We Found a Cat by Heidi McKinnon

Something arrives in a box. Look closely. The box says "this way up" and "beware".  The older sister is delighted. She is sure this is a cat but her little sister is not convinced. In fact little sister really can see the truth but her big sister has decided this is a cat and that is all she can see. Readers are sure to agree with and sympathise with the little sister and it does look like we are heading for a disaster.  

Using two voices is a delightful way to tell this warm, funny, and playful story. This is a great example of a picture book where the illustrations add a different dimension - you really have to 'read' them to get the whole joke. This book provides a perfect way to explore visual storytelling with young readers.  The page where the tiger “smothers” mum and dad is hilarious. The cross reference to the Cat in the Hat with the goldfish and the huge cat is one many adult readers will recognise. Of course, the ending, while it might not especially original, it matches perfectly with the fun of the previous pages.  And this book is sure to make you want to revisit an old classic - The Tiger who Came to Tea. 

The end papers, which bracket the book’s timeline, will give astute readers enough of a hint about the shared joke which is the basis of this book. I adore the ball of wool on the half title page and the way the same wool tangles over the title page. 

The matt, beige paper used in this book provides a perfect background to the art on each page and the restrained, almost retro palette, is very appealing. Using the younger child character as the ‘voice of reason’ is very affirming for all younger siblings. In this book so few words can say SO much.  

One of my favourite things to consider is the sharing of our Australian books across the world. We speak English and so our books can be shared in USA, Canada, New Zealand, UK and South Africa. We Found a Cat is such a splendid picture book and I think it is one that should be shared with children beyond our shores. Not because it contains an especially deep message but just because it is funny and because it is a perfect book to share with a preschool child who will enjoy being "in on the joke". 

If you love Elephant and Piggy and books with dialogue and confusion you will really enjoy We Found a Cat. And the art in this book is sure to remind you of illustrations by Jon Klassen. 

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Here is the web site for Heidi McKinnon.  You could pair this book with these:

Would you like a Banana?

This is a dog

Blue Badger

You're finally here!

Read more about Pat Hutchins