I Had a Cat

The owner of a cat, dog, bird, ape, frog, elk, deer, and a multitude of other animals finds new homes for all but one.

PreSchool-K-- A nonsensical, rollicking rhyme featuring a heroine who had not only a cat, but dozens of other animals who frolic through the house eating all of the food. A quick trip to the zoo and the farm, and a chance encounter with a boy on the road speedily resolve her humorous problem. Once again she is the contented owner of only a sweetly purring cat. Downing's bright watercolors fill the pages with action and comic touches. Her leaping animals and bold heroine elevate Reeves' simple poem into a rousing romp. Children will be sure to notice the little mouse running away from the pandemonium in this household; and the goat, horse, cow, yak, and ox in skirts, lined up like the Rockettes! The poetic text, while appealing for reading aloud, offers no surprises. However, the illustrations do bring out the comedic possibilities within the rhyme. The pictures are broad enough for group story time and yet detailed enough to please single readers. It is easy to imagine the giggles when preschoolers encounter this pig-tailed heroine and her retinue. --Gail C. Ross, Baltimore County Public Library
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.