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This Is NOT a Cat!

This Is NOT a Cat!

Written by David LaRochelle
Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Sterling, 2016
Picture Book, 32 pages
Ages 2–8

Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-4549-1574-4
Downloadable Activity Sheet

Awards & Good Things

  • Iowa Bridge to Reading Picture Book Award
  • Minnesota Book Award Finalist
  • Spanish Translation
  • Italian Translation
  • Atlanta Parent, Best Books of 2016

Book Description

Welcome to Sunny Hills Mice School where the first lesson is recognizing DANGER! And that means CAT. So Miss Mouse shows her students pictures of things that are, and are not, a kitty. But the kids are a bit restless . . . until something enters the classroom that makes them all sCATter. But, is their unwelcome guest really a cat?

Look Inside

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Reviews

“From the author/illustrator team behind Moo! comes another delightful story in which the pictures provide more information than the text. The text repeats only a few phrases but invites kids to emphasize certain words for a lively read-aloud. Children will enjoy looking at Wohnoutka’s cartoon illustrations and discovering details that tell the rest of the tale. Storytime providers and parents will find this a great way to promote both print awareness and narrative skills by pointing out the repeated words and generating discussion with young listeners. A necessary purchase for most library collections serving young children and families. This one will be a hit both in storytime and in one-on-one sharing.

School Library Journal

“Using almost only the words in his title, LaRochelle tells what amounts to a fantastic joke whose punch line is finessed by Wohnoutka’s gouache illustrations showing a flamboyantly freaked-out cast.”

The Horn Book

It’s a simple story but clever and very funny with a double twist in the tail. The text is repetitive, ideal for encouraging small children to join in, and the illustrations are strong and dynamic. Much of the plot is told pictorially and repeated readings will only enhance the enjoyment.

The Scotsman, Scotland’s National Newspaper

“Despite how simple the writing may seem, LaRochelle’s story idea is brilliant. The three students have terrific facial expressions and body anguage, giving young children images to react and learn from. A near-perfect book for building reading confidence in the youngest of readers.”

Kid-Lit Reviews

“Clear lines, bright colors.”

Kirkus Reviews