Drat that cat!

Suzy misbehaves constantly, prompting her family members to exclaim "Drat that cat!" But after Suzy (supposedly) falls ill, they bend over backward to show their affection and concern. The text expertly paces Suzy's outrageous behavior, her decline into "illness," and her family's over-the-top coddling for a surprise ending. Scribbly pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations capture Suzy's utterly feline self-satisfaction at outsmarting her humans. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

When it comes to mischief, no pet can top a pampered cat. Suzy has long white fur and impossibly large blue eyes. Her full name is Suzy Cat Baggot. She is mostly well-behaved, but "when she felt like it, she could be really naughty." She loves to hop up onto Granddad's lap and get his trousers all hairy. Once, Suzy "did a piddle" on Dad's golf bag, and the smell won't go away. Suzy also thinks the new sofa will be perfect for sharpening her claws. Whenever anything bad happens, Suzy gets the blame--"usually because she had done it." Drat that cat! One day, Suzy stops eating; the children try everything, but she just lies listlessly on the bed. Dad takes her to the vet, who advises that she stay overnight. The house seems very empty without her. The children cry and even look in the garden for a place to bury Suzy. Two days later, Suzy has recovered and can come home. Everybody celebrates, treating Suzy like a queen. Late that night, Suzy visits Charlie, the dog next door, and explains that she was just pretending. She wanted the family "to know JUST how much they love [her]." Ross smartly keeps the text simple, letting his hilarious illustrations and keen understanding of feline psychology shine. A must for any child with a cat in the family. (Picture book. 4-7)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.