Bits & Pieces

by Judy Schachner

New York Times bestseller and fan favorite Judy Schachner presents a warmly affectionate portrait of a family’s devotion to their beloved cat.

Tink has everything he ever wanted � delicious treats, hugs and kisses, and even a kitten to raise. The only thing missing is wild outdoor adventure. So when the opportunity arises, Tink sneaks out � and becomes an outdoor cat for one unforgettable night.

Like cozy favorites such as Clare Turlay Newberry's Marshmallow and Mo Willems' City Dog, Country Frog, and with soft, meltingly tender illustrations that match the poignant tale, Judy Schachner proves what a superlative storyteller she is with this loving family story.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Childrens, Animals, Family, Friendship, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Judith Byron "Judy" Schachner is an American children's writer and illustrator. Her works include the Skippyjon Jones series. Schachner lives in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bob, and a dog and her two Siamese cats.

Reviews

[Dione Basseri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite so enjoyable as "The Grannyman," but certainly better than the Skippyjon Jones series (especially in regards to ethnic sensitivities). This is actually a sequel to the Grannyman, following Tink as he serves as mentor to his own kitten, and also has a little adventure that only a really silly cat would take. Do beware, if your kids have ever had a pet run away or get lost, this story features that plotline, though it does end happily. However, for kids who have felt that pain, the happy ending is probably not going to dull the sting.

Schachner is great at portraying the personality of Siamese cats. Some of her images are so graceful, the cats seem made of silk. Others are so ridiculous they look like pudding slammed against a wall. Basically, just like real Siamese cats.

If you've got Siamese cats, certainly buy this. Otherwise, check it out from your library before making a purchase decision.

[Annie Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is by the author of the much beloved Skippy John Jones series, and although it is humorous, it isn't the same laugh a minute kind of story. Rather, it is a touching love story about particular Siamese cat and his family, perfect for reading aloud. I enjoyed how the vagaries of cat behavior were treated lovingly as matter-of-course, and how the gradual physical failings of the cat were portrayed.

The illustrations are a joyful, colorful mixed media, in a slightly different style from Schachner's previous books.

I love, love, loved this one and look forward to putting it in my customers' hands!

[Lacy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm convinced the author has never owned a cat. Also, maybe don't show that it's ok to pull a cat's tail or describe to young children that cats are dumb. 😒😒

I'm leaving off the read dates as I don't want this garbage to count towards my reading challenge.

[Donna Mork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a silly cat who ends up 20 yrs old and gets lost. His little human sisters look for him and find him with the help of some friends.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This advance copy came with a note about how this book came into being and the story of Tink in real life. The back story made me cry so hard because it was so beautiful. Tink was adopted by an older cat who was near death, and revived to some semblance of life by taking care of Tink. (That is a separate book.) This is Tink's story of his taking care of an adopted kitten and his place in his family. Warm, rich and lovely this a a tale that is for all families and proves family is what you create.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love Judy Schachner. Really, I love these books even more because I heard her speak and saw her photos and I know she is writing mini memoirs in these gorgeous cat books. And who doesn't love their pussycats to bits and pieces? Love, love, love, love, love!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tink reminds me of my own mentally retarded but irresistible sweet-natured cat.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skippy-Jon Jones is undeniably cute, but this book is so adorably sweet. I love it to bits & pieces.

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this otherwise EXTREMELY cute story about Siamese cats, particularly the focal cat Tink, since a lot of the story is about how Tink is... not that smart. They love him all the same, but they do also say his human sisters once looked in each of his ears at the same time—and saw each other.

Actually, the story rambles a little. It's written partly like a biography and partly slice-of-life, with no particular thread to follow until the very end, when Tink finally gets to act on his budding interest in being Outside and, at a ripe old age of twenty, manages to sneak past when Father leaves the door open.

It's cute, and has a happy ending, but it still has an overall vibe of, "Here is our precious, SPECIAL little boy" to it. I don't know. I know it's fun to make fun of pets being stupid, but since we're mostly shown Tink's point of view, it seems like he's a particularly (cute) punching bag. At least he's "just" a fictional character, but I do sort of feel bad for stupid pets now.

Still recommended for young cat lovers! So cute!

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Tink was an odd duck. Perhaps it was because he had been raised by a grannyman... [?!?]...or maybe it was because his brain was the size of a frozen pea." (?!?)

With a start like that really were else was there to go? Intolerance and insults yay??? I had a difficult time getting past that, especially as the insults continued, literally, to the end. UGH!

Also, I have a cat and really hate it when people call me her mother and/or her my 'fur baby. NO she is not my child, nor is she a cousin of my nieces and nephews (nor would she be a sibling if I had children). YES she is part of my family and YES she is my beloved companion. But no, I am not mother, she is not daughter, etc. UGH!

One star with one extra because the illustrations are cute.

[Toastkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love "SkippyJonJones", so when I saw a new book with the art and author I love, I was in. "Bits & Pieces" is the story of the life, and a day in the life, of Tink, an elderly Siamese with a little brother to teach and love. Every cat owner will recognize Tink, because he represents cats every owner has had. From the mischievously curious to the downright silly, Tink has a little bit of every cat in him. With a cute story and happy ending, I recommend this book to developing readers (with its simple language and easy-to-follow plot) and any owner of cats.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judy Schachner is the author of the Skippyjon Jones books about a Siamese cat and one of my favorite children's books, The Grannyman. Her books are beautifully illustrated and particularly loving towards cats. In this one, Tink is a beloved house cat who longs to go outside. He escapes one day and spends a night on his own until he is found. I live with a cat, Jr., who is just like Tink and thinks the outside looks so enticing. I'll read him this book to show that outside is not as friendly as he like to think.

[Kalynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different pages reminded me of my different cats, and pages 4-5 was so Niles! I love how this story was inspired by the author's cats--that is something I hope to do someday...and she captured them so well. If you love cats, or if you have students who love cats, this is a must have story. I am smiling seeing my Niles, Spark, and Wilson in the pages.

[Diana Valdivia-Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about two cats who become friends. I can teach students about friendships with humans and animals. The book has matte paper, full page bleed, and page break. I can relate this book to the Berenstein Bears book series.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author.
We are first introduced to Tink as a kitten in the story "The Grannyman". In this story, Tink is given his own kitten to raise but accidentally gets outside and has an adventure before being reunited with his family.

[Desi A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for John Paul, but really for Frank, given his very strong love of Siamese cats. It's a very touching story, but it tries to cover quite a lot and to me, the narrative arc jumps too quickly in some places.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tink wasn't a very smart cat but for twenty years he was a much loved indoor cat. One day he finally got out and became an outdoor cat - for a night, which was enough for him. Cute story with lovely illustrations.

[Valerie Salinas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would absolutely recommend this book to any of my future students in elementary levels. It is an easy to read book, with illustrations that are colorful and fun to look at. I want to also add that the storyline wasn’t completely accurate to real life, but again a fun story. I own a cat myself and felt this book partially represented everything I love about my cat.

[Cheryl Neer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skippyjon Jones author, Judy Schachner, creates another lovable cat story. It seemed tedious at the beginning, but then turns into a heartwarming, charming tale.

[Mandy Robek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming story about wanting adventure and realizing your home might be best.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as cute as Grannyman, but the continuing story of the kitty that he adopts. Pretty adorable for all cat lovers - and kids are sure to love it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable sequel to “The Grannyman.”

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the illustrations in this book. But the Tory doesn’t make sense. It’s so all over the place.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww. Anyone who owns a kitty will recognize this sweet beau-hunk! The story of the indoor kitty fascinated with the outdoors will resonate with young readers and become a favorite read-aloud.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really more like two and a half Stars. The illustrations were cute but the plot seemed extremely disjointed. Would not recommend to people unless they like cats

[MaryJo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously written by one who has been smitten by a cat or two and has a wonderful wit in describing cat behavior.

[Jillian Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was a sequel to another book and was a bit confused for most of the book. I will have to review again after reading the first book.

[R. L. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was adorable! Dixie picked it out because of the cute kitties and really enjoyed the story!

[Kim Hampton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute book with good illustrations.

[Mari Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a nice story with beautiful illustration.