Barn Cat

My daughter loves this book. It is always the one she picks. She especially loves the ending and can't wait to see the little girl (my daughter calls the little girl "Mommy") come out to give the cat milk.

This is a counting book (1-10) with rhyming text. Azarian's illustrations are fantastic. Children familiar with a rural setting will quickly identify with this book, and all children will enjoy this beautiful book.

I judge a good children's book, from the number of times my two-and-a-half year old daughter makes me read it to her. From a selection of 5-10 books borrowed from the library each month, the one that gets the most attention, are the ones worth writing a review about, but this one especially was a favorite! I must've read it about 40 times, and it she still asked "Read it again mommy"! The ending is really cute, the Barn Cat is enticed by many things throughout the story - crickets, butterflies, birds, etc.. - but she was not in the slightest bit interested in any of them... until... you'll have to read and see. Its a charming book, with a catchy rhyme and was definitely given the seal of approval.

What a wonderful book for your infant. Mary Azarian's illustrations are captivating for even the youngest reader. My son, who at 6 weeks barely sits through two pages of most books, is fascinated by the beautiful illustrations of butterflies, dragonflies, and sparrows (not to mention Barn cat himself). The story takes Barn cat on a hunt for something he is looking for and in the process introduces children to many different species of life in the country. Best of all, Saul goes beyond the typical cow, pig, and chicken and includes less popular but beautiful species that your child will love.

This is a perfectly charming book, delightfully rhymed and beautifully illustrated with woodcuts that reach the level of art. I ordered a copy for my grandchildren on the basis of Mary Azarian's Caldecott Medal last year, and on receiving it immediately ordered another for the inner-city pre-school program where I volunteer. The director thought it one of the finest pre-school books she has ever seen. The story of this counting book is told with dignity and charm, and the ending is especially lovely, engaging all the small children to whom I've read it. This belongs in every literate young child's library!