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How to Be a Good Cat
Bobo is a very good dog. So when Mr. Hiccup needs someone to watch his new kitten, Bonkers, Bobo eagerly volunteers. He can't wait to teach his young friend a few tried-and-true tricks. But Bonkers doesn't want to sit or stay or fetch. He'd rather shred the curtains or terrorize the goldfish. Luckily, Cat knows all about cat things-like stretching, pouncing, and landing on his feet. But even with lessons, can a good dog really teach a bad cat how to behave?
No matter which animal they prefer, all readers will love the silliness that ensues when this big dog and sweet (but naughty!) kitten go head to head.
No matter which animal they prefer, all readers will love the silliness that ensues when this big dog and sweet (but naughty!) kitten go head to head.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 21, 2018
I think this book is a bad influence on my cat.
In all seriousness, this book discusses important differences between cats and dogs and how they act differently and have different needs. VERY important.
In all seriousness, this book discusses important differences between cats and dogs and how they act differently and have different needs. VERY important.
July 3, 2020
Cats usually don't bother reading self help stuff like "How to be a Good Cat". CATS JUST KNOW! In this cute book, Bobo the helpful dog will find this out the hard way. Asked to help care for a cuddly kitten named Bonkers, Bobo finds it nearly impossible, cos Bonkers likes to cling to curtains, scartch the carpet and meow out loud when his tail is stepped on. IE: Bonkers is so named with GOOD REASON! Thus Bobo needs the aid of another cat to show him how to best care for a cat. In a few days time, Bobo will have overcome a lot of preset fears and find that, even though cats and dogs are different, THAT is what makes them equal, and equally deserving of friendship and love. Especially touching is the final page where dog and cat both take a catnap.... Together. Gail Page has made a heartwarming, fuzzy and touchingly beautiful tale of breaking down barriers and loving the diversity in others in a way that is humorous and fun. Read it and weep...and laugh.
Four stars
Bobo and Bonkers rule!
Four stars
Bobo and Bonkers rule!
October 6, 2020
I liked it. More semi-informational about cats vs dogs, rather than a book with an actual story (is a dog trying to learn about cats so that he can cat-sit a kitten really a story?). I liked the illustrations, especially with the feline stretching shown as yoga poses - my own cat always wants to join me on my yoga mat, so it seemed very appropriate. So, cute, but not particularly exceptional.
This could be a good storytime addition, though - more a cats and dogs discussion starter than a Story. Good for a theme on pets or dogs or cats (obviously).
I haven't read the first books in the series (starts with How to Be a Good Dog, I believe), so was a little confused about Mr. Hiccup and Mrs. Birdhead. I mean, she's literally wearing a bird on her head??
This could be a good storytime addition, though - more a cats and dogs discussion starter than a Story. Good for a theme on pets or dogs or cats (obviously).
I haven't read the first books in the series (starts with How to Be a Good Dog, I believe), so was a little confused about Mr. Hiccup and Mrs. Birdhead. I mean, she's literally wearing a bird on her head??
October 11, 2018
STORY SUMMARY AHEAD:
Cute book about a dog trying to teach a naughty kitten how to be a good cat, but since he's a dog, he needs some help. He calls the cat expert (a cat) and the cat teaches him all about cats. After the lesson, he knows all about cats and is able to teach the kitten how to be a good cat. In the end the kitten also taught the dog how to take a cat nap and I thought that was just the cutest thing.
The illustrations are cute and I love the little kitten so much!
Cute book about a dog trying to teach a naughty kitten how to be a good cat, but since he's a dog, he needs some help. He calls the cat expert (a cat) and the cat teaches him all about cats. After the lesson, he knows all about cats and is able to teach the kitten how to be a good cat. In the end the kitten also taught the dog how to take a cat nap and I thought that was just the cutest thing.
The illustrations are cute and I love the little kitten so much!
September 26, 2025
This book was ok. I would probably put it in my classroom library but I don't think I would use it as a read aloud book because there really wasn't any meaning to it. But I could see kids enjoying it because it is a fun story involving cute and funny animals. I would suggest this for a 1st-3rd grade classroom.
January 2, 2019
Kiko and Tula thought it was okay. One paw up. I liked the illustrations.
April 1, 2020
alright
December 12, 2022
Art style isn't for me. Cute for little ones to learn about a new cat, but nothing that educational
November 3, 2024
This book isn’t really about how to be a good cat, more about what cats do and the differences between cats and dogs. It was short and the illustrations are cute
June 30, 2016
First sentence: Bobo was good. He liked to help. So when Mr. Hiccup asked Mrs. Birdhead if someone could look after his kitten, Bobo volunteered!
Premise/plot: Bonkers, the neighbor's kitten, IS very, very naughty. Bobo has quite a time trying to keep up with him. When Bobo stops treating him like a dog, and, instead seeks to learn ALL ABOUT CATS (from a cat), things improve. He learns how to sneak, how to chat, how to stretch, how to clean himself, how to climb...
My thoughts: I liked this one. Bonkers is quite adorable. A perfectly cute and sweet-looking gray and white kitten. Of course, readers learn that he's not quite as innocent as he appears. But it's fun to read about these two.
Do I love the illustrations? I can't say that I do. Oh, I definitely loved Bonkers, and how he's illustrated. Some quite expressive illustrations!!! But there is something about how Bobo is drawn--he's almost always, always on two legs instead of four. He doesn't look like a dog. He looks like a human in a dog costume. And that, for some reason, bothers me. Also, the cat who teaches Bobo how to act like a cat walks on two legs. And it's just unnatural looking.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 2 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10
Premise/plot: Bonkers, the neighbor's kitten, IS very, very naughty. Bobo has quite a time trying to keep up with him. When Bobo stops treating him like a dog, and, instead seeks to learn ALL ABOUT CATS (from a cat), things improve. He learns how to sneak, how to chat, how to stretch, how to clean himself, how to climb...
My thoughts: I liked this one. Bonkers is quite adorable. A perfectly cute and sweet-looking gray and white kitten. Of course, readers learn that he's not quite as innocent as he appears. But it's fun to read about these two.
Do I love the illustrations? I can't say that I do. Oh, I definitely loved Bonkers, and how he's illustrated. Some quite expressive illustrations!!! But there is something about how Bobo is drawn--he's almost always, always on two legs instead of four. He doesn't look like a dog. He looks like a human in a dog costume. And that, for some reason, bothers me. Also, the cat who teaches Bobo how to act like a cat walks on two legs. And it's just unnatural looking.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 2 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10
September 26, 2012
Definitely a book for readers with cats. If I had read this when I was a child, I would not have appreciated the humor or message at all. For that reason alone, it has limited read aloud appeal.
Recommended for preschool and kindergarten. First graders may enjoy it as a picture book they can quickly read independently.
I have not read Gail Page's other books and was a bit confused about Mr. Hiccup and Mrs. Birdhead. I suspect that their brief appearances would make sense if I had read How to Be a Good Dog and Bobo and the New Neighbor.
Recommended for preschool and kindergarten. First graders may enjoy it as a picture book they can quickly read independently.
I have not read Gail Page's other books and was a bit confused about Mr. Hiccup and Mrs. Birdhead. I suspect that their brief appearances would make sense if I had read How to Be a Good Dog and Bobo and the New Neighbor.
January 12, 2012
Ooh, I liked this. Fun with a touch of silly. I liked it that the dog was taking the lessons along with the cat. And I enjoyed the illustrations. Could work in a preschool storytime--with a little thinking on my part. Great for a lap-read as well as a read-alone.
You know I have a problem with a particular friend of mine if I read most of the book before realizing that the dog's name was Bobo and not Bob.
You know I have a problem with a particular friend of mine if I read most of the book before realizing that the dog's name was Bobo and not Bob.
November 16, 2011
Bobo learns the hard way that cats are different than dogs. A charming look at the naughtiness of our feline friends, in a fun, light-hearted manner. A definite must for storytimes on cats or misbehaving!
November 28, 2011
This is a must read for any cat lover. I found myself laughing at a few of the pages in this book.
AR 1.4
AR 1.4
November 7, 2011
I am a confirmed cat-hater, but even I enjoyed reading this book to my granddaugthers.
November 18, 2011
Unfortunately, there are no hints for my kitten -- it's more about the dog learning to expect a kitten to behave like a cat.
September 10, 2016
my library recommended this one.... it was dumb.
September 3, 2016
An obedient good dog has his illusions of how a kitten should behave crushed when he kitty sits for a neighbor.
July 18, 2014
A dog is babysitting a cat and doesn't understand why she's so naughty. Imagine that! A naughty cat!
August 3, 2012
Acrylics
Prose - list style
Funny
Prose - list style
Funny
August 7, 2012
Bobo the Dog has much to learn about cats after he offers to take care of Bonkers, Mr. Hiccup's kitten. A very cute cat and dog story for preschoolers with fun, colorful illustrations.
September 15, 2012
The truth about cats and dogs is they're different, but in this book they learn how to get along.
September 18, 2012
Such a cute book. A cat teaching kittens all about how to behave. From being sweet and cuddly to running around like a mad cat for no reaseon!
September 25, 2013
I live with a kitty and the best way to get to know the kitty is to watch the kitty. This is a great instructional book for kitty lovers.
March 4, 2014
Cassie loved this story. She loved the "naughty" cat and loved how Bobo was so helpful and volunteered.
August 19, 2014
Big bubbly illustrations follow Bobo the dog as he struggles to manage a bad kitty.
May 26, 2015
Cute, quick read. I couldn't resist looking at a book about cats :-)
October 21, 2016
When Bono volunteers to cat sit, he must first get a lesson on the difference between cats and dogs.
February 8, 2017
This is a cute book with large pictures. It is a nice introduction to cats for children. Each page is short, making it a good book for a toddler storytime about cats or pets.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews