Like Likes Like

This is my two-year old son's favorite book and his first foray into literary criticism. I find it interesting that almost all reviews have interpreted this book as a diversity manifesto for children. A more sophisticated reading or a "toddler" reading would glean a deeper meaning from the line "different and same" that transcends the elementary and culturally tempting reading of the book as an "accept all races" book. Children tend not to see color and look over this quite easily. I have to point out that the very title, "Like Likes Like," should urge adults to do the same and read the story as a tabula rasa in which all people, or cats, are "like." No where in the attributes of fancy, plain, curly, straight is color a factor. The story is a simple love story- no matter who you are or what you are, there is a love for you out there and you will find each other, regardless of being same or different. My son empathizes with the sad lonely cat and explodes into smiles and laughter when he reaches "like likes like." He goes so far as to kiss the picture of the hugging cats and yell "Love!" On a more technical note, my son adores the alliteration, internal rhyme, and wordplay. In true Beckettian nature, the starkness of the text alllows the white space to speak loudly and re-enforce the emotions of the story line. Perhaps, the removal of unnecesary words and descriptives form a more concrete world than a flourishy Seussian work. This is the first book he has attempted to read himself. He somehow locates this book every time we go to the library and all other books go unread while it is in our hands. He sits by himself, turning the pages, saying "sees seas" and "round mounds." Thank you, Chris Raschka, for such a simple yet sophiscated children's book. I can't believe that my son is teaching himself to read at his young age. My son loves both the story and the contruction of your text. This is one book I DO enjoy being asked to ready endlessly.

This is a terrific, heart-felt, picture book to share with a friend. Diversity is covered (white cat-brown cat; and same but different). Independence and initiative are introduced (white cat sets out on adventure to find like). Don't try to ask for it to do more with a story line for older readers -- it is not a Pulitzer and not meant to be one. The young (and young-at-heart) get all the simple messages loudly and clearly. Brilliant. Read it with someone you love.

My 12 month old daughter loves this book. She always brings this book to me thoughout the day so that I can read it to her. It is such a fun book to read and I enjoy it as much as she does (which is good because she makes me read it to her at least 3 times a day). I disagree with the idea that there is a lack of diversity and that diversity is portrayed as a bad thing in this book. At the beginning of the book when the cat is seeing pairs of animals going by the author says "Two by two, curly and straight, fancy and plain, different and same go." That to me starts the book on a note that the important thing is to have a friend that you get along with no matter if s/he is different or same. I think that the book isn't saying to be friends with people (or animals) that are similar to you, but that life can be more fun when you have friend. And yes, the book doesn't have a traditional storyline, but that is what makes it fun. It's different and I think that exposing kids to things that don't follow basic prescribed methods is a good thing.

My husband bought me this book for my birthday, and its sweet story moved us both to tears. I don't know what children would think of this story, but it is a wonderful tale to share with the love of your life. It is about a lonely kitty who finds another kitty to share adventures with. Very sweet and touching for anyone who is part of a loving primary relationship.

I have met Chris and find him and his books fun and delightful. He gave me a a copy of "Like Likes Like" and I have enjoyed it thoroughly. The story is of a cat who doesn't fit in and takes a journey only to find another cat just like him. I feel that kids can relate to the colorful pictures and it can help children who feel a little out of place. I would also like to say that his books must have a good impact on kids because his son is increadible! He is 3 years old and can read just about anything. He is also very imaginative and sweet.