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Backstage Cat
Not content to stay in the leading lady's dressing room, a curious cat wanders onstage before the curtain goes up.
Hardcover
First published March 12, 2013
1 person is currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Harriet Ziefert
684 books56 followersHarriet Ziefert grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey, where she attended the local schools. She graduated from Smith College, then received a Masters degree in Education from New York University.
For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.
"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.
For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.
"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 3, 2021
5/5 - from Baby and me. I love the goofy cat and the "I. Do. Not. Obey!" and the illustrations are great throughout the whole book. The writing is engaging and doesn't feel too repetitive or simple. I will say the song portion does feel like it's dragged out a bit and I'm not exactly great at singing, and then you add in Baby's shorter attention span I've edited the song down a bit. I've also added in another line or two about Simon chasing the mouse off the stage and saving his Leading Lady. That prat of story seems a bit vague. And then we also have to say goodbye to the car and Simon as they drive away. Otherwise, I get yelled at.
Baby thoroughly loves the cat and pointing out the mouse whenever it shows up on each page. I'm pretty sure she enjoys the pacing of the book as well as how the story progresses on each page. Example: how many actions and drawings for the Leading Lady to get ready in her dressing room.
Overall I'm sure we will either check this book back out again from the library or end up buying it, but Baby hasn't been this into a book for quite a long time. She now can say "Backstage CAT!" and demands to hear it at least 2 times a day.
Baby thoroughly loves the cat and pointing out the mouse whenever it shows up on each page. I'm pretty sure she enjoys the pacing of the book as well as how the story progresses on each page. Example: how many actions and drawings for the Leading Lady to get ready in her dressing room.
Overall I'm sure we will either check this book back out again from the library or end up buying it, but Baby hasn't been this into a book for quite a long time. She now can say "Backstage CAT!" and demands to hear it at least 2 times a day.
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August 10, 2016(From my blog: Quill Café)
In accordance with the FTC, I would like to disclose that I received a review copy of this title from Edelweiss. The opinions expressed are mine and no monetary compensation was offered to me by the author or publisher.
Being the cat of a leading lady is a fine life. The world of the theatre is fascinating and sensational, with much to be explored and discovered. When Simon, a cheeky and curious ginger cat makes his unexpected debut on the stage, there is plenty of hectic excitement to be had. Can a backstage cat be a star too?
A mischievous cat in the world of theatre is a marvellous concept. Simon is a pampered soul but he demonstrates from the beginning that he is very much an individual with plenty of curiosities. The insight into the world of the theatre was wonderful. I loved the sequence where the leading lady is getting prepped in her dressing room to go onstage, showing how her makeup, wig and accessories are applied in a two page spread.
Simon’s debut beyond the wings was a riot. The idea of a cat getting loose in the midst of a theatrical production is a comical one and was handled brilliantly. My favourite part in the whole book was the line “I do not obey!” and the cheeky look on Simon’s face. I was in stitches; it was just so accurate a portrayal of a cat’s disposition.
The stagehands’ attempt at coaxing Simon off set was a theatrical performance in itself and much as the cat was having a ball, so was I as a reader. The over-the-top solutions they took to capture this cat were juxtaposed with more plausible situations, such as Simon being tucked away among the spotlights. It was fabulous.
The illustrations balanced soft water colours and vivacious pencil sketches that give the scenes both a smooth and vibrant feel. The story was full of energy and came alive on the page, whether it was with the bright hues of the stage, or the dark blues of the entranced audience as the leading lady sang her solo.
'Backstage Cat' by Harriet Ziefert is a lively and humorous read that I would recommend to lovers of cats and theatre. Jenni Desmond's illustrations are simply sublime.
In accordance with the FTC, I would like to disclose that I received a review copy of this title from Edelweiss. The opinions expressed are mine and no monetary compensation was offered to me by the author or publisher.
Being the cat of a leading lady is a fine life. The world of the theatre is fascinating and sensational, with much to be explored and discovered. When Simon, a cheeky and curious ginger cat makes his unexpected debut on the stage, there is plenty of hectic excitement to be had. Can a backstage cat be a star too?
A mischievous cat in the world of theatre is a marvellous concept. Simon is a pampered soul but he demonstrates from the beginning that he is very much an individual with plenty of curiosities. The insight into the world of the theatre was wonderful. I loved the sequence where the leading lady is getting prepped in her dressing room to go onstage, showing how her makeup, wig and accessories are applied in a two page spread.
Simon’s debut beyond the wings was a riot. The idea of a cat getting loose in the midst of a theatrical production is a comical one and was handled brilliantly. My favourite part in the whole book was the line “I do not obey!” and the cheeky look on Simon’s face. I was in stitches; it was just so accurate a portrayal of a cat’s disposition.
The stagehands’ attempt at coaxing Simon off set was a theatrical performance in itself and much as the cat was having a ball, so was I as a reader. The over-the-top solutions they took to capture this cat were juxtaposed with more plausible situations, such as Simon being tucked away among the spotlights. It was fabulous.
The illustrations balanced soft water colours and vivacious pencil sketches that give the scenes both a smooth and vibrant feel. The story was full of energy and came alive on the page, whether it was with the bright hues of the stage, or the dark blues of the entranced audience as the leading lady sang her solo.
'Backstage Cat' by Harriet Ziefert is a lively and humorous read that I would recommend to lovers of cats and theatre. Jenni Desmond's illustrations are simply sublime.
April 25, 2020
Children's books, by genre, have the right to be nonsensical for no other reason than to be entertaining. Backstage Cat seemed like a story that was drummed up to go with a few random artist sketches from "bright new artist star for Blue Apple." It's boring and stupid, which is the opposite of entertaining.
The cat goes to the theater. The cat escapes into the theater. No one in the theater can get the cat to come down from the high place. The leading lady sings a boring song to the cat, who immediately comes down and promises to stay on a chair during the performance. But, mouse happens, so cat happens, which somehow saves the day.
Young children could be mildly amused at the antics of the cat, but this is a one and done story and I'm not planning to read it to my youngsters.
Childish, garish illustrations only work when the story is spot on.
1/2 star for the illustrations, 1 star for the story
The cat goes to the theater. The cat escapes into the theater. No one in the theater can get the cat to come down from the high place. The leading lady sings a boring song to the cat, who immediately comes down and promises to stay on a chair during the performance. But, mouse happens, so cat happens, which somehow saves the day.
Young children could be mildly amused at the antics of the cat, but this is a one and done story and I'm not planning to read it to my youngsters.
Childish, garish illustrations only work when the story is spot on.
1/2 star for the illustrations, 1 star for the story
June 29, 2013
A cat makes his stage debut in this story. Enjoyed the illustrations. I thought the story would be more of a tour of the theater, and it was to an extent but it moved to having the cat be one of the stars of the show.
March 19, 2017
It was ok. It didn't have much of a point and the illustrations weren't my favorite. It wasn't silly but it didn't have a message, either, so that's why I wasn't super impressed.
January 28, 2019
So different from the usual children's books...A sneak peek into a cat's mind.
May 29, 2019
While I appreciated the use of stage terms and theatrical job titles, the story itself just wasn't that interesting.
January 2, 2022
It was not what I expected based on the description, so I was disappointed by the overly simplistic assessment of what it takes to have the show go on. It does not give much a “view of the theatrical world” other than naming a few of the jobs related to a show and a two-page spread of what an actor does when they arrive for a show. If I had just discovered it randomly and read it without reading the preview, I would be more likely to give a better rating. I’m sure small children and those not involved in theatre might enjoy it.
February 13, 2024
Kind of cute, but also a little far-fetched and I wasn't a huge fan of the illustrations. The story is more about the cat's antics around the theater, including interrupting the performance, than learning a great deal about what goes into a theater production. I could see some children finding it humorous, especially if they like cats. I probably would have enjoyed it more with a different illustration style.
July 21, 2022
A naughty cat escapes from his leading lady owner's dressing room and climbs up into the rafters of the stage until a sweet song from his owner coaxes him down. Are you ready to sing while you read this?
October 21, 2023
ADORABLE and clever children's book about the diva's cat blundering onto the stage and bringing down the house. I loved this one. The illustrations are so detailed and delightful! Written by a true theatre person, this is a cute one, with perks for cat lovers!
October 26, 2017
The cat looks like he was drawn by a child but still cute
February 23, 2019
Cute, but I found it odd for the crew to tell the cat what there job title was-like that was supposed to convince the cat to come down from the tree. Other than that, I liked it.
June 3, 2019
Very funny book! A must read for those who love cats.
June 8, 2024
"I will always be around
When you want to come back home."
When you want to come back home."
May 29, 2024
such a cute story, my cat loves when I sing to her too
March 19, 2017
This runaway cat seems to be making quite a disturbance in the theater, what will happen? Will the show go on? Or will the runaway cat make a mess of it all? This funny runaway cat will delight all readers. People who have cats will understand about their cats climbing up high into things. As well as the love owners have for their cats.
July 24, 2014
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Backstage Cat is a children's book with a cute little story of an actress who brings her cat to a play - only to have the kitty escape into the theater during a performance. Chaos ensues!
The illustrations of Backstage Cat are very sweet - a mixed media type of art that combines photography, various coloring mediums, and loose pencil for details like faces and whiskers.
I read this with my 10 year old and she really liked it. She loves cats and enjoyed the various methods the stage hands used to try to get the cat out of the scenery on the stage.
I enjoyed the cute expressions on the face and the interesting artwork on each page.
The English is a bit tough for younger kids - a lot of specific terms and phrases. But each page only has 1-2 sentences so it does make for an easy read.
In all, we both enjoyed this book and will definitely read it again.
April 11, 2013
Interesting. I'm trying to figure out who I would recommend this to. Definitely cat lovers. Perhaps kids who are already into theater/performing. But it still seems a bit random. I mean, it's a cute story. I love the little random sketches of mice all over the place. And I thought it fun that the cat wouldn't come down until it was sung to. But the whole song? It's sweet, but I'm not sure I would want to read that aloud in a storytime. (I'm a singer; I prefer to sing songs if I can. I do not know the tune of this, so I cannot sing it if I'm reading the story aloud--and I would have no idea what tune to make up to this!)
Not one I'd be using in a preschool storytime, but worth having around for one of those pull-off-the-shelves browsing.
Not one I'd be using in a preschool storytime, but worth having around for one of those pull-off-the-shelves browsing.
April 13, 2013
Simon the cat gives readers a behind the scenes view of life at the theater. His owner is the star of the show and he causes a whole bunch of problems before the curtain goes up.
When a loud noise scares him, Simon climbs the scenery and lights higher and higher on the stage and refuses to come down for any bribe offered him. It is the soothing song of his beloved owner that brings him down from his perch, but when a mouse races across the stage during the performance Simon makes another appearance.
Mixed media artwork includes various paper scraps that give the illustrations a unique texture. The simplistic facial expression of Simon and the other human characters add humor and drama.
When a loud noise scares him, Simon climbs the scenery and lights higher and higher on the stage and refuses to come down for any bribe offered him. It is the soothing song of his beloved owner that brings him down from his perch, but when a mouse races across the stage during the performance Simon makes another appearance.
Mixed media artwork includes various paper scraps that give the illustrations a unique texture. The simplistic facial expression of Simon and the other human characters add humor and drama.
September 9, 2013
Simon the cat goes to work with his person, who is the star of a Broadway show. Havoc ensues when he escapes to roam the theater and have a few escapades of his own! I am always on the look out for cute books for showers, birthday presents or to fill a Christmas stocking, and this fits the bill. It’s a simple introduction to the workings of the theater using a runaway cat as the guide. The writing is simple and fun and can be expanded to answer the questions of older kids or simplified even further for the younger set. I’m not sure even who could resist these adorable illustrations! I certainly couldn’t. Recommended.
August 31, 2016
When the leading lady of a play goes onstage, her cat gets startled and runs after her. Pretty soon the stage is a madhouse, as people try to get the cat down from the various places he's climbed.
With simple writing, Backstage Cat is told in first person from the cat's point of view. The illustrations are different than what I am usually drawn to, but I liked them a lot. This book is short and sweet, with a splash of humor thrown into the mix.
My blog: Batch of Books
With simple writing, Backstage Cat is told in first person from the cat's point of view. The illustrations are different than what I am usually drawn to, but I liked them a lot. This book is short and sweet, with a splash of humor thrown into the mix.
My blog: Batch of Books
May 23, 2016
A very cute book to introduce children to the workings behind the stage. Simon gets to visit the theater with his person, the leading lady, and when he gets spooked he winds up on the stage and up in the set! His shenanigans cause the stage manager to bemoan his refusal to come down with "the show must go on!" Fun illustrations teach children that what goes on behind the curtain and what happens on stage are both important in theater.
July 16, 2013
It will appeal to cat lovers that enjoy a picture book with illustrations that are a throwback to an era gone by. The purpose of the theater being the setting was lost on me, but it was enjoyable watching this cat get into kitty trouble all over the stage. For ages five and up.
December 28, 2015
Very cute book! It's easy to read! I love celebrity culture (and animals) so this book was right up my alley. I think every young child could/would enjoy this book! Some of the illustrations were a little strange, but ultimately adorable book!
November 14, 2014
Cute story about what goes on backstage at the theatre. Told through the story of a cat who is wandering all over the stage and equipment, we get to see how the magic comes together. I enjoyed this one a lot and would couple it with a trip to the theatre to enjoy a play.
March 13, 2013
Although you have to worry about a Broadway star who brings her cat with her to performances. Cheno, you're eccentric enough as it is - don't get any ideas!
April 6, 2013
3.5 stars
Celebrity's cat escapes backstage and antics follow--from the dressing room to the "catwalk." Theater terms are used. Nice art...
Celebrity's cat escapes backstage and antics follow--from the dressing room to the "catwalk." Theater terms are used. Nice art...
April 11, 2013
I love the retro-style illustrations!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews