it is paired with.
The portrayals of cat and child are stunningly and touchingly lifelike, the surroundings warm and cozy. A few things are out of proportion: the cat on the stairs is so small that he looks like a kitten. That said, the pictures certainly evoke strong emotions. There's a hint of sadness throughout, as well as much kindness and love and caring. There's plenty of detail for the eye to feast on, and the color choices are exquisite. Regrettably the illustrations alone don't carry this book, and its overall effect is not as powerful as it could have been.
* Some people can create that magical writer/illustrator combo all by themselves (see Brian Lies' Bat Books). Others, like Danowski or [a:Jan Brett|16325|Jan Brett|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], deliver incredible artwork that fizzles out due to the unimaginative language it is paired with.
pwbalto's review against another edition
4.0
I could care less about the story - although it is a perfectly nice one... I just want to live in this house!
agudenburr's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful book! The illustrations were breathtaking and the story left me with warm fuzzies!
plexbrarian's review against another edition
3.0
Absolutely breathtaking illustrations and a story that could have been really sweet, but was instead marred by bland language. Maybe a poor translation?
Summary: A boy gives away all of his stuffed animals to help with a fundraiser for the local animal shelter. He sees a nice cat there. His mother gives the boy her own stuffed cat as a comfort animal because he can't sleep without all of his toys. He attaches very strongly to the stuffed cat and one day his mom doesn't bring it to school with her when she picks him up, which irritates him a lot. He gets home and finds out the stuffed cat has been at home, keeping company the nice cat the boy met at the animal shelter because she went and adopted him. Then one day cat runs off, but comes back at the end.
Summary: A boy gives away all of his stuffed animals to help with a fundraiser for the local animal shelter. He sees a nice cat there. His mother gives the boy her own stuffed cat as a comfort animal because he can't sleep without all of his toys. He attaches very strongly to the stuffed cat and one day his mom doesn't bring it to school with her when she picks him up, which irritates him a lot. He gets home and finds out the stuffed cat has been at home, keeping company the nice cat the boy met at the animal shelter because she went and adopted him. Then one day cat runs off, but comes back at the end.
nikimarion's review against another edition
4.0
Danowski's illustrations remind me of the design style in the 80s and 90s when there were lots of richly detailed pictures appearing on only the verso or recto pages in each spread. Kind of like older versions of the Velveteen Rabbit. It's a wonderful throwback, perfect to accompany the narrative, in which the protagonist Tony and his mother rescue a cat from a shelter they both support.
And, not only does Sonja Danowski write and illustrate, but she composed a dang song, too. Ugh, stop being good at everything!
And, not only does Sonja Danowski write and illustrate, but she composed a dang song, too. Ugh, stop being good at everything!
typewriterdeluxe's review against another edition
3.0
This story is about a boy named Tony and how he generously gives away his stuffed animals for a fundraiser raffle to raise money for animals at his local shelter, and how his act of kindness is rewarded by his mom with a real cat.
Sonja Danowski’s illustrations are incredible, and by far the best part of the book. Some of the language might be a bit mature or old-fashioned for little ones (“eggcups,” “consolation prize,” “contentedly,” “accompaniment”) but they might be patient as you explain definitions because they get to stare at the pictures longer.
Sonja Danowski’s illustrations are incredible, and by far the best part of the book. Some of the language might be a bit mature or old-fashioned for little ones (“eggcups,” “consolation prize,” “contentedly,” “accompaniment”) but they might be patient as you explain definitions because they get to stare at the pictures longer.
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