What do you think?
Rate this book
Big Cat
A classic narrative picture book about embracing change, from the talented creator of Welcome, Baby, to This World and the CBCA award-winning illustrator of Iceberg.
Big Cat is mysterious. Big Cat is chaotic. Big Cat is lawless.Catherine is not. She likes things to be neat, tidy and orderly.
But when the two meet, they discover they have more in common than they think and that sometimes the best adventures can be found in your own backyard.
A story about finding your inner wildness in unexpected places, from one of Australia's most exciting picture book creators.
Big Cat is mysterious. Big Cat is chaotic. Big Cat is lawless.Catherine is not. She likes things to be neat, tidy and orderly.
But when the two meet, they discover they have more in common than they think and that sometimes the best adventures can be found in your own backyard.
A story about finding your inner wildness in unexpected places, from one of Australia's most exciting picture book creators.
- GenresChildrens
Hardcover
4 people want to read
About the author
Jess Racklyeft
59 books11 followersJess Racklyeft is an author and illustrator based in Fitzroy, Melbourne. From her home studio, Jess creates original paintings and prints for greeting card companies and various clients. But her favourite work of all is producing children's books! Jess has authored and illustrated several picture books and board books and has won several awards, including a CBCA Award.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 10, 2023
🐈⬛ Catherine likes things neat, tidy and organised. Big Cats like to be chaotic, lawless and mysterious. Could these two characters possibly have anything in common?
🐱 I am sure we have ALL heard a story about a ‘Big Cat’ that is mysteriously lurking around. Whether it be the You Yangs, Grampians or the Brisbane Ranges, there is sure to be an old tale floating around about the sighting of a ‘Big Cat’.
🐈⬛ When the curiosity of Big Cats keeps Catherine awake at night, she decids to head off on an adventure to try and lure one of these elusive creatures out of hiding. Just when she is about to give up, a Big Cat finally shows up. And what an adventure these two go on around the wonderful city of Melbourne.
🐈⬛ The illustrations provide a wonderful celebration of Melbourne’s artistic culture and heritage. Throughout the pages you will find an array of Melbourne’s artistic treasures!
🐱 Recommended for children aged 4 - 8 years old. RRP $24.99.
🧠 Teaching Point:
WORD CHOICE: This book is filled with some amazing vocabulary to unpack with your students. Words like ‘investigator’, ‘spied’, ‘thundering’, ‘rumbled’, ‘irresistible’, ‘mysterious’ and ‘chaotic’ bring this piece of writing to life.
Reviews published on Goodreads, Booktopia and Amazon when possible.
🐱 I am sure we have ALL heard a story about a ‘Big Cat’ that is mysteriously lurking around. Whether it be the You Yangs, Grampians or the Brisbane Ranges, there is sure to be an old tale floating around about the sighting of a ‘Big Cat’.
🐈⬛ When the curiosity of Big Cats keeps Catherine awake at night, she decids to head off on an adventure to try and lure one of these elusive creatures out of hiding. Just when she is about to give up, a Big Cat finally shows up. And what an adventure these two go on around the wonderful city of Melbourne.
🐈⬛ The illustrations provide a wonderful celebration of Melbourne’s artistic culture and heritage. Throughout the pages you will find an array of Melbourne’s artistic treasures!
🐱 Recommended for children aged 4 - 8 years old. RRP $24.99.
🧠 Teaching Point:
WORD CHOICE: This book is filled with some amazing vocabulary to unpack with your students. Words like ‘investigator’, ‘spied’, ‘thundering’, ‘rumbled’, ‘irresistible’, ‘mysterious’ and ‘chaotic’ bring this piece of writing to life.
Reviews published on Goodreads, Booktopia and Amazon when possible.
April 5, 2023
Our Review...
A most marvellous book to read and explore the detailed illustrations and then dive back in and discover something new and reread again!
Catherine is an accomplished investigator and learns of a big cat prowling the city of Melbourne. She is neat and tidy and orderly, so she gets organised and packs all the essentials and treks out across the city. Along the way we discover much of her Melbourne with her.
But Big Cat is mysterious and chaotic and lawless. When the two do meet, they discover that a little bit of wildness and a little bit of calmness and control are both just wonderful.
Author-Illustrator Jess Racklyeft drew inspiration for Big Cat during lockdown when she couldn’t travel far and was inspired to find her inner wildness in places close to home.
The opening and end papers are an incredibly detailed illustrated artworks of the sculptures you can take your children to around Melbourne’s parks, laneways and gardens. This really is a rather exciting and wild book!
Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books
A most marvellous book to read and explore the detailed illustrations and then dive back in and discover something new and reread again!
Catherine is an accomplished investigator and learns of a big cat prowling the city of Melbourne. She is neat and tidy and orderly, so she gets organised and packs all the essentials and treks out across the city. Along the way we discover much of her Melbourne with her.
But Big Cat is mysterious and chaotic and lawless. When the two do meet, they discover that a little bit of wildness and a little bit of calmness and control are both just wonderful.
Author-Illustrator Jess Racklyeft drew inspiration for Big Cat during lockdown when she couldn’t travel far and was inspired to find her inner wildness in places close to home.
The opening and end papers are an incredibly detailed illustrated artworks of the sculptures you can take your children to around Melbourne’s parks, laneways and gardens. This really is a rather exciting and wild book!
Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books
March 23, 2024
That cat sure is big. Dare I say the story feels a touch messy. Beautiful art, though. Stellar big cat, truly. Less meaningful growth of the self, please and more pure big cat content.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews