How to Be a Cat

In cut-paper artist Nikki McClure's latest picture book, a kitten practices the basics of feline behavior over the course of a day. A single word of text per spread teaches readers "how to be a cat"--how to stretch, clean, pounce, feast--while the striking paper cuts illustrate the kitten's attempts to imitate an adult cat's mastery of each skill. At times the kitten triumphantly succeeds, and at other times the kitten struggles, in vignettes that range from whimsical to profound.
A celebration of all things feline, How to Be a Cat also tells a universal story of mastering life skills, and of the sometimes tender, sometimes stern relationship between parent and child, teacher and pupil. Cat lovers of all ages will connect to this loving portrayal of a mentor-student relationship.

Praise for How to Be a Cat
STARRED REVIEWS
Purrrrfect for beginning readers and little artists with an eye for fine cut-paper compositions and craftsmanship.
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

A delightful picture book in every way. Beginning with the paw-print endpapers, youngsters will know that they are in for an adventure. The simplicity and flow of page design are beautifully done as viewers follow a kitten and his mother as she teaches him basic feline behavior.
--School Library Journal, starred review

McClure's cut-paper spreads can be mesmerizing.
--Publishers Weekly

McClure wonderfully captures the shape and movement of the feline form, and kids will also enjoy pointing out the blue and white butterflies and the black-capped chickadee that also appear on several pages.
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Perfect for cat lovers of all ages, the book helps us reconnect with memories of our own jouney of growth and learning.
--Cat Fancy

Author: Nikki McClure
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 03/12/2013
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.40h x 10.50w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781419705281
Audience: Ages 4-8


Award: Parents Choice Awards (Spring) (2008-Up) - Recommended


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 02/11/2013 pg. 62
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2013
School Library Journal 04/01/2013 pg. 136
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2013 pg. 474
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2013 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Nikki McClure is a self-taught cut-paper artist known for her calendar and gift line. She is the author and illustrator of Collect Raindrops; Mama, Is It Summer Yet?; To Market, to Market; and Apple, and the illustrator of All in a Day, written by Cynthia Rylant. She lives in Olympia, Washington. Visit nikkimcclure.com.


This title is only available via back order