A Traveling Cat

by George Ella Lyon, Paul Brett Johnson (Illustrator)

When discovered on the playground in front of the drive-in movie screen, Boulevard, a stray cat, stays in her new home for a short while before taking to the road

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

George Ella Lyon is a Kentucky author who has published in many genres, including picture books, poetry, juvenile novels, and articles.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The strength of this book lies in its illustrations rather than in the story line. Well-known author George Ella Lyon wrote the story, and it is one that should resonate with Appalachian children, but I suspect it would lack appeal with most urban and suburban children. The illustrations are beautiful. (3.5 stars)

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars for the text, 2.5 stars for the illustrations

My almost-five-year-old son picked this book out from our local library last week. We have three cats, and, every week, after story time at the library, we stop by the pet store so he can talk to the rescue cats that are waiting to be adopted. They call him "the cat-whisperer" at the pet store.

The story itself is fine, but it is told in a steady, not-very-exciting way. Little boys, at least mine, like action, and there was not enough for him (or me) to hold his interest throughout the entire book.

The illustrations are competently done, even very good in place, but so DARK. Coupled with the flat text, the illustrations felt terribly depressing.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of the illustrations, which is surprising because normally I love Paul Brett Johnson, but I really like the story and the text.

[Drusilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous artwork. Do not like story line.

[Mary Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books I purchased many years ago at the Scholastic Book Fair that comes to Elementary Schools once a year. I remember seeing this book and absolutely having to have it because it had such a gorgeous cat on the front cover. At that moment I had no idea that this book would have such a touching storyline. It is a wonderful story for any student that has recently lost a pet, or just enjoy reading about pets.

[Andrea Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book with beautiful illustrations about a stray cat that never seems to want to stay in one place. This book can teach young children to love and to let go just as the young girl in the story did. A good story with an even better lesson.