1. Felix
by Giovanna Zoboli and Simona Mulazzani
A globetrotting story that’s the cat’s pajamas
READ: The complete Kirkus Review for Felix.
Felix has everything a cat could want—he has a food bowl, a balcony, and a cozy pillow. But he’s curious about the rest of the world, so he takes a trip to go visit his feline relatives.
He drinks herring tea with snow leopards in China, warms himself in a lynx’s yurt, and takes an afternoon nap with a pride of lions. After seeing such beautiful, far-off places, where will Felix decide to call home?
With its rich, lovely artwork, this fanciful story will be an instant favorite for cat lovers.
Kirkus Reviews
“Mulazzani’s luscious paintings place gray Felix in dreamlike yet friendly global scenarios. Zoboli’s text in Watkinson’s translation is just as plush and whimsical. . . . An agreeable world tour.”
2. Plume
by Isabelle Simler
A lurking cat with a keen eye for birds
New York Times Best Illustrated Books of 2017
In this lovely book, young readers are introduced to a variety of beautiful birds, from the familiar chicken to the exotic ibis. But lurking in the background of every page is a cat, who also seems very interested in the birds.
With its funny illustrations and engaging concepts, this clever counting book will invite readers to linger over every page.
Booklist
“A black cat sneaks its way onto each spread of this lovely look at birds and their unique feathers. A nose here, a bit of tail there—the artfully concealed cat is a clever detail that will keep kids interested in this avian study….Delicately textured and detailed, these illustrations show the patterns, colors, and beauty present in every plume, and readers will appreciate how no two are alike. The large-scale illustrations make this book well suited for group sharing, though the feathers will warrant a closer look, and the mix of new and familiar birds will keep youngsters engaged.”
Kirkus Reviews
“Simler portrays her subject matter—birds and their feathers—in finely rendered, realistic detail. . . . Lovely.”
School Library Journal
“Exquisitely detailed. . . . Delightful.”
2. Klimt and His Cat
by Berenice Capatti and Octavia Monaco
Klimt’s cat takes readers into the famous artist’s world
“Follow me into Gustav’s studio—it is alive with color! Look at the paintbrushes, the reds and blues and colorful hues that spill onto the table. Smell the scent of paint, of oil, of canvas. . . ”
READ: Publishers Weekly’s review of Klimt and His Cat
Katze, the loyal cat of Gustav Klimt, takes readers on an exciting journey into the world of the famous Viennese painter. From distracting Gustav’s models to tagging along with Gustav on vacations, Katze always provides keen insight about the artist’s work and thoughts.
Enchanting illustrations, suggestive of Gustav Klimt’s own style and enlivened by the lovable and curious Katze, make Klimt and His Cat a book for readers of all ages. This book not only teaches about the artwork of the Secessionist artist, but also suggests the importance of hard work, dedication, and being true to oneself.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Society of Illustrators, The Original Art Annual Exhibition (2005)
Bank Street College, Best Children’s Books of the Year (2006)
School Library Journal
“This quirky distillation of Klimt’s essence is particularly notable for its luminous, gold-leafed multimedia paintings that effectively evoke the Viennese Secessionist painter’s individualistic style. . . Monaco’s illustrations are so unique that libraries with strong artistic picture-book collections won’t want to pass this by.”
4. The Best Cat in the World
by Leslea Newman and Ronald Himler
Will a new cat find a place in Victor’s life?
DISCOVER MORE BOOKS: 7 Books to Count Your Blessings This Thanksgiving
Even the best cat in the world doesn’t live forever, and Victor is very sad when his beloved cat, Charlie, dies. His mother suggests getting a new cat, but Victor isn’t so sure. Finally, when the vet tells Victor she has another cat that really needs a home, Victor agrees to give the new cat a chance.
But the new cat, Shelley, isn’t like Charlie. She doesn’t look like Charlie, or act like Charlie, or like to do the things Charlie used to do. With all these differences, is there any chance that Victor can learn to accept and love Shelley?
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Cat Writers’ Association, Muse Medallion (2004)
International Reading Association-Children’s Book Council Joint Committee, Children’s Choices (2005)
Cooperative Children’s Book Center, CCBC Choices (2005)
Bank Street College, Best Children’s Books of the Year (2005)
Missouri Association of School Libraries, Show Me Readers Award Master List (2006)
Publishers Weekly
“Newman captures the conflicting emotions of losing a cherished pet and then learning to love a new one in this warmly reassuring tale. . . Touching in its depiction of the carefully crafted bonds between a boy and his furry companions. . . A fitting read for any youngster facing the loss of a pet.”
5. The Secret Cat
by Katarina Strömgård
An imaginative tale for anyone who’s ever wanted a pet
Lucy wants a pet more than anything, even though her mom always says no. But one night, Lucy hears a scratching sound from behind her wallpaper, and a ghostly cat named Silvring appears. Silvring takes Lucy on an adventure and introduces her to a world filled with secret pets just like hers. Not all the secret pets are as friendly as Silvring, though.
Filled with magical realism, this beautiful book will resonate with animal lovers of all ages.
