Review by Booklist Review
Morris, a cat, is tired of chasing mice for his meals. Instead, he decides to lure them to him by reading aloud. The effect is magical--when he reads, the little mice emerge from every corner of Morris' house, drawn by his voice and captivated by the stories he shares. But is his plan working? When Morris reads a sad book, he becomes so despondent that he doesn't feel hungry anymore. And when he reads a funny one, he and the mice end up rolling on the floor laughing together. Finally, he writes his own story, about initially wanting to eat the mice but now being unable to do so. After all, "nobody should eat their friends." First published in France, this picture book delivers its unexpected twist with drama and wit. The well-paced story reads aloud beautifully; the illustrations feature expressive drawings and appealing use of colors. A satisfying picture book in which a cagey cat sets out with a simple goal and unintentionally achieves a more complex one: creating a community of friends.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A hungry feline plots to catch some mice and ends up getting more than he bargained for. In this tale translated from French, Morris, a cat with a large book collection, has grown tired of chasing mice and decides to instead lure his prey by reading stories out loud. The ruse works, and the mice gather, but each time he finishes a book, Morris finds he's not in the mood to eat. Undeterred, he opts to write a story himself. After going through many discarded drafts, a frustrated Morris finally decides to write about his own experience: "the story of a cat who tried to catch mice by reading stories to them." He gives his story a happy ending for the mice and, ultimately, himself. The artwork, reminiscent of Richard Scarry's, complements and adds cheer to this straightforward narrative that underscores the benefits of writing what you know and shows how creativity can lead to unexpected rewards. Though the theme of catching and eating the mice might be macabre for more sensitive readers, potential darkness is averted with gentle humor and the realization that the mice, who ply Morris with pastries as a thank you for reading to them, are cleverer than they look. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A charming book about the importance of creativity, persistence, and not eating your potential friends. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
