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Bittle
Nigel is a cat.
He loves to chase mice and scratch rugs.
Julia is a dog.
She loves treats and bones and sleeping.
They don't need anything else . . .
. . . but now they've got Bittle.
(She's a new baby.)
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2004
1 person is currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Patricia MacLachlan
125 books805 followersPatricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 12, 2015
MacLachlan, Patricia& Emily. Bittle. Illus. Dan Yaccarino. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2004. Print. Ages 4-8. The story of Bittle is about a dog and a cat who soon discover that they have to share their home with a little baby. At first they are nervous about this new experience and Julia the dog has a hard time adjusting but in time all of them become friends. I thought this book was well-written. I especially liked how the story was told in the viewpoint of the pets of the household. The illustrator did a good job at really bringing this story to life with its bright colors but it was unique in the sense that the objects, animals, and people weren’t portrayed in a conventional way. I think this book would be a great read on the first day of preschool or kindergarten. Sometimes the first day of school during that first year can be really hard for students but giving them a story to relate to and discussing that things will get better can help calm them down.
May 28, 2022
A precious picture book about a cat and dog slowly accepting the new baby.
April 4, 2020
First sentence: In a big yellow house lived a cat and a dog.
Premise/plot: Nigel (The cat) and Julia (The Dog) don’t quite know what to think about the new baby their humans bring home. The duo name the baby Bittle...and life will never be the same again.
My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved this one. It is equal parts silly and sweet. The cat and dog are the parents doing all the hard work. Their hard work and love pay off when it comes to the baby’s first words.
I would definitely recommend this one. It would be great as a board book. It would be fun to have an adaptation of this as a cartoon.
It’s so good I can almost imagine Levar Burton narrating it.
Text: 5/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Total:9/10
Premise/plot: Nigel (The cat) and Julia (The Dog) don’t quite know what to think about the new baby their humans bring home. The duo name the baby Bittle...and life will never be the same again.
My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved this one. It is equal parts silly and sweet. The cat and dog are the parents doing all the hard work. Their hard work and love pay off when it comes to the baby’s first words.
I would definitely recommend this one. It would be great as a board book. It would be fun to have an adaptation of this as a cartoon.
It’s so good I can almost imagine Levar Burton narrating it.
Text: 5/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Total:9/10
March 29, 2022
This was my oldest's favorite "new baby" book when I was expecting my second. It was so beloved, in fact, that we read it for years after the second baby was born, and it became the second's favorite as well, even though there were no more babies. Overall a sweet tale with engaging pictures and gentle sense of humor.
October 19, 2019
Nigel the cat and Julia the dog were happy with their life; then one day a baby girl was brought home. Nigel and Julia weren't sure about her, (they really didn't need a baby), but they found themselves growing to love her. Really cute story nicely illustrated.
August 13, 2018
Where are the parents during all of this???? I love the closeness between the pets and the baby though. Could be fun to read to a new sibling
May 29, 2021
A new baby from the eyes of the animals that grow to love her! I love all their personalities and seeing how they learn to become a family.
July 8, 2015
Here's the picture book that was so popular with Patricia MacLachlan's own grandchild, the wee one insisted the author reread it out loud so often that Ms. MacLachlan became sick of the book and hid it from her grandchild, pretending not to know where it was. It must have taken a lot of reading to make Bittle wear on Patricia MacLachlan's nerves, for this is a story of winsome delight, steeped in love and told in words of unmistakably sweet fondness. Could the burgeoning love of a cat and dog for the new human baby of the house be presented any truer than in this book? Patricia and Emily MacLachlan work together beautifully in expressing the heartfelt realities of interpersonal affection and how they sneak up on us a little at a time, so gradually that we sometimes don't realize we're in love until its silky caresses have completely encircled us. So it is with a baby called Bittle and her two best friends, just as with us and the ones we are privileged to love and have love us in return. A nicer feeling could not exist.
Nigel the green-eyed cat and Julia the dog are happy engaging in their own pastimes before the change sets in around the house. Packages of petite clothing, a bedroom freshly painted green, and the addition of a small barred bed indicate the coming of a new baby to the family, whether the animals think it necessary or not. The bundle of joy brought into the house is such "a little bit of a thing" that Nigel and Julia naturally take to calling her "Bittle", and the cat and dog reluctantly assume responsibility over her when the man and woman aren't nearby. Soothing Bittle at night when she awakens in her crib and starts crying isn't always an easy job; the little one's wailing is loud enough to wake the whole house, and the sharp tones are unpleasant to sensitive animal ears. But Nigel and Julia accept their responsibility and entertain Bittle when she wakes up, keeping her pacified until slumber reengages her. These three smallest creatures of the house hang out frequently during the day, too, after Bittle learns to crawl, lying together to doze in the sunlight, taking meals as a trio when Bittle graciously shares her food, and playing games and sharing interests (the toilet is a major common diversion for Bittle and Julia!). The self-assessed mandate to watch over the baby transforms into loving affection over time as the little moments shared between Bittle, Nigel, and Julia grow into a relationship stitched in colorful memories, like a keeping quilt of time preciously spent. There's no dissolving of memories that enduring. Whether we immediately recognize the love we reciprocate with a new friend, or it takes a while to sink in how special they've become to us, love fully realized is a keepsake we hold onto for a lifetime. Even just "a little bit of a thing" can cause our heart to swell so big it feels ready to burst, but it won't. It always expands to accommodate the love flourishing within. And when we share that love with the Bittles in our own life, we never feel alone for long.
I like that the man and woman are never really shown in Bittle, except their legs in one scene at the story's end, or the woman's hand when she brings the new baby home from the hospital. It allows the narrative to be about Bittle, Nigel, and Julia, without focusing on peripheral characters. Bittle's sweetness is the relationship between baby, cat, and dog, so it's fitting to keep the attention on them. Dan Yaccarino's illustrations don't jump out at me, but they're nice. I especially like his rendering of Nigel's emerald-green eyes. Everything considered, Bittle is a winner, and I would likely give it two and a half stars. Patricia MacLachlan is a rare resource in the history of children's literature, and I am continually amazed by what she has to offer. Fans of her other picture books will, like me, undoubtedly love Bittle, and I recommend it for them one and all.
Nigel the green-eyed cat and Julia the dog are happy engaging in their own pastimes before the change sets in around the house. Packages of petite clothing, a bedroom freshly painted green, and the addition of a small barred bed indicate the coming of a new baby to the family, whether the animals think it necessary or not. The bundle of joy brought into the house is such "a little bit of a thing" that Nigel and Julia naturally take to calling her "Bittle", and the cat and dog reluctantly assume responsibility over her when the man and woman aren't nearby. Soothing Bittle at night when she awakens in her crib and starts crying isn't always an easy job; the little one's wailing is loud enough to wake the whole house, and the sharp tones are unpleasant to sensitive animal ears. But Nigel and Julia accept their responsibility and entertain Bittle when she wakes up, keeping her pacified until slumber reengages her. These three smallest creatures of the house hang out frequently during the day, too, after Bittle learns to crawl, lying together to doze in the sunlight, taking meals as a trio when Bittle graciously shares her food, and playing games and sharing interests (the toilet is a major common diversion for Bittle and Julia!). The self-assessed mandate to watch over the baby transforms into loving affection over time as the little moments shared between Bittle, Nigel, and Julia grow into a relationship stitched in colorful memories, like a keeping quilt of time preciously spent. There's no dissolving of memories that enduring. Whether we immediately recognize the love we reciprocate with a new friend, or it takes a while to sink in how special they've become to us, love fully realized is a keepsake we hold onto for a lifetime. Even just "a little bit of a thing" can cause our heart to swell so big it feels ready to burst, but it won't. It always expands to accommodate the love flourishing within. And when we share that love with the Bittles in our own life, we never feel alone for long.
I like that the man and woman are never really shown in Bittle, except their legs in one scene at the story's end, or the woman's hand when she brings the new baby home from the hospital. It allows the narrative to be about Bittle, Nigel, and Julia, without focusing on peripheral characters. Bittle's sweetness is the relationship between baby, cat, and dog, so it's fitting to keep the attention on them. Dan Yaccarino's illustrations don't jump out at me, but they're nice. I especially like his rendering of Nigel's emerald-green eyes. Everything considered, Bittle is a winner, and I would likely give it two and a half stars. Patricia MacLachlan is a rare resource in the history of children's literature, and I am continually amazed by what she has to offer. Fans of her other picture books will, like me, undoubtedly love Bittle, and I recommend it for them one and all.
March 6, 2017
The evolution of dog (and cat) & baby friendship. Very cute!
November 4, 2016
Mom and Dad get a human baby.
It's cute. I like the art style. It's very colorful and crisp. There are a dog and a cat that live in a house with a man and a woman, and then the man and woman bring home a baby. The dog is worried that the baby will want her bones. The dog and the cat get upset when the baby starts crying, but the cat realizes that he can soothe her to sleep. They start spending time with the little baby, singing songs to her, and playing with her. They started out afraid of the baby, worrying that the baby will replace them, but end up seeing how they are all alike and becoming a team. The baby's first words are "woof" and "meow", and then the book ends with all three howling.
It's sweet. It's a recognition of the important role that pets play in people's lives, understanding that just as it's difficult for children to accept new siblings, it's also difficult for the pets to accept it. Clearly the pets are given human characteristics, depicted as thinking in a human manner, so it probably would also be helpful to children getting a younger sibling to understand that babies do get more interesting and become fun to play with once you get past the shock of newness.
Message: Babies are a big change, but a positive one.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
It's cute. I like the art style. It's very colorful and crisp. There are a dog and a cat that live in a house with a man and a woman, and then the man and woman bring home a baby. The dog is worried that the baby will want her bones. The dog and the cat get upset when the baby starts crying, but the cat realizes that he can soothe her to sleep. They start spending time with the little baby, singing songs to her, and playing with her. They started out afraid of the baby, worrying that the baby will replace them, but end up seeing how they are all alike and becoming a team. The baby's first words are "woof" and "meow", and then the book ends with all three howling.
It's sweet. It's a recognition of the important role that pets play in people's lives, understanding that just as it's difficult for children to accept new siblings, it's also difficult for the pets to accept it. Clearly the pets are given human characteristics, depicted as thinking in a human manner, so it probably would also be helpful to children getting a younger sibling to understand that babies do get more interesting and become fun to play with once you get past the shock of newness.
Message: Babies are a big change, but a positive one.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
June 23, 2015
MacLachlan, Patricia, Emily MacLachlan. Charest, Dan Yaccarino, and Minami Aoyama. Chīchai Chīcha. Tōkyō: Komine Shoten, 2007. Print. Ages 8-10. Bittle is a great book for kids. This book is very colorful and has a great story to make sure that this ensures a great time for anyone who likes to read books. This book was a great example of how to make new friends and to not judge a book by it's cover. This book is probably my new favorite book because of the fact that it tells the journey of a dog and a cat who have a new visitor or person in their "territory." This person being a baby who they soon will call: BITTLE! This is a great example of how to not judge a book by it's cover. I am guilty of doing this at many times in life. This book is a really good book in which I am able to relate to because of the fact that I usually sometimes judge people based on what they are wearing or what they look like, but just like the animals were judging the baby they realized that she was better than she thought she was. This is exactly how I am as well.
January 22, 2013
this book is adorable! the cat and dog take good care of the baby in their house, which they call "Bittle." And in the end, it's as if the baby loves them more than her own parents and shows it with her first "word." At least, this is the perspective of the animals in the book. I'm sure the parents were very attentive of their baby. Miles and Abel both love this book--they are high on the idea of a pet and this is stoking the fire. Hmm... maybe I should take it back to library. For now...
June 18, 2008
Perfect book for a child that is becoming an older brother or sister. The book is about Nigel the cat and Julia the dog they think they will have no use for the new baby in their house, but after a while they realize that they have come to love the baby.
The illustrations are very colorful and bright.
The illustrations are very colorful and bright.
August 25, 2014
Nigel and Julia live a happy life in their home until suspicions arise when baby items begin appearing in their house. Once the baby arrives home, the two struggle with her and decide to call her "Bittle". This story is a great read for children with a sibling on the way. It shows how difficult it can be, yet how rewarding a baby can be. Over all, this was a pretty good read.
June 23, 2015
the story of a new baby entering a home, but told from the perspective of a pet (a dog and cat).
clever story line, quickly told, and shows typical behavior patterns for the dog and cat, and how they interact, sort of, with the baby.
and a humorously appropriate ending brightens this well illustrated book.
clever story line, quickly told, and shows typical behavior patterns for the dog and cat, and how they interact, sort of, with the baby.
and a humorously appropriate ending brightens this well illustrated book.
April 27, 2011
The arrival of a new baby from the pet's perspective. I love it.
Really; so, so cute. And you have to see how Bittle and Julia are alike... So funny, so true.
Legomeister didn't care for this one much, but Little Miss loves it.
Really; so, so cute. And you have to see how Bittle and Julia are alike... So funny, so true.
Legomeister didn't care for this one much, but Little Miss loves it.
November 15, 2011
Nigel the cat and Julia the dog are very content in their home. When little baby items start showing up around the home, the wonder what's up. When the baby comes home, they are in for some surprises and a whole lot of fun! My second graders enjoyed this one.
November 17, 2012
A dog and cat live a happy life until a little baby, "Bittle" enters the household. Yaccarino's illustrations are bright and fun and the descriptions of preparation for the new baby and the animals' reactions make this a good choice for children soon to have a sibling.
September 27, 2013
A cute story about a couple of pets who adjusts to life with a new baby in the household, learning about the efforts and rewards of bonding with a new person. The kids especially enjoyed the last part of the story and even began to "howl."
April 28, 2015
This is a good book for students to read that may have a new baby at home to read about a point of view from a pet. I liked how vibrant the colors were and simple the illustrations were. I would keep this in my library for dialogue usage throughout a story.
September 21, 2015
When a baby is born will it change the future of this cat and dog's home or will they all become the best of friends. Read and find out. A quote from my daughter, "I liked the part where the baby throws the toys and the dog keeps the ball."
August 29, 2008
normally i don't really notice illustrators but dan yaccarino(sp?) is amazing. he does OSWALD as well. this book is tender and sweet about a dog and cat that welcome a new babe into 'their' home.
June 19, 2009
Cute story about a new baby entering the house and how the dog and cat adapt and eventually love the baby.
January 13, 2010
So cute! How a dog and cat get used to a new baby.
March 18, 2010
Oh so cute a tale of a dog and cat who sense the coming of a baby...and become her closest companions after their initial trepidation.
March 23, 2011
This was sheer adorableness.
July 18, 2011
the sentence structure and paragrah style made this hard to read and keep a child entertained.
July 27, 2011
Very cute story about a cat and a dog and the new baby in their life...
August 4, 2016
Dog: "We don't need a baby!"
Cat: "I think we're getting one."
She came home wrapped in a pink blanket.
Sweet & humorous.
Cat: "I think we're getting one."
She came home wrapped in a pink blanket.
Sweet & humorous.
March 29, 2012
A great story of bringing baby home from your pet's perspective.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews