Cat vs. Vac

by Kaz Windness

The arrival of a mysterious box sets off a battle for control of the house in this hilarious rhyming Level 1 Ready-to-Read!

When a recently delivered package opens to reveal a vacuum, the house cat’s hair stands on end! What can be done about this newcomer? Young readers will be sucked into this lively tale of the timeless struggle between cat and vacuum.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Cats, Fiction, Humor

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2023

Reviews

[Melissa Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made me anxious.

[Reilly Zimbric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most chaotic thing I’ve ever read

[Koralsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute! The colors are amazing! Highly recommend. Kids loved it!

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not a fan of pee and poo, if that motivates your little learner that’s great, just not for me. I also started to wonder if this was a pet store or a home, but it’s just a picture book.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

First sentence: Door crack. Sunbeam.
Cat stretch. Daydream.

Premise/plot: What happens when a family's pets accept a delivery package and the humans aren't home? This early reader imagines such an event. The delivery is a vacuum cleaner. And it is ENEMY and FOE. Who will win the day?

My thoughts: I did not like this one at all. I expected to. I just REALLY did not. This one doesn't have a complete sentence in the whole book. It just doesn't. (I exaggerate. There might be two.) It is told in rhyme. You can rhyme and write in more complete sentences. Perhaps it isn't just the fragmentation--which is a stylistic choice, for sure. There are two things that didn't quite sit right with me...personally. First, I think the author made a list of all the things that COULD be appealing to young readers--namely boys in my imagination, but perhaps young girls as well. POOP. PEE. UNDERWEAR, etc. Then I think the author tried to include as many as possible.

Vac VROOM,
Vac SCHLOOP!
Vac eat cat poop.
Vac chase. Dog WEE!
Vac GLURP dog pee.

Such wonderful literature, right??? For those that are offended by animals--pets--in underwear, be warned. (This isn't a deal breaker for me.)

Second, I think the illustrations just aren't my cup of tea. Perhaps they will be yours. Again, illustrations are completely subjective.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life for this Cat used to be sweet. Life used to be simple. Then came....

Then came a usurper of family attention, a vacuum cleaner. AKA "Vac"!

Look, when I state that life for the hero of this story, Cat, used to be simple, what can convey just how simple?

Cat's name was not Fluffy or Snookums but "Cat."

Similarly, as we read about the ensuing power struggles between Cat and Vac, the very basic language may make it easier to read. But it sure annoys this Goodreader. For instance:

Cat plan. Cat scheme.
Cat forms Pet Team.

All these antics are supposed to be hilarious. But on my circuitry as a grownup (and a Goodreads author) I cannot laugh while reading language for a two-year-old.

RATING THIS BOOK

My policy, Goodreaders, is to rate books based on the likely reactions of the intended readership. I imagine that the eager readers, at baby talk level, won't care particularly if every component of this story is really-really childish. Quite the opposite.

FIVE STARS it is then.

It takes all kinds to make a world of Goodreaders.

[Becky B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cat and Dog are enjoying a peaceful day at home until a mysterious box arrives and a horrifying creature emerges to terrorize the household. Can these pets rise up to save the house?

The concept of this is fun and very relevant for many pet owners. The art style is super unique and I liked it. The text is minimal, rhyming, and in a large font. However, though the plot was plenty solid and entertaining on its own, for some reason the author felt they had to go for cheap humor and throw in poop, pee, and the pets wearing human underwear as superhero costumes. It was totally unnecessary and felt like it brought the story down for me. I'm sure certain kids will find it hilarious, but it felt over the top to me. Cats and dogs freaking out over vacuum cleaners is plenty funny all on its own.

[Matt Forrest Esenwine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be titled "Cat, Dog, Snake, Bird, and Rat vs. Vac" - because ultimately, all the pets of the house join together to fight a common enemy! (But I suppose that would be a rather unwieldy title) Shortly after arriving at the house, the vacuum goes on a house-sucking spree that ironically doesn't include dirt, carpets, or laundry, but rather, the pets themselves and their - umm, err, - waste products. This book, with its frenetic pace, wild illustrations, and bathroom humor, is not for everyone, but kids who are learning to read will crack up at the short, energetic text and fun illustrations!

[Phobean · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not at all what I expected. I thought the concept was cute but then opened the book to find something more like Looney Tunes or 1980s /90s cartoon where essentially it’s all just violence and humor based on violence. The art is OK but also a little hard to see. Not sure if it’s just because of the texture or maybe the printing is not light enough? This is a very early easy reader. I hadn’t realize the type of book was even a thing! Most of the sentences were comprise or two to four words and there is a distinct, simple rhyme. Lots of pee and poop jokes. Guess it just wasn’t for me, but also I’m not a five or seven year old. Maybe that’s where the problem lies.

[Kirsten Caldwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Early readers need real words to learn how to read and all of the pretend sounds in this one may not be great. The story is silly because pets are afraid of vacuums and kids will giggle at this, but I did not think it was a great early reader. When the vacuum chases the bird and the "Bad bird. Vac ride.", the bird's eyes turn red which I didn't like. The structure of the story is awkward and is trying to be playful but makes it feel very choppy.
I wouldn't recommend this title to newly independent readers, but older readers would probably enjoy the silliness.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less fun than I expected. The rhyming text is accessible, with short sentences good for emerging readers. The story itself is chaotic, and will likely be funny to a lot of young readers. I felt like there was just too much craziness and the text didn't quite line up with the illustrations. The illustrations weren't my cup of tea -- a little muddy and dim. The cover is my favorite part of this book.

[Stan Yan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun read. I bet it'll be a really popular book with kids if they're anything like I was. Potty humor is a shared bond kids all have whether or not our parents appreciate it, and I bet this will end up being an important book for helping kids to read because it's sure to be read over and over and be fondly remembered with a sly smile when they're my age. The art is spectacular and full of energy, perfect for the pacing of this story.

[Karen Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm. A box shows up on the family doorstep. Cat and dog peek to see what it is in this easy reader. The vacuum is kind of possessed, though, and the family bird gets involved about the time the vac eats the cat poop. Then the dog pees. I just. Can't. I mean what new reader is going to parse the word "scheme?" Beyond that the art gets dark and scary. The humans arrive home in the end to find a real mess and a Roomba vac shows up.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forget what anyone says....this book is hilarious. It's a group of pets that band together to fight a vacuum cleaner that's been ordered by their owners. It's written primarily in a rhyming scheme which is great for younger readers. The ability to recognize words that rhyme does help with reading skills. The artwork reminded me of some comics that I've read so that was definitely a bonus. I definitely will be checking out more by Kaz Windness.

[Lisa Keipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably going to become one of my favorite books of the year.

Everyone knows how "evil" the vacuum cleaner is to pets- and now we know it's true!

I say anything more, I'll be spoiling, and I won't spoil. I will just say that pre readers and early readers are going to love this book, and so are their adults!

[Dustin Resch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this wild ride. There's lighthearted naughtiness, but in the spirit of fun and rollicking adventure. The rhymes are funny and clever, and the art is wonderful! I recommend it to anyone with kids that have a sense of humor and want a repeatedly-readable book to add to their shelves.

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! It rhymes. It has decodable text. And it has a GREAT story! Yes, adults might cringe, but kids are going to laugh and want to reread this one over and over. This is what easy readers should look like!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

46 year-old cat lady reporting here. I love this book! The illustrations are charming, and the story is fun, with just enough "we" to keep young readers giggling and turning the pages. I work in a library and this book is a hit with my young patrons as well.

[Mirka Hokkanen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think kids love this book, with colorful illustrations, action and humor. The text is easy, so beginning readers can start figuring it out. I think it's a good book to try for those early readers who have a hard time getting excited by some of the more traditional early reader books out there.

[Abi Cushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son's learning to read, and so we're reading a lot of early readers. We thought this one was hilarious. I love the mouse at the end in the pictures. The short sentence structure is great and the fact that it rhymes helps too.

[Sue Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this for my two-year-old grandson who was terrified of the vacuum. Not sure if it helped, but my for-year-old granddaughter and I thought it was hilarious. Once again Kaz’ sense of humor and illustrations are inviting and delightful for young readers.

[Danica Midlil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed 😞

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny. I'd rate it higher if it didn't have gross bits that my son and I didn't appreciate, but some kids would probably like that.

[Themountainbookie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is mostly 2-3 word sentences. This went for some choppy reading. I'm not sure what the storyline is. The book mostly describes scenes. A plot is missing.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridiculous and hilarious

[AllyP Reads Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sentient vacuum shows up and reeks havoc on a bunch of household animals. Don't get too attached to the rat!

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple text. Hilarious!

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun rhyming story

[Penny Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Kaz Windness does not disappoint. Humorous text, but the illustrations put it over the top. Nice easy read with lots of fun!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boisterously entertaining.