Cross-Country Cat

Henry the Siamese Cat #1

by Mary Calhoun, Erick Ingraham (Illustrator)

What kind of cat would go sliding off on skis, and who'd believe it anyway? When the family accidentally leaves Henry, their sassy Siamese, behind at the ski lodge, he takes matters into his own paws in this beguiling adventure.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Cats, Animals, Adventure, Young Adult

40 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1979

About the author

Mary Louise Huiskamp Wilkins, also known as Mary Calhoun was born on August 3, 1926 in Keokuk, Iowa. She received a bachelor's degree in journalism for the University of Iowa in 1948. She was hired as a reporter for the World-Herald in Omaha, Nebraska after graduation. Her fascination with spirits and folklore of the 19th century led her to write stories about witches, elves, cats, dwarfs, and pixies. She has also published stories in Jack and Jill and Humpty Dumpty magazines. She worked at the Omaha World Herald before marrying fellow journalist Frank Calhoun. Her first book, Making the Mississippi Shout, was published in 1957. She wrote more than 50 children's books during her lifetime including the Katie John series, Julie's Tree, Henry the Sailor Cat, and Cross-Country Cat. She died on October 27, 2015 at the age of 89.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I haven't read in over 30 years so it was nice to read it all over again. The story itself is adorable and in a way it is like the Little Engine that Could in that Henry is determined to keep going no matter how tired he is and no matter how close the coyote gets to him.

But what I can truly appreciate now is the illustrations. The textures that are conveyed are amazing. You can see just how fluffy Henry is. And you can practically feel the coarse woolen socks from the first page. I want to wrap my arms around Henry and pet him for days.

This really brings back a wonderful feeling of nostalgia for me. The book is longer than I remember it being so it is better for those who are about to transition into chapter books than those of the toddler set.

Over all it was a delightful story but the main highlight is the artwork.

4 out of 5 stars!

[Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no problems with books about talking animals who live in houses and act like humans. Or animals that talk and act one way among themselves and act like animals around their humans. But this was just...weird. I dunno why it left me so cold. The warm, wonderful illustrations deserve six stars. For the silly text, two is pushing it. Maybe that's it--the vibrant realism of the illustrations put me off the implausible tale.

Also perhaps the fact that Henry is a Siamese. I have known many humans owned by Siamese and frankly grew very tired of their boasts about how one particular breed of cat is smarter, better, cuter than any other feline. Not if you really like cats!

[sincerely · Rating 5 out of 5]

HILARIOUS! We were all in stitches!

[Elevetha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry's antics are even more implausible* then in Blue-Ribbon Henry, which was stretching it ever so slightly. But this is picture book world and so I'm letting that slide. Also, how great is the Man? Gruff man that he is, he has to claim to dislike the stupid cat (in favor of the dog, of course) but really he loves the cat. Only now do I realize that the Man is my father.

*This was not an issue when I was a child. It was totally believable that he cross-country skied, used pine bough poles, and could tie string/fabric.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though my daughter is now grown, we shared many books when she was little. One of our very favorites was Cross Country Cat. I believe it was a wordless book. We were so taken by the intrepid Siamese cat who strapped on cross country skis to get home when he was left behind at the family's cabin one winter vacation. Our initial distress at his predicament faded when it became clear that this was a determined and resourceful cat. Wonderful. Highly recommended.

[Courtenay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was told to a Unitarian Universalist congregation this morning in western Washington for Valentine's Day with kids of all ages, 2-92, present. What an enjoyable little tale of courage, compassion, adventure and daring. While it was "abbreviated" for purpose of the service, everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Two thumbs up.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cross-Country Cat by Mary Calhoun is the start of the Henry the siamese cat picture book series. This time Henry and his humans are up in the mountains to enjoy the snow. The children give Henry a brief lesson on how to ski as a joke.

http://pussreboots.com/blog/2020/comm...

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cross-Country Cat
by Mary Calhoun
Cross country cat by Mary Calhoun is a funny story about a cat and her adventure, found in a kindergarten class room. This book is an easy reader story and shows children adventure, and gives them an understanding of winter sports and activities.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't as fond of this cat book as I am of some of her others, because the cat is drawn so life-like and yet is skiing like a human.

[Lisa Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

one I kept a long time after my kids grew up..wonderful illustrations.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book to my granddaughter. It brought back memories of reading this to my children. Henry is quite a cat. We love all the Henry books.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice pictures but the ridiculous story falls flat.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like the story. It felt long and drawn out when it didn't need to be. But the illustrations are wonderful.

[Briana Vilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

solid book about a cat who learns to love XCing and learns that his family actually does love him

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story for kids

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry is on a ski trip with his family. “The Kid” makes a pair of skis for Henry, but he refuses to use them. When the family leaves Henry behind accidentally, he finds he must take off cross-country to catch up. He encounters a rabbit who wants to race, a blue jay who wants him out of the woods and a coyote who wants to eat him. Finally, the kid and the man arrive to take him home.

[Bonnie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calhoun, M. (Author) & Ingraham, E. (Illustrator). (1979). Cross-country cat. New York, New York: Mulberry Books. Unp. Ages 3 and up.

In a terrible accident, Henry, gets left behind by his family at the snowy cabin. In this adventurous tale, a charismatic Siamese cat must venture out into the wilderness on his skis to find his family. The fast paced and exciting words and illustrations make this a humorous tale of bravery and innovation.

Related Activity: Draw pictures of their favorite animal doing something that may not be possible in real life (primary).

[DivaDiane SM · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Dad's friend Cheryl gave this book to us recently when we had to make a sudden trip home. My father had had a stroke and we cut our Christmas trip to the Italian in-laws short to fly home. Naturally, we didn't have many toys or kids books with us and Cheryl and a few others spontaneously gave us some stuff to keep our son occupied during our day-long visits to the hospital. He immediately loved this one and we read it several times.

It's a very cute story about a cat's adventures trying to get back home on the ski's his Boy had made him while at their cottage in the country.

[Eyehavenofilter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to me by a friend...this is a delightful story of Henry the cross-country Siamese Cat who strikes out on his own. His brash decision leaves him stranded, the only way back to his family is with his handmade skies and poles. The actions are almost believable if you know a Siamese you know they are death defying and can also defy the laws of gravity, and science.
Henry " cracks on " in rhythm with nature and discovers, friend and foe, and finally makes his way through the snow. But can he find himself, and his family, only time will tell....

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful story for bedtime (or other down time) for kids from about 4-1/2 up. A little long for the younger set. Interesting story about a very resourceful cat, illustrated by a NH man. The series is great for any cat lover (or anyone who knows that cats are just naturally more clever than the rest of us).

[Pynteya Bate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very adorable and entertaining story told by the cat who finds the ways to come back home after his family left him behind. Illustrations are attractive, even though it mostly black and white. I have read this book to my students and they love it!!! They listen carefully, laughed, and asked questions.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a little odd but I liked it anyway. Henry the cat can cross-country ski. That's a first for me. Still, the book was quirky enough to keep me on board until it was over. I'm looking forward to Henry's other antics and adventures.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea, but the whim and creativity was lacking. it felt uneven in the personified of the cat. I want able to buy that a cat would pick up ski poles and cross country ski. I was prepared to be heartbroken at the abandoned cat, but wasn't because the dirty was not that compelling.

[R. G. Nairam]

I listened to the audiobook version of this loads of times even though it scared the heck out of me. creepy narrating, added music, and I think even sound effects

no no no no no

Very surreal to experience it as an adult and without that ambience.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite childhood books. Everyone should read it. I mean it.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites as a kid. It always made me sad that the cat got separated from his family...but of course he makes it back in the end. :) A must, especially if you've ever owned a siamese.

[Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though for a younger age group, I think this book is very good for anyone who likes or has owned cats!

[Tricia Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite children's stories about a Siamese cat in a hot-air balloon. Check out her other books too. Great story teller.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite children's books. Excellent!

[Carol Royce Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cats are more clever than we give them credit for being, and this cat proves just that!