A Cat in a Kayak (Teelo's Adventures) - Softcover

Coffey, Maria

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1550375083 ISBN 13: 9781550375084

Publisher: Annick Press, 2005

Synopsis

This exceptionally well-written picture book has the most exquisite illustrations.
- Independent Publisher

When Victor takes in Teelo the cat, the feline isn't thrilled about the voyage across the harbor. After all, a cat in a kayak is like a fish out of water. But when they arrive at the little house on Cloud Island, Teelo discovers it's the perfect place for a calm-loving cat. Perfect, that is, until Teelo's spot by the stove is usurped by some chickens. Worse, his cozy cushion is eaten when Terry the terrier moves in. Even the roof isn't safe -- Victor's new parrot can .y up there with ease.

Suddenly a cat in a kayak seems a decent idea...until Victor paddles out to Thunder Rock, a voyage of walloping waves, screeching seabirds, and overexcited orcas. Upon returning home, Teelo decides the crowded little house is the perfect place for him after all.

This charming tale reminds us that things could always be worse. Set amid vibrant coastal landscapes, and crawling with friendly critters of all kinds, it's easy to see why A Cat in a Kayak has become a family favorite.

About this title

About the Author:

Maria Coffey is the author of several books for adults and two other picture books about the adventures of Teelo the cat. She lives on a small island off the west coast of Canada where she's often kayaked with the real Teelo.

Eugenie Fernandes has illustrated more than 50 books for children. She lives next to a lake in Ontario, Canada.

From School Library Journal:

K-Gr 2--When Victor adopts Teelo, a soon-to-be-homeless cat, and takes him to his peaceful little cabin on Cloud Island, Teelo is thoroughly pleased with his idyllic new life. Then, in quick succession, Victor brings home a rooster, three hens, a terrier, a snake, and a parrot. Each new animal brings more disruption to Teelo's ordered life as, one by one, his favorite napping spots are usurped by a newcomer. Upon overhearing Victor tease about how quiet a visit to Thunder Rock would be compared to the noise at home, Teelo stows away on the man's kayak. Instead of peace, however, the feline discovers that the pandemonium caused by all of the wild creatures is overwhelming and he is happy to return home. The tale's moral is reminiscent of the many variations of the Yiddish folktale "It Could Always Be Worse." Cheerful, richly colored gouache illustrations reflect the energy and movement of the text. Many of the full-page paintings are surrounded by a single-color frame and reveal the emerald green of the island, the aquas and blues of the sea, the banana yellow kayak, and all of the colorful animals. Large, engaging pictures and repetition of phrases throughout the story make this an enjoyable read-aloud.

Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Annick Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1550375083
• ISBN 13: 9781550375084
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Fernandes Eugenie