Kate, the Cat and the Moon - Hardcover

Almond, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0385746911 ISBN 13: 9780385746915

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2005

Synopsis

Kate has just drifted off to sleep when a mysterious white cat appears at her window and beckons her out into the night. As Kate follows, she feels herself changing–her ears growing and peaking, her teeth growing tiny and sharp, her tongue roughening. For one glorious night, Kate roams her familiar neighborhood as a cat, jumping and prowling and climbing as she never could before. This dreamy tale, illustrated by Stephen Lambert’s color-drenched pastel drawings, is perfect for bedtime reading.

About this title

About the Author

David Almond grew up in a large family in northeastern England and says, “The place and the people have given me many of my stories.” His first novel for children, Skellig, was a Michael L. Printz Honor Book and an ALA Notable Book, and appeared on many best book of the year lists. His second novel, Kit’s Wilderness, won the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature for young adults. David Almond lives in England with his partner and their daughter.
Stephen Lambert lives in Cornwall, England, and has illustrated many children’s books, including Secrets in the Mist and Shakespeare’s Tales.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3–This bedtime fantasy is sure to earn Almond new fans. On a moonlit night (full, of course), Kate is awakened by the meow of a cat calling from her family's country garden. As she meows her reply, she begins a transformation from human to feline. She then joins her cat companion on a journey through places both real and imagined, until the stars went out and she must return to her bed and to human form. In the morning, Kate's family shares the dreams they had that night. The story ends with the child's Meow when she's asked if she remembers hers. The author's short sentences and slow pacing create a satisfying story. Their simplicity makes the book a good choice for readers who are building their independence. Children will be taken with the description of Kate's metamorphosis: her pointy ears, tiny sharp teeth, rough tongue, paws, tail, and whiskers are meticulously noted. The illustrations are a perfect match for this soothing tale, and will capture the imagination of youngsters as the girl changes. Predominantly using hues of lavender, green, and gray, Lambert creates a luminous setting for Kate's adventure. The dream world the pair visits (on full spreads and a foldout) is filled with magical scenery. This book will charm feline fanatics everywhere.–Maura Bresnahan, High Plain Elementary School, Andover, MA
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Edition details

• Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0385746911
• ISBN 13: 9780385746915
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Lambert Steven