Dolores Meets Her Match

The Dolores Series #6

by Barbara Samuels

Dolores is the cat expert, always bragging about her cat, Duncan. But when Hillary arrives on the scene, proud owner of Harold, a Siamese kitten from a family of prize-winning show cats who has seven different ways of saying meow, Dolores knows she's in trouble. How can Duncan compete? Even though her older sister, Faye, advises, "Just let Duncan be Duncan," Dolores is determined to whip Duncan into shape. But when things fall apart during a hilarious Pet Day fiasco, it's chubby, nap-prone Duncan who saves the day--and Harold--just by being himself.

Droll pictures will have cat lovers of all ages laughing out loud as Dolores's latest escapade playfully explores the pitfalls of competition and the value of accepting oneself--and others.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cats

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2007

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a picture book for cat lovers! Droll and delightful, with illustrations that match her narrative. Thank you, author-illustrator Barbara Samuels.

* Dolores is a cat expert, the owner of Duncan.
* Hillary is the proud -- make that VERY proud -- owner of Harold, a Siamese kitten.

A useful quotation for a turning point in the plot:

Another minute passed.
Harold's cries grew louder.

"Do you think Harold could
be stuck, dear?" asked Ms. Feeny.

RATING THIS BOOK

Incredibly easy. FIVE STARS.

[Duncan White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know there were sequels to Duncan and Dolores. It has been a long time since I've read the original, but my recollection is that it had an appreciable simplicity to it that Dolores Meets Her Match lacks. Still, it's a story about a little girl who loves her cat and all things cats, so there's plenty to love here.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I can see that the arrival of a new girl in the class who claims that her cat has all kinds of star qualities might arouse Dolores' jealous/rivalry, I think it far more likely that the two would become instant friends because of their mutual interest in cats. The whole story of how Duncan "saves" Hillary's cat Harold doesn't really make sense either. The whole plot seems weak to me. Only the ending makes sense! Disappointing.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming little story about how a cat-obsessed girl named Dolores gets competition in the classroom when a new kid shows up with a similar cat hyper-focus. Loved how the big sister kept telling Dolores to just "let Duncan [the cat] be Duncan." Good advice for us all when it comes to trying to change our friends and family to suit our needs.

Fun and cartoony illustrations.

[Treasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dolores has always been the cat expert in her class, but when Hillary shows up, this just might change. How can Dolores's fat and lazy cat, Duncan, possibly compete with Hillary's exquisite Siamese, Harold?

Good story about friendship and accepting people (or cats) for who they are.

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dolores has competition for being a cat-know-it-all when Hillary arrives in town with her Siamese, Harold. Cute enough for early elementary with a clear message of accepting others as they are (in this case accepting that her cat Duncan would never be Harold).

[Christie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about acceptance, of yourself, of others and in this case of your pet. Dolores learns that just because her cat is not like the new girl's cat, it doesn't mean he isn't special in his own ways. A great book about friendship and the illustrations are fun and comical too.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Dolores, I love Duncan, and I love this latest book of their adventures!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny! Shows that fancy and sophisticated isn't always better.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that teaches the reader to be happy about who you are, &, consequently, happy about who your pet is.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice story, humorous illustrations support the story line; good read aloud for older audience (ages 5-7); themes: pets cats, school, show-and-tell

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about jealousy resolution and compromise. I found this book to be very cute and very appropriate for 7-9 year olds.