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Gr 2-4-In carefully crafted verse, Dunbar reveals the dual nature of a household pet. There's Puss Jekyll, who by day "soothes,/Bewitches,/Beguiles, With her smooth,/Velvety wiles." Yet by night, she becomes Cat Hyde, a "Night stalker,/Roof walker,/Fearless,/Tearless/Street fighter." The poetic stanzas devoted to Jekyll conjure images of a soft, affectionate, beloved member of the family ("This is Puss Jekyll/Nuzzles up/Nose to nose./How we love/To be close/Me and my pet!"). They contrast dramatically with the descriptions of the feline's alter ego. Although spine-tingling, the passages that follow Hyde in her nighttime excursions may be a bit gruesome for some youngsters ("Through the mud/On the scent/On the track/Of blood/Fear and bone/Hunting the lone/Vole or shrew"). Still, Dunbar's vivid language perfectly captures the unique essence of the serene yet skilled predator. Barton's gracefully executed pencil and watercolor illustrations will touch the hearts of cat lovers of all ages. The black-and-white "dear little Kittikins" lazes contentedly in the sun on one spread and then lurks in the shadows, green eyes glinting with cunning determination on the next. This quixotic picture book may serve as an appealing introduction to poetry.-Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MAα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Does it matter that few children know Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? Not really, because they will instinctively understand the references once they are a few pages into this all-too-true book. In alternating spreads we meet one black-and-white cat. At times she is Puss Jekyll—“So tame, I think / she is almost / One of / Us.” But turn the page and observe Cat Hyde—“See her crouch / Then pounce. / All fang and claw.” More description than story, this continues to chronicle good kitty’s habits: cozily relaxing, wiping whiskers, playing with string. Then her dark side appears. If Jekyll is delightful, Hyde is frightful: “Night stalker / Roof walker / Fearless / Tearless.” Since alternating cat visions are the sum of the story, this could get a bit tedious (and it is occasionally repetitive), but that doesn’t happen because the writing is so evocative and the artwork so striking. Silver gray– and buff-colored oversize pages provide backgrounds for the only image in each spread: an adorable kitty or a devilish interloper (complete with dead mouse in one scene). Cat lovers will easily see their own pets here. Preschool-Grade 2. --Ilene Cooper
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Destination, rates & speedsSeller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Barton, Jill (illustrator). Reprint. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # GRP69886868
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Good. Barton, Jill (illustrator). The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR006950433
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Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Barton, Jill (illustrator). The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR005342193
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Barton, Jill (illustrator). May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1847803695I4N00
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Seller: HPB-Diamond, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Barton, Jill (illustrator). Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_449826222
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Seller: MusicMagpie, Stockport, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. Barton, Jill (illustrator). 1752753272. 7/17/2025 11:54:32 AM. Seller Inventory # U9781847803696
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Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. Barton, Jill (illustrator). Reprint. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # GRP69886868
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Condition: Good. Barton, Jill (illustrator). Reprint. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP84134671
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Elaine Woodford, Bookseller, Durham, NC, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Barton, Jill (illustrator). 1st Edition. 1st Ed, 3rd Prt. Fine Hardcover, No DJ As issued. "Good puss or bad cat? Jekyll or Hyde? One and the same?". Seller Inventory # 024680
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: medimops, Berlin, Germany
Condition: very good. Barton, Jill (illustrator). Gut/Very good: Buch bzw. Schutzumschlag mit wenigen Gebrauchsspuren an Einband, Schutzumschlag oder Seiten. / Describes a book or dust jacket that does show some signs of wear on either the binding, dust jacket or pages. Seller Inventory # M01847803695-V
Quantity: 1 available