Starred review from April 18, 2016
Nick, a brown-skinned boy with a puff of curly hair, has two cats: Verne, who is pretty chill, and Stevenson, who makes Grumpy Cat look exuberant. Neither is happy when Nick turns his attention to a book: Verne lolls across the pages, and Stevenson sits on a stack of volumes, cleans his paws, and scowls. “So Nick decided to teach them to read,” Manley writes, making a marvelous debut—and it works. For Verne, anyway: “He practiced on his own, over and over, even after Nick went to bed.” Soon, Verne has a library card and is borrowing “so many books that Nick could hardly carry them home.” But where does that leave Stevenson? As any former reluctant reader knows, sometimes it takes the right nudge to fall in love with books; here, it’s the discovery that cranky Stevenson is actually an artist. Berube’s (Hannah and Sugar) softly textured paintings are funny, smartly composed, and deeply moving as she makes the cats’ literary and artistic endeavors seem like the most natural thing in the world. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Lori Kilkelly, Rodeen Literary Management.
May 1, 2016
An enthusiastic reader teaches his two cats to appreciate books, though it takes extra effort to interest one of them in the endeavor.Nick is a round-headed, early-elementary-sized, brown-skinned child with a fluff of curly hair and two cats, Verne and Stevenson. All three enjoy frolicking together, but when Nick wants to read, one cat ignores him, and the other sprawls on the volume open in his lap (a habit that will be familiar to cat lovers of all ages). The latter, Verne, a small cat with orange-and-brown stripes and a cheerful disposition, is amenable to Nick's instruction. "But not Stevenson," who frowns, runs away, and even hisses. When Nick and Verne discover Stevenson's fascination with pirates, however, they have the hook they need. Nick's efforts are both logical and methodical, and once he has achieved his goal, he and his feline friends find ways to incorporate their favorite stories into all kinds of imaginative play. Manley's conversational text flows smoothly and has a matter-of-fact tone that grounds the fantastical elements. Berube's charmingly childlike art, created in ink, Flashe paint, and acrylic paint, captures the cats' personalities perfectly and creates a cozy, everyday world with just enough amusing details to reward repeat readings.Young listeners of all stripes (and species) will enjoy this warmhearted celebration of literacy and imagination. (Picture book. 3-6)
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December 1, 2016
PreS-Gr 2-Brimming with personality, two independently minded felines named Verne and Stevenson prove to be reluctant readers until their determined owner finds "just right" books for his pupils. Charming full-page and spot watercolor paintings offer readers clues to the tales these appropriately named pets might enjoy.
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
June 1, 2016
PreS-Gr 2-Book-loving Nick teaches his cats, Verne and Stevenson, to read in this debut picture book. Nick loves spending time with his cats, but he notices that they seem bored every time he pulls out a book. He decides that teaching them to read will not be too difficult, and quickly makes flash cards with some easy words on them. Though Verne struggles at first, he begins to show interest, but Stevenson remains unenthusiastic. Verne quickly becomes a proficient reader, but Stevenson starts to withdraw more and more when Nick tries to make him read ("'F-I-S-H. See? Fish! Verne loves that word. Don't you?' But Stevenson said, 'Meow!' and ran under the porch. He hissed at Nick and Verne."). Once Nick discovers a treasure trove of pictures, drawn by Stevenson, he realizes that he simply wasn't using the right approach with Stevenson. With a nod to Treasure Island, the author reveals that Stevenson is most interested in being a pirate. Soft acrylic drawings show the right amount of emotion on Nick's face and on the felines' as well. VERDICT This quirky tale filled with subtle humor makes a fun read-aloud, especially for cat lovers, literacy lovers, or anyone looking for a great story.-Brooke Newberry, La Crosse Public Library, WI
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.