Title: Cats Are Cats
Written and illustrated by: Valeri Gorbachev
Published By: Holiday House, 2014.
Themes/Topics: cats, pets, tigers, fish
Suitable for ages: 3-5
Opening:
Miss Bell loved cats. One day she went to the pet shop to get a little kitten.
Synopsis:
Miss Bell’s love of cats takes her one day to the pet store to buy a kitten. She buys a wee thing with stripes, tail and smile like a tiger, so, she calls him, TIGER. She puts her heart and soul into caring for her little Tiger. The trouble is her little Tiger grows bigger and bigger and bigger! But she doesn’t stop loving him, ‘Cats are cats’, she says. One day she takes Tiger for a walk and they pass the pet store from which he was bought. On a whim, she treats her big boy to two bags of goldfish. And the rest of the story you will have to read yourself!
Why I like This Book: Valeri’s illustrations of this tiger growing bigger and filling up the whole apartment are full of whimsy and character! Cat lovers will appreciate the truism, that big or small, cats have certain characteristics. You and your children will love the unexpected fishy twist at the end, as much as I did. A cat is always a cat, after all!
Activities/Resources: All kids like to draw cats. Try this template from artprojectsforkids.com 
Each week a group of bloggers reviews picture books we feel would make great educational reads. To help teachers, caregivers and parents, we have included resources and activities with each of our reviews. A complete list of the thousands of books we have reviewed can be found here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
This looks wonderful. I definitely want to read it!
I think Olivia would be thrilled to get this as at Christmas – even if she’s 20 now!
I love the innocence in the older women picking out a very large kitty. Something a child would unknowingly do. Very humorous story — especially for a cat lover like you! Nice choice.
Actually he is a wee, tiny thing when she selects him, Pat. he just keeps on growing. 🙂
Oh, we need to find this one. I love your resources too. We may try to draw cats today. Thanks.
I have liked his other books, but haven’t seen this one yet. Betting I’m going to love it! And the cheetah (or leopard?) in the box is ADORABLE. I’d want to pet that kitty but I know better.
Cats are cats indeed!!! We have a tiger here in our house! Yooowwww! But this book looks really funny! Great illustrations! I’ll have to check it out! Thanks!
I love Valerie Gorbachev’s work from the days when my boys were reading Babybug and Ladybug magazines! I can’t believe I’ve not seen this book before (being a Valerie and cat fan). Must check it out. Thanks for telling us about it!
Ha so cute! Loved the illustrations. Seems you and I have cats on the brain this week. 🙂
This looks wonderful and my whole family loves Valeri Gorbachev! He has some great picture books! This book reminds me a lot of Christian the Lion — have you read or seen the documentary about him? It’s one of my favorite stories.
I look forward to reading this with my family!
I haven’t seen the documentary but I plan on asking if he would join my illustrator interview series!
THIS SOUNDS AWESOME!!! I love Tiger’s expressions! 😀
Pingback: Illustrator Interview – Valeri Gorbachev | Miss Marple's Musings
Pingback: Rufus Goes to Sea – Perfect Picture Book Friday | Miss Marple's Musings