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Comet's Nine Lives
Like all cats, Comet knew he had been born with nine lives. But he'd never thought much about it until the day he lost life number one in a flower garden on Nantucket. He'd spent lazy days wandering all over the island, not calling any one place home. Now he knows it is time to settle down. But Comet's lives begin to disappear all too quickly, as he gets into one humorous predicament after another. Then comes the day of the big hurricane....
Beautiful island scenes--sandy beaches, hillside flower gardens, seaside trails, villages, and the sea itself are set within exquisite shell borders. Once again Jan Brett brings her originality and charm to a familiar setting as she inhabits her Nantucket with colorful canine residents, among them a shaggy sheepdog captain who travels through the story and into the borders looking for a friend to live with him and his lighthouse cat.
Beautiful island scenes--sandy beaches, hillside flower gardens, seaside trails, villages, and the sea itself are set within exquisite shell borders. Once again Jan Brett brings her originality and charm to a familiar setting as she inhabits her Nantucket with colorful canine residents, among them a shaggy sheepdog captain who travels through the story and into the borders looking for a friend to live with him and his lighthouse cat.
32 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 1996
3 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Jan Brett
113 books1,028 followersWith over thirty three million books in print, Jan Brett is one of the nation's foremost author illustrators of children's books. Jan lives in a seacoast town in Massachusetts, close to where she grew up. During the summer her family moves to a home in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
September 5, 2020
You can always count on a Jan Brett book to entertain and engage the reader. This is a beginner book for kids so the way Comet loses his nine lives is very kid friendly and not traumatic at all. Poor Comet, he loses his life falling into a vat of ice cream. That's a delicate life to lose it so easily, or simply walking through a storm or swimming in the sea. I missed the first life and went back, but each time the cat loses a life, you see the angel cat going off into the sky.
Jan uses her famous window panes to show another scene where a lighthouse owner and his cat is looking for another cat and the reader wants Comet to find the messages before he runs out of lives. The artwork is amazing and she was on Nantucket Island to draw this story and the scenery is beautiful. I love it. Now, I want to visit the island again. I have been interested in it, but it looks amazing. I hear it's a fairly expensive place, so maybe this book is enough.
I now have my own place, yes, I am no longer in the basement. I'm close to the niece and nephew, but I'm not reading to them like I was. The nephew would be interested in the cat and our family enjoys a Jan Brett story. I will recommend it to Nephew and see what he thinks.
Jan uses her famous window panes to show another scene where a lighthouse owner and his cat is looking for another cat and the reader wants Comet to find the messages before he runs out of lives. The artwork is amazing and she was on Nantucket Island to draw this story and the scenery is beautiful. I love it. Now, I want to visit the island again. I have been interested in it, but it looks amazing. I hear it's a fairly expensive place, so maybe this book is enough.
I now have my own place, yes, I am no longer in the basement. I'm close to the niece and nephew, but I'm not reading to them like I was. The nephew would be interested in the cat and our family enjoys a Jan Brett story. I will recommend it to Nephew and see what he thinks.
December 5, 2009
This prettily-illustrated tale of an accident prone cat is set in Nantucket. The panels are framed with seashell designs reminiscent of the craft items sold at the shore.
I was ambivalent about the treatment of death in this book. Certainly I agree with Brett that one wouldn't want to be too morbid or gruesome in a book for little children. On the other hand, I don't think it is beneficial for children to have death treated too casually, either. And practically, I would be a little concerned giving this to kids that they might read it and think it was okay to do harmful things to cats because they have extra lives. I may sound overly fussy, but I have known people whose kids accidentally killed their pets. We should be teaching children to treat animals gently and respectfully, not that they'll get up again after you drown them or throw them across the room.
And how come the cats are normal cats but the dogs are anthropomorphic? Weird.
Not Brett's best book.
I was ambivalent about the treatment of death in this book. Certainly I agree with Brett that one wouldn't want to be too morbid or gruesome in a book for little children. On the other hand, I don't think it is beneficial for children to have death treated too casually, either. And practically, I would be a little concerned giving this to kids that they might read it and think it was okay to do harmful things to cats because they have extra lives. I may sound overly fussy, but I have known people whose kids accidentally killed their pets. We should be teaching children to treat animals gently and respectfully, not that they'll get up again after you drown them or throw them across the room.
And how come the cats are normal cats but the dogs are anthropomorphic? Weird.
Not Brett's best book.
August 28, 2009
Despite my horror of dogs that wear clothes, I thought the illustrations were beautiful. The story was okay too, although I was disturbed by the way one of the eight lives was lost; it was a bit too mean spirited, even though there was a valid reason for it.
February 22, 2011
I have read many books by Jan Brett, but I have never read a book quite like this one! “Comet's Nine Lives” is a children's book by Jan Brett which is about a cat named Comet who wanted to do more in his life, but is finding it hard to keep his nine lives together. “Comet's Nine Lives” might be a tad bit too confusing, but many children will enjoy this cute story!
Comet was born on Nantucket Island and he grew up wandering around the island. One day however, Comet was eating some fox gloves when he began to feel dizzy and then fell asleep. When Comet woke up, he realized that he just lost his first life, so he decides to find a home in the bookstore. However, when Comet was sitting on a stack of books, many islanders came into the bookstore and knocked down the stack of books that Comet was sitting on and Comet lost his second life!
Although not all that amazing, I thought that Jan Brett did an excellent job at making this book extremely cute. I loved the fact that Comet wanted to find the happiness that he is looking for in life and people who feel the same as Comet will definitely understand his desire to find that happiness at all costs. Jan Brett's illustrations are extremely beautiful and slightly surreal at the same time as there are only two cats in the entire book while the whole world they live in is full of dogs doing human activities. I also loved the beautiful images of Nantucket Island as whenever Comet goes by the sea, the sea is blue and you can actually see the froth coming out of the sea, making the effects seem so realistic! I also loved the image of Comet himself as he is drawn as a handsome cat that is white and orange stripes on his back.
Parents should know that this book might confuse smaller children since some scenes where Comet supposedly lost his life are not quite clear as we do not know whether or not he actually lost his life. Also, the death theme might upset small children who are not used to death, even though it is not clear if Comet died or not.
All in all, “Comet’s Nine Lives” is a great book for children who love reading about cats and are huge fans of Jan Brett. I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the death theme might confuse smaller children.
Comet was born on Nantucket Island and he grew up wandering around the island. One day however, Comet was eating some fox gloves when he began to feel dizzy and then fell asleep. When Comet woke up, he realized that he just lost his first life, so he decides to find a home in the bookstore. However, when Comet was sitting on a stack of books, many islanders came into the bookstore and knocked down the stack of books that Comet was sitting on and Comet lost his second life!
Although not all that amazing, I thought that Jan Brett did an excellent job at making this book extremely cute. I loved the fact that Comet wanted to find the happiness that he is looking for in life and people who feel the same as Comet will definitely understand his desire to find that happiness at all costs. Jan Brett's illustrations are extremely beautiful and slightly surreal at the same time as there are only two cats in the entire book while the whole world they live in is full of dogs doing human activities. I also loved the beautiful images of Nantucket Island as whenever Comet goes by the sea, the sea is blue and you can actually see the froth coming out of the sea, making the effects seem so realistic! I also loved the image of Comet himself as he is drawn as a handsome cat that is white and orange stripes on his back.
Parents should know that this book might confuse smaller children since some scenes where Comet supposedly lost his life are not quite clear as we do not know whether or not he actually lost his life. Also, the death theme might upset small children who are not used to death, even though it is not clear if Comet died or not.
All in all, “Comet’s Nine Lives” is a great book for children who love reading about cats and are huge fans of Jan Brett. I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the death theme might confuse smaller children.
December 13, 2020
Jan Brett is a gifted illustrator, but her stories make me sad. Yes, technically there's a happy ending here, just like in Mossy. It's just that these books, to me, don't feel happy at all. They're dreary and depressing affairs that make me feel like I need a hug and a blanket to hide under. And they're clearly not meant to be dreary and depressing. So I don't know if it's me or Mrs. Brett, but we'll have to part ways. I wish she'd illustrate books written by other authors, books with stories that match the loveliness of her drawings. I'd be all over that.
July 19, 2014
This was tricky trying to explain the concept of cats having 9 lives to my 5-year-old. I still don't think he quite understood but I don't know if that would have made a difference. He just didn't really like this book.
October 8, 2008
Poor Comet. How will he ever find a save place to relax?
As a fan of Jan Brett, I had high hopes for this book. The cover art pulled me in and I sat down to peruse. However, I found this book lacking in wit and charm. Comet's character seemed rather flat and uninteresting. The art, while pretty and perhaps appealing to adults, wasn't fun and the dogs in dresses came across more contrived than cute. The whole thing came across as too busy to me. I felt overwhelmed and slightly claustrophobic at the relentlessly art packed pages.
I liked the Nantucket setting and the sense of adventure the book elicits. As a one time through read, it was enjoyable and the story was pleasant with a nice, clean, happy ending, despite Comet's 8 brushes with death. However, with so many charming, clever books with more to offer than this one, it would wind up at towards the back of my bookshelf. Not a terrible book, but there are just so many better choices.
Publishers Weekly
Brett (The Mitten; Armadillo Rodeo), a Massachusetts resident, stays close to home with this latest book, setting it on Nantucket. Capturing the island's rustic charm, her characteristically bustling, elaborately bordered art showcases weathered shingle buildings, a gray-blue sea and shell-sprinkled beaches. Comet, the protagonist, appears to be just about the sole feline in a Nantucket otherwise populated by nattily dressed canines. In search of a home as well as adventure the roaming cat meets with peril. Snoozing in a bookstore, he is buried under a pile of books; taking a ride on a scallop boat, he's swept overboard by a huge wave; visiting an ice cream shop, he falls headfirst into a milkshake. Though some of these scenarios have comic potential, all eight of them prove fatal to poor Comet, whose ghostlike, winged image is in each case seen fleeing the scene. Brett, of course, makes it all better in the end; observant readers will have noticed that Comet isn't the island's only cat: side panels throughout show another cat in obvious search of a companion. Though not the author/artist's most finely wrought story, the book delivers a visual treat her fans (and Nantucket admirers) shouldn't miss. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
School Library Journal
I agree that this isn't this author/artist's most finely wrought story. This review mostly just summarizes the plot, because, really, that is all there is. Comet just isn't a loveable character. I think this might be a book more for Brett fans.
PreS-Gr 1-Comet, a white cat with orange markings, goes through eight of his nine lives in one of Brett's more playful offerings. Readers will enjoy anticipating how Comet will lose his next life: eating foxglove, having a shoe thrown at him by a famous actress, falling into a tuba-these are just a few of the humorous demises he suffers (and he always manages to look catlike, dignified, and somewhat surprised that any of these disasters should be happening to him). The Nantucket setting is lovingly shown and expertly woven into every picture. Elaborate borders are fashioned with shells, wildflowers, and fishing line; the island is populated by dogs, all quite realistic looking and all wearing human clothes. Attentive children will enjoy poring over these detailed pictures and will feel satisfied by the conclusion, which has been nicely foreshadowed throughout. Brett's many avid fans are sure to love this book.-Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
I found the anticipation of Comet's lives ending rather anxiety inducing rather than fun. I didn't find them humorous at all. Yes, the borders are elaborate, but I don't think young children will appreciate this and it makes it hard to find the more subtle aspects of the illustrations which are trying to further the story. Perhaps this detail would appeal to a more "attentive" child, but I don't see this as having wide appeal.
As a fan of Jan Brett, I had high hopes for this book. The cover art pulled me in and I sat down to peruse. However, I found this book lacking in wit and charm. Comet's character seemed rather flat and uninteresting. The art, while pretty and perhaps appealing to adults, wasn't fun and the dogs in dresses came across more contrived than cute. The whole thing came across as too busy to me. I felt overwhelmed and slightly claustrophobic at the relentlessly art packed pages.
I liked the Nantucket setting and the sense of adventure the book elicits. As a one time through read, it was enjoyable and the story was pleasant with a nice, clean, happy ending, despite Comet's 8 brushes with death. However, with so many charming, clever books with more to offer than this one, it would wind up at towards the back of my bookshelf. Not a terrible book, but there are just so many better choices.
Publishers Weekly
Brett (The Mitten; Armadillo Rodeo), a Massachusetts resident, stays close to home with this latest book, setting it on Nantucket. Capturing the island's rustic charm, her characteristically bustling, elaborately bordered art showcases weathered shingle buildings, a gray-blue sea and shell-sprinkled beaches. Comet, the protagonist, appears to be just about the sole feline in a Nantucket otherwise populated by nattily dressed canines. In search of a home as well as adventure the roaming cat meets with peril. Snoozing in a bookstore, he is buried under a pile of books; taking a ride on a scallop boat, he's swept overboard by a huge wave; visiting an ice cream shop, he falls headfirst into a milkshake. Though some of these scenarios have comic potential, all eight of them prove fatal to poor Comet, whose ghostlike, winged image is in each case seen fleeing the scene. Brett, of course, makes it all better in the end; observant readers will have noticed that Comet isn't the island's only cat: side panels throughout show another cat in obvious search of a companion. Though not the author/artist's most finely wrought story, the book delivers a visual treat her fans (and Nantucket admirers) shouldn't miss. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
School Library Journal
I agree that this isn't this author/artist's most finely wrought story. This review mostly just summarizes the plot, because, really, that is all there is. Comet just isn't a loveable character. I think this might be a book more for Brett fans.
PreS-Gr 1-Comet, a white cat with orange markings, goes through eight of his nine lives in one of Brett's more playful offerings. Readers will enjoy anticipating how Comet will lose his next life: eating foxglove, having a shoe thrown at him by a famous actress, falling into a tuba-these are just a few of the humorous demises he suffers (and he always manages to look catlike, dignified, and somewhat surprised that any of these disasters should be happening to him). The Nantucket setting is lovingly shown and expertly woven into every picture. Elaborate borders are fashioned with shells, wildflowers, and fishing line; the island is populated by dogs, all quite realistic looking and all wearing human clothes. Attentive children will enjoy poring over these detailed pictures and will feel satisfied by the conclusion, which has been nicely foreshadowed throughout. Brett's many avid fans are sure to love this book.-Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
I found the anticipation of Comet's lives ending rather anxiety inducing rather than fun. I didn't find them humorous at all. Yes, the borders are elaborate, but I don't think young children will appreciate this and it makes it hard to find the more subtle aspects of the illustrations which are trying to further the story. Perhaps this detail would appeal to a more "attentive" child, but I don't see this as having wide appeal.
July 28, 2019
This was one of those books that although it seems to be directed for children seems to fall in the middle ground since it is also about growing up and a romance to boot so it was hard to figure out what shelf to add it to. Darling and sweet this is one book that fellow cat-lovers may enjoy for a quick read.
The story is sweet and proceeds at a regular pace of action. What I found interesting in the book was the fact that with every passing life the author found a pun-like way or action that related to the events that caused the mishap. And just like any other Jan Brett story there is a second that is being told without words if you pay attention.
The illustrations are classical for Jan Brett - gorgeous borders, bright colors, a wonderful eye to detail and if you follow it you can find the lighthouse keeper on every page. I am also in love with the decorations that are made out of seashells and starfish still lending to the coastal atmosphere of the book.
My only main question is how did the author choose dogs to replace humans, especially with a natural seeming cat?
All in all a beautiful given romance and coming-of-age story.
The story is sweet and proceeds at a regular pace of action. What I found interesting in the book was the fact that with every passing life the author found a pun-like way or action that related to the events that caused the mishap. And just like any other Jan Brett story there is a second that is being told without words if you pay attention.
The illustrations are classical for Jan Brett - gorgeous borders, bright colors, a wonderful eye to detail and if you follow it you can find the lighthouse keeper on every page. I am also in love with the decorations that are made out of seashells and starfish still lending to the coastal atmosphere of the book.
My only main question is how did the author choose dogs to replace humans, especially with a natural seeming cat?
All in all a beautiful given romance and coming-of-age story.
June 20, 2017
An illustrated tale about how a cat spend his 8 lives into something wasteful just because of his clumsiness. But in the end, Comet's finally find a place that he wanted to live for the rest of his live
I only wish that story is much longer and a introduction about who is Comet
I only wish that story is much longer and a introduction about who is Comet
August 4, 2018
So this is the story of a cat literally dying to find his place in this world. He loses his lives to really weird things sometimes... but ultimately it's about knowing there is a right place for you and the happiness of finding that place.
February 18, 2019
I'm sorry, but I just do not get this book. I get the point of the"cat's nine lives"thing, but everything else, well, I just don't get. I usually like Jan Brett's books, but there is something about this one that isn't appealing to me as the other ones are.
Read
April 17, 2025not sure how I feel about the dogs being anthropomorphic, but the cats are just regular cats.
April 19, 2018
This was another school library pick my daughter brought home. Comet keeps trying to find a new home or adventure, each ending up in losing one of his nine lives until the very last home he stumbles across when he finally meets another cat. Granted, it takes place on an island, but it's hard to believe he'd never find another cat in all that time. The villagers are also humanoid animals themselves, which is interesting. Don't know that it's really a great idea to perpetuate the idea that cats have nine lives when kids are this little and impressionable, but it's a common enough saying that I can't say it's surprising that there are books written playing off it. One thing is for sure, Comet has rotten luck up until the very end and can't seem to get a break as his previous eight lives flash by all too quickly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2020
This gorgeously illustrated book tells the tales of an inquisitive feline as he inadvertently loses many of his nine lives searching the sea, the harbor, and a quaint town in Massachusetts. My little one and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one.
April 24, 2008
Love the illustrations, but the story is kind of lame. I read it to a first grader today and he was less than thrilled.
June 27, 2018
Such a beautiful and sweet story of a poor little kitten Comet just trying to find a home! Such wonderful art and a sweet little story, especially for those cat lovers out there.
January 17, 2019
The subject matter was a little morbid, to say the least, but the illustrations were beautiful. Cat and dog lovers alike will be enchanted...even if you wish to skip over the text.
October 5, 2025
The story line is perhaps a touch grim, however the illustrations are a feast for the eyes!
April 9, 2024
I found this is a little free library at the park i went to while watching the solar eclipse. Got it for the roommate because he likes cats and the author’s last name is his name. It just seemed too convenient… and he actually read it!
I like the art style, but it seems like a waste of space for panels that didn’t contribute to the story. I also liked how you could see each live
I feel back for comet. Something happens l to him and so he finds something else to do and that bites him in the bit (coincidentally, another way he could die)
I wish some of these situations were a little more realistic. If any cat deserves to live as Binx did in Hocus Pocus, it’s Comet. He’s just trying to enjoy life
- 1st life: ate poisonous flowers
- 2nd life: trampled by a pile of books when a crown rushed into the store
- Went to get fresh air at the docks. KLeapt towards boat but missed… drowned while being carried to shore - 3rd life
- Went to park to listen to band and fell in a tuba. Played many songs not realizing a cat was there - 4th life. This was is the most unbelievable so far. I know this is a kids book (a messed up one), but someone playing a tube would have noticed something blocking their instrument fairly quickly
- Goes to an ice cream shop and inspector shows up and shoos comet out
- Fell into milkshake - 5th life. HOW??? Just dirty, that’s it
- Rode in bike basket of a dog that drove into a taxi - 6th life
- Foes to a show with a beautiful actress who is allergic to cats
- 7th life - hit with a shoe
- Going to lighthouse when hurricane hit - 8th life
- Met a cat at the lighthouse and wanted to stay there
I like the art style, but it seems like a waste of space for panels that didn’t contribute to the story. I also liked how you could see each live
I feel back for comet. Something happens l to him and so he finds something else to do and that bites him in the bit (coincidentally, another way he could die)
I wish some of these situations were a little more realistic. If any cat deserves to live as Binx did in Hocus Pocus, it’s Comet. He’s just trying to enjoy life
- 1st life: ate poisonous flowers
- 2nd life: trampled by a pile of books when a crown rushed into the store
- Went to get fresh air at the docks. KLeapt towards boat but missed… drowned while being carried to shore - 3rd life
- Went to park to listen to band and fell in a tuba. Played many songs not realizing a cat was there - 4th life. This was is the most unbelievable so far. I know this is a kids book (a messed up one), but someone playing a tube would have noticed something blocking their instrument fairly quickly
- Goes to an ice cream shop and inspector shows up and shoos comet out
- Fell into milkshake - 5th life. HOW??? Just dirty, that’s it
- Rode in bike basket of a dog that drove into a taxi - 6th life
- Foes to a show with a beautiful actress who is allergic to cats
- 7th life - hit with a shoe
- Going to lighthouse when hurricane hit - 8th life
- Met a cat at the lighthouse and wanted to stay there
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2024
woah, this turned out to be precious and extremely detailed (no pun intended!).
April 4, 2014
Comet lives on the beautiful island of Nantucket, but his curiosity causes him to lose his nine lives one by one. Life number one gets lost in a flower garden during a moment of curiosity and as he spends lazy days wandering all over the island he realizes after all of his mishaps that it is now time to settle down and call somewhere "home". But he keeps getting into one humorous predicament after another.
This book has beautiful island scenes--sandy beaches, hillside flower gardens, seaside trails, villages, and the ocean depicting a colorful New England landscape. I would like to use this book in a story retell activity where the students could draw pictures of what happens one by one and put them in the correct order. Then, they would discuss their drawings in a small group activity and hopefully be able to remember Comet's path as he searches for a place to call home.
This book has beautiful island scenes--sandy beaches, hillside flower gardens, seaside trails, villages, and the ocean depicting a colorful New England landscape. I would like to use this book in a story retell activity where the students could draw pictures of what happens one by one and put them in the correct order. Then, they would discuss their drawings in a small group activity and hopefully be able to remember Comet's path as he searches for a place to call home.
January 16, 2014
Comet the cat lived on and roamed all over Nantucket Island. One day after eating the flowers of fox glove, she fell into a deep coma, and then lost one of her lives. Another day, settling on top of a rack of books in the bookstore, suddenly, she lost balance and was buried, she watched as life number two floated on by. All too quickly, Comet's remaining lives slipped away, until one day Hurricane Elmadore headed straight to Nantucket, taking all things in the pathway and scattering them, with Comet into the sea. As the eighth life flew away, Comet landed near the lighthouse. Finding another light house cat, she knew she wanted to live out her remaining days happily near the lighthouse and the cat who loved her.
February 17, 2017
When Comet loses one of his nine lives, he goes in search of a permanent home. This is a beautiful picture book that cat lover's will enjoy looking at, but not sure that they will enjoy the premise of a cat losing eight of his lives. Observant readers will appreciate all of the details that foreshadow the happy conclusion.
August 22, 2018
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** Comet's Nine Lives is a beautiful children's story about a cat getting into trouble and losing some of the nine lives all cats have. A gentle introduction to the concept of death for children, Comet is fine in the end, but in the illustrations we see his other 'lives' as angel cats leaving his body. The pictures are gorgeous and the story flows well.
January 17, 2020
This book like all Jan Brett's books has lovely illustrations. However, my students and I didn't find the story engaging. The kids had a difficult time buying into the story of a cat living as an animal in a world of dog "people". They also questioned the loss of many of the lives from things such as falling in a strawberry milkshake.
January 8, 2018
I love any book by Jan Brett! I especially love the story within a story that she usually ( always?) tells in the side panels of each illustration, and this book is no different. Bonus: this book has plenty of cats, dogs and a lighthouse!
January 1, 2018
This is a children's book, but my first response was "That's a bit morbid!" Parents should read first and consider their individual children's development before sharing. The illustrations are detailed and clever.
December 29, 2018
Jan Brett writes a beautiful story but the true star of the show are her gorgeous illustrations. I love how the stunning art in the central picture is augmented by the secondary story being told in the images in the side bar. She is a tee master of her craft.
November 17, 2019
Lovely illustrations. I enjoy the fact that each page looks like a scrapbook, but it’s several bordered illustrations. It’s important that the “nine lives” myth is explained to a reader so this book doesn’t become a sad story.
January 19, 2009
This was probably my least favorite Jan Brett book so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews