Review: The Cat at Night

“The Cat at Night” is the delightful adventure of a farmer’s cat after he’s put outside for the night. As he ventures towards the nearby village he encounters a variety of sights and other animals. The illustrations alter between silhouettes and full color to mimic what we humans might see and then how the cat sees the world at night. 

Several years ago I was given a vintage copy of this book so I was delighted to see an anniversary edition with additional information about author and illustrator Dahlov Ipcar. Though not entirely accurate about a cat’s nighttime meanderings (which can be very dangerous), I like that this story is gently told where Cat meets up with his feline friends in the village and still gets home in time for breakfast. 

This book is great for young children learning about shapes and prediction about what a shape or silhouette is and for anyone who likes cats.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher, Tilbury House Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: Accountable

I remember when this story first made the news. I paid attention to it because I’m a high school teacher, I know people who live in Albany, and I worked in the neighboring school district for 20 years. What was on the news was only the tip of the iceberg.

“Accountable” is a well-written, compelling account of the discovery of a racist Instagram account started by a student at Albany High School and the lives in that school community that were irrevocably changed in the aftermath of the discovery. At nearly 500 pages, the story follows the perpetrators and victims, while providing important additional background information on racism in America, psychology, and other related issues. I found Dashka Slater’s style to be engaging throughout. Slater clearly spent a lot of time getting to know the students (and, to some extent, their families) involved. 

This is not an “oh, everything will turn out just fine” type of story. There are no neat endings tied up with a pretty bow. NOTHING was the same for any of the students involved, even those who came to some sort of resolution or had some sort of reconciliation. This is a difficult story, but you need to read it anyway.

This book should be read by all teens and the adults who work with them. “Accountable” comes out August 22.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: A Tale of Two Kitties

Author/illustrator Judith Graves creates a delightful tale about the unexpected joys of sharing in “A Tale of Two Kitties.” Orange kitties Mittens and Boots share a house and a human, but not much else. One day their beloved arm chairs are replaced by a single loveseat! Will conflict ensue or will Mittens and Boots learn to share their space?

The text is easy to understand, but has humor that adults will appreciate. The illustrations are simple, but capture the essence of Mittens and Boots. Overall, this book is a joy to read!

This book is great for young children learning about sharing or for cat lovers of any age.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by NetGalley and the publisher, Acorn Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.