My Cat Jack

My 3.5 year old son thinks this book is hysterical. He laughs and giggles at the drawings of Jack as he goes about his cat day. In general though, I don't know think this is what the publishers intended. In fact, if you read the flyleaf you would think that this book was a pinnacle of educational faire. "These innovative books combine elements of the best picture books - exciting stories, poems, and artwork-with elements of the best nonfiction - intriguing facts and ideas. They invite children to learn about the world around them, encouraging them to think, to question, to wonder." Perhaps some of these proposed features apply to "My Cat Jack". But I would describe it simply as a delightful book (at least for cat loving children) that shows a large friendly black and white cat as he plays, laps milk, stretches, and cleans himself, and generally does what cat's do. [Alright, he doesn't miss his cat box, get furballs, or get into rows with other cats-but he does do the `nice' kitty stuff (lol).] Which isn't to say that I disagree with everything the publishers wrote. I would agree with them that 1) that the artwork is good, and 2) that it may encourage children to think, question, and wonder. Innovative book-no. Intriguing facts - no. Exciting story-sort of. Intriguing look into a cat's day-YES! In addition, there is some nice vocabulary for three year olds in the book. Words like lapping, pouncing, and acrobat. The pictures inspire conversation, such as when you can't help but notice Jack's huge canine teeth when he yawns. Now what are those for? How come we don't have those kind of teeth? Four Stars. Wonderful artwork that displays various facets of Jack's daily activities. My children bring this to me to be read frequently.

Patricia Casey has combined simple text with illustrations that completly capture the motions and moods of a cat to create a captivating and amusing book. The repetitive text makes this book perfect for emergent readers, but it is truly a delight for readers of all ages--especially anyone who loves cats!

The pictures in this book are delightful! They're whimsically realistic and portray what a cat really does. The text is large and easy to read with simple, descriptive words that beginning readers will have little trouble reading (or at least little trouble figuring out the words from the pictures). I highly recommend it-- especially to ANYONE who likes cats!