Violet has always imagined ruling a kingdom with sharp claws and velvet paws, so when she is adopted and goes to live with two dogs, she immediately takes over with a Meowww! Hisssss! and Spat! Poor George and Zippity try to befriend Violet, but they get nowhere. One afternoon, while her new family is out fishing, Violet is awakened by some stray dogs who chase poor Violet into a corner. Luckily, George and Zippity arrive home just in time to help.
Mary Casanova is an award-winning children's author of novels and picture books. Many of her books stem from her life on the Minnesota-Canadian border; yet some of her stories have taken her as far away as France, Norway, and Belize for research. Whatever the setting for her books, Casanova writes stories that matter--and stories that kids can't put down.
Her book awards include: American Library Association "Notable," Aesop Accolades by the American Folklore Society, Parents' Choice "Gold" Award, Booklist Editor Choice, and two Minnesota Book Awards. Her books frequently land on state children's choice book master lists across the country. "The greatest reward for me," Casanova states, "is when a young reader tells me she or he loves one of my books. For me, it's all about communicating writer-to-reader through a character and story."
Casanova grew up in a family of ten children in St. Paul, Minnesota. In a bustling camp-like atmosphere, Casanova found that writing became her voice. "Words are my paintbrush," she explains, "my way of exploring the world around me."
Now, with 19 books published and many more under contract and forthcoming, she divides her time between writing and traveling. Nationally and internationally, at schools and conferences, Casanova shares her love of writing and reading with children and adults.
Her newest novel, The Klipfish Code, makes use of Mary's on-site research in Norway. The story explores an important facet of Norwegian history through the experiences of Marit, a 12-year-old Norwegian girl who finds a way to fight against the 5-year Nazi occupation of Norway. Marit and her brother Lars are separated from their parents (who are working for the Resistance) and sent to live on an island with their gruff grandfather and school teacher aunt. During the course of the story, Marit's aunt is one of the Norwegian school teachers that gets sent to a concentration camp for refusing to integrate Nazi propaganda into her classroom. With potential danger waiting every turn, Marit finds a way to help the Resistance and eventually reunite her family.
Mary's series, Dog Watch (Simon and Schuster) is based on her northern Minnesota village where dogs are allowed to roam free—as long as they don't get in trouble. If they get in trouble, they earn a sticker on their page at the village clerk's office; too many stickers and a trouble-making dog must remain at home. "I never know where the next story will come from. It’s a delight when the stories come right from this corner of the world I call home." She makes her home in a 100-year old house on Rainy Lake with her husband, Charles, and their three "above average" dogs and spends free time with their horses, Jay and Midnight.
Loved this story about Violet, a shelter kitty who thinks she is royalty. When a couple adopt her, she is dismayed to find that they already have two dogs. Will she be able to adjust?
Ard Hoyt's illustrations really make this story. My favorite picture is the one where the couple are carrying Violet home. The look on the cat's face is SO cute! Casanova includes a lot of sound effects--barks and meows--that make this perfect for a readaloud. My cats certainly enjoyed it when I read it to them. Recommended for cat and dog lovers alike.
The book that was next in line after the first one, Some Dog, it stands alone with its own merit. Casanova creates an enchanting story around a cranky cat that gets a home with two dogs. (Dogs we met in the previous book - Some Dog) A predictable by pleasing story, the animals all end up being friends after some harrowing adventures. Probably somewhere between a level 1 and level 2 reading book, I found reading it out loud with my family the most fun. Probably more for older kids, although my preschoolers enjoyed the pictures as well.
Some Cat, written by Mary Casanova and illustrated by Ard Hoyt, is a picturebook about one cats struggles. Violet is a prickely cat. She finds herself in the shelter with vague memories of a home with too much yelling and not enough food. While she wants to be adopted she greats people with a snarl and a hiss, then becomes sad when a kitten is chosen instead. She just knows she is meant for great things. One day an older couple agrees to take a chance on Violet and brings her home. There Violet meets the family's dogs, George and Zippity, who she treats just as poorly as the people she had seen in the pound. A rescue from other dogs changes Violet's point of view, and he learns to enjoy her new home.
Some Cat is a fun and well illustrated picturebook that shows a cat struggling to adjust. Violet does not know how to act towards people and other animals that want to befriend her. She reacts the only way she knows how, by hissing and fighting. How many people are the same way, being teased or ignored enough that they have trouble acting appropriately what someone is making an effort to be nice or include them? Maybe if we all could think like George and Zippity, being nice and protecting friends and family regardless of how they act, there would be less hissing?
I think Some Cat would be a great book to open discussions about that sort of problem, and the reasons behind the problem behavior. It could open new lines of communication and paths to friendship for those trapped in the same circle of disappointment as Violet, and help others understand them. Good for use in a classroom, child care, library, or home environment.
4.5 stars -- Wonderful, action-filled illustrations tell the story of "some cat"--a feisty shelter cat who is ignored again and again until an older couple decides to give her a chance--and are happy they did.
For humane education purposes, this is a memorable introduction to the concept of animal shelters and cat behavior, as well as the benefits that can come from choosing a cat who is perhaps not as glamorous or cuddly as other cats. (You'll be surprised how quickly those scaredy cats and Miss Hisses can warm up once they're in a comfortable home!)
From a humane perspective, it's not perfect--the cat's new caretakers let her outdoors (although one of the dangers of being outdoors--mean stray dogs--is depicted)and they like to fish as a hobby. However, the overall message is an important one that should be shared.
Violet is not a cat for just anyone. She hisses and yowls as she rules her royal domain in the animal shelter. Here behavior isn't appealing to most folks, who prefer soft, cuddly kittens. When a couple with two friendly dogs, George and Zippity, decide to adopt her, she doesn't adjust very well, and terrorizes the dogs. But when they come to her rescue one day, a lifelong friendship is formed, and things settle down in the household. The story tugs at readers' hearts, and the illustrations reflect perfectly the personality of this feline who-would-be-queen, the two dogs who let her into their hearts, and the couple who took a chance on Violet. I love the illustrations that show the body language and expressions on the animals' faces as they protect their territory from intruders. The author and illustrator certainly know the characteristics of cats and dogs.
I loved every part of this book. The applications in the classroom are limitless. The opening page, instead of glossing over the sad stuff, shows Violet in an animal shelter. Her family had mistreated her, and now she was so upset and mean that nobody wanted to adopt her. An elderly couple comes by and gives her a chance in their home. They already have 2 dogs, and Violet has trouble adjusting, but she soon learns how a real family treats each other. Besides the plot I also loved the consistent color pallete of the pictures. Every character in this book showed their expressions openly. Even though Violet is irritable and mean in the beginning, you can't help but pity her. This is a great way to show children to react with empathy instead of hatred toward angry people. A plus to any bookshelf.
Picked this book up because cats. I love them and I needed a book on pets for preschool. This is a really sweet book about a cat is misjudged by people until one couple decided to take a chance and adopt the cat. At first the cat is really mean, all hissy and bossy but that's because the cat thinks that is the way they are supposed to act (like a ruler), until one day where that all changed. Summary at the bottom.
I recommend this book. The illustrations are really cute and I love the faces the cat makes. Made my heart all warm and fuzzy. I love this cat!
SPOILERS AHEAD:
I should mention that the cat lives with the couple who also has 2 dogs. The dogs were actually scared of the cat. One day though, the cat runs into some random dogs and the cat acts all hissy and fluffs up its fur, but that doesn't scare the dogs away. The dogs start chasing the poor cat until the owners come and yell at the dogs to leave the cat alone. Then their two dogs come and chase away the dogs. After that moment the cat was nicer and less bossy. The cat really appreciated the dogs.
We really enjoyed this story. It reminded us of of our cat Iris- her adoption, her appearance, her antics. We enjoyed learning that the author lives in northern Minnesota as we do. Thank you fir a fun read!
This was a sweet story about a cat from adopted form a shelter adjusting to life in her new home with an old couple and two dogs. The story supports friendship and family and is a good example of onomatopoeia for a mini-lesson.
Funny, funny, funny. If you've ever had a cat, you can relate to this funny story. The illustrations support the story perfectly, even giving more detail than the text doesn't quite provide. This cat needs to learn a few lessons, but he manages to. He is definitely 'Some Cat'.
I loved this book - the illustrations were fantastic and the story makes for a good read-aloud with plenty of action and accompanying sounds to bring the story to life.
A shelter kitty gets a chance at a family. So sweet! I love that this story features cats AND dogs! The illustrations are gorgeous, especially adoption day!
A distressed cat has been clawed onto the cover of Some Cat where the author has combined soft watercolors and scratched pen drawings to bring to life the story. Violet (the cat) has been imprisoned in the animal shelter, and she once lived where there was too much shouting and not enough to eat. Alas, she is continuously passed over for adoption because she hisses and scratches in protest. But finally a couple sees hope in her and does take her home.
Home is also home of two dogs; and being the queen she thinks she is, Violet terrorizes the dogs. But one day danger strikes Violet in the form of stray dogs on the attack. She tries to escape but does so only with the help of her housemate dogs, George and Zippity and her new owners. This experience shows her she has friends and protection.
I don't see this as the typical animal humane society story of adoption of a pet. I see it as a tale of the undeserving gaining friends and protection. However, I also see a darker underlying story of abused children available for adoption but passed over. I see them as striking back in their adopted homes once they do gain entry. I see them as vulnerable in the world (the stray dogs) and needing the protection of family. So even if you don't actually pass along these underlying, darker elements of the story to the child to whom you are reading the book. Perhaps it will plant a seed that family matters and family is protection. Also, that there is hope for the abused and unlovable.
Illustrator Ard Hoyt has aptly drawn the illustrations of Some Cat depicting a distressed, angry, out of sorts cat set upon by stray dogs and saved by strong "family" with beautifully soft watercolors and brisk pen/pencil lines. Once "saved" the drawings of Violet (Some Cat) soften adding to the illusion that her life has adjusted and softened, too. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Begins November 13 & ENDS November 27 12:01 a.m. EST Open USA addresses only. http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2012...
Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary copy of Some Cat by the author in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to render a favorable review. The giveaway copy is being graciously provided by the author, Mary Casanova.
I love Ard Hoyt’s art, and I am now a rabid fan. Some Cat! revisits George and Zippity from Some Dog!, introducing Violet, a homeless cat, to the family. I love the humans in both of these books. They are patient and loving to their pets, willing to watch from the sidelines as their new family member tries to find a place for herself. The problem is, Violet isn’t easy to get along with, and she doesn’t make things easy for herself. She, like most cats, believes that she is royalty, and instead of trying to make friends with George and Zippity, she attempts to take charge – of everything. She bullies her new animal companions, stealing their toys, food, and favorite sleeping spots. She hisses at them, and she swats at them with her velvet paws, claws extended. She is so NOT nice! When a pack of dogs attack her, though, it is George and Yippity to the rescue. Will Violet finally learn to play well with others?
This is a delightful story, with wonderful prose and charming illustrations that perfectly capture the mood and action of the book. Some Cat! is sure to enchant animal lovers both young and old.
My Review: This is a story about an adopted cat name Violet. Before she was adopted Violet knew she was meant for more, she was meant to rule a kingdom, with sharp claws and velvet paws. Kept in a shelter she would arch her royal fur when anyone stops by to look at her, but they moved on and chose a tiny kitten instead.
Finally, Violet gets adopted by a man and woman and took her home. The moment she stepped into the house, she quickly shows their two dogs George and Zippity, who is in charge. She wasn’t friendly at all.
This is a cute story about the difference in animals learning to get along and be friends. And a good story for every family. Sometimes we do need the help of others for no man is an island.
What a great illustrations by Ard Hoyt combining watercolor and pencil to bring this story to life.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
Plot: The man and woman from Some Dog! are back. This time they invite a cat into their home. Violet is a 'scaredy' cat due to her previous home. She doesn't like Zippity or George, always hissing, spatting, and meowing at them. It's not until one day when Violet is home alone and she gets put into a situation that makes her uncomfortable that she realizes how great Zippity and George are. Then the three of them become a family!
Setting: a home
Characters: man, woman, Zippity, George and Voilet
Point of View: 3rd person
Style: The story follows the pattern set in Some Dog!
My reaction: I liked the story. I like the follow up of the characters from Some Dog! I like the idea that it's okay to be afraid of something new. I also feel like it shows that at first putting faith into new things/people/ideas can be scary but if it something you really deserve/want that it all works out in the end (maybe even better).
"Violet has always imagined ruling a kingdom with sharp claws and velvet paws, so when she is adopted and goes to live with two dogs, she immediately takes over with a Meowww! Hisssss! and Spat! Poor George and Zippity try to befriend Violet, but they get nowhere. One afternoon, while her new family is out fishing, Violet is awakened by some stray dogs who chase poor Violet into a corner. Luckily, George and Zippity arrive home just in time to help" (Goodreads feature review).
Motion-filled artwork capture the uptight pomp of Miss Priss Violet. Although I was confused when the family appeared on a boat (there was no picture of them leaving and a brief mention), I love the animal sounds (perfect for reading aloud), the artwork, and the topic--how to deal with a new family member from the pound who is less than ideal.
This is a cute story about the difference in animals learning to get along and be friends. And a good story for every family. Some Cat is a fun and well-illustrated picture book that shows a cat struggling to adjust. Violet does not know how to act towards people and other animals that want to be friends with her. She reacts the only way she knows how, by hissing and fighting. How many people are the same way, being teased or ignored enough that they have trouble acting appropriately when someone is making an effort to be nice or include them? Maybe if we all could think like George and Zippity, being nice and protecting friends and family regardless of how they act, there would be less hissing? My children met Mary Casanova during at school. We decided to buy this and a few other books from her!
Violet the cat is in a shelter. She used to live in a house with lots of noise and not enough food. She knows she should be in a home where she is queen. Violet is eventually adopted by a couple who have 2 dogs. Violet immediately makes her presence felt with her yowls and claws. She chases the dogs away from the food dish, steals their toys and won't let them sleep in their favorite spots.
One day the dogs went fishing and Violet was enjoying her time alone. All of a sudden she is attacked by 3 vicious neighborhood dogs. She uses her claws and hissing as well as she can but she's no match for those dogs. Guess who comes to her rescue? You got it! Her two dog mates. And they become fast friends after Violets rescue.
I love cat books anyway, but this one was great. It's multi-layered in the story it tells. Of course, it helps children to see the obvious about adopting pets and fitting them into your family. Also, it helps them see that there are many animals that need homes, not just the cute babies. But on another level is the reasoning behind why the cat was acting so defensive. Hopefully, some children will relate this to a person they know who has a rough exterior, but just may need a friend they can trust to bring out their true personality.
This is a sweet story that depicts a family adopting a less-than-perfect cat from the animal shelter. I love that the cat is older, with some personality quirks; she is not a cute kitten anymore and many people pass her by. Even the kind people who adopt her are concerned how well she will adapt to their family.
The illustrations are humorous and very expressive and the story is heartwarming. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
Adorable story about an adopted cat who must learn to get along with his new family, which includes a pair of curious canines.
The book includes some repetition of the cat's displeasure when he proclaims "Meowwww! Hissssss! Spat!" on several pages. This could be a nice way to show students the difference between using repetition for a purpose and being too repetitive.
Can a finicky badass shelter cat who imagines herself the queen of the world learn to subdue her wilder ways to get along with her adoptive owners and their dogs? Ah, the eternal question is answered in amusing fashion in this rollicking, delightful picture book. Great illustrations by Ard Hoyt accompany the clever writing. Some cat indeed! For cat (and dog) lovers everywhere.
A rather prickly cat finds a new home. A book about how difficult it is sometimes to be understood, and to fit in in a new place. I enjoyed seeing how loyal the cat's new family was, despite everything. A good book to open a discussion with a child about what it means to love someone even when they're acting bad.
Show Me Readers 2014-2015. Kids love this book, although I think that's mostly due to the fact that it's about a cat, and all cat and dog books are always at the top of their lists. I think the illustrations are cute, and the story is decent...nothing special, but adequate. Other cat books that I prefer: I am the Dog, I am the Cat; Cat Heaven; Hero Cat; Kitten's First Full Moon.
In typical cat fashion, this book shows how Violet the cat finds it hard to fit in at her new home with 2 dogs who already live there. A lot of hiss, howling, & yipping ensue, but in the end the 3 pets become friends.
The illustrations seem to be in a water color with expressive faces on the animals.
Well, Some Dog may be one of my best story times so I had high hopes for Some Cat. However, this story does not have the same greatness that Some Dog did. The climax is anticlimactic and the while the cat is well developed, its place in the family is not.