John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat

John Brown is Rose's dog and companion. The Midnight Cat is the interloper, looking in the window at night. John Brown feels no need to widen the circle of their life. The Midnight Cat, in the manner of cats, persists. This story is gently told and profound , in the way of Where the Wild Things Are or In the Night Kitchen. It deals with the emotional realities of sharing the beloved. This book was meant to be shared.

A beautiful book that can be shared together with children and adults. With a sweet story of longtime companionship between elderly woman Rose and her stubborn yet loving dog John Brown and the sudden interuption of a black cat in their humdrum lives. For children, the story of a close-knit friendship between a lady and her dog that opens up to allow a new addition to share their house and lives. For adults, an underlying symbolic reference of the black cat representing death, Rose's acceptance of it and John Brown's refusal to allow it into their home/life. All in all, a good story.

This is a very tender book, with love and understanding children and adults can relate to. Ideal for ages 2 and up.

John Brown is a large shaggy dog living contentedly with Rose. When a cat arrives needing food and love, Rose is ready to open her heart and home to the new arrival, but John Brown has a very hard time sharing Rose, and watching Rose take care for someone else. By the book's end, John Brown has changed. In simple words and marvelous pictures, this book helps children - and the adults reading to them - consider a difficult and complicated emotion: jealousy. The perfect book to help children get ready for a baby brother or sister, it's too bad it isn't easier to find.