Nat the Cat Can Sleep Like That

by Victoria Allenby, Tara Anderson (Illustrator)

Nat can sleep in dresser drawers, or in front of bedroom doors.
Under blankets, on a stair,
Upside-down on someone's chair—
Nat the cat can sleep like that!

Nat has a talent for sleeping all day long. Name any place in the house and Nat can sleep in, on, under, or sprawled over it. In fact, Nat is so devoted to slumber that the imaginative antics of a crazy kitten don't seem to bother him one bit, until...

When the nighttime quiet falls,
When strange shadows fill the halls...

Now Nat is all fired up and ready to go! Will the kitten be able to keep up, or is it time for her to find the perfect place to settle down for a wee nap? Victoria Allenby's rhythmic verse perfectly accompanies Tara Anderson's irresistible art. Cat lovers young and old will delight in this not-quite-ready-for-bedtime treat.

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2013

About the author

Victoria Allenby dictated her first picture book to her mother at the age of two. Since then she has learned to write things down herself, and today makes a living as a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Toronto with Cole, a cat who thinks he is much more interesting than laptops and books.

Reviews

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second of three books that my grandson brought home from kindergarten and asked me to read. Of the three it 2as his least favourite though I'm not sure why. It has colourful artwork and made room for discussion about who like to be awake in the middle of the night and who can sleep.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely poem about friendship between two cats. The charming illustrations make the poem come alive. Anyone who lives with cats can relate!

[Lady Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story.
Great illustration with a wonderful portrayal of "Nat the Cat."

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun feline twist on the perennial prob of kids who don't want to go to sleep.

Rather than fussy children, we're regaled with versified, upbeat text about how cats can cheerfully sleep just about anywhere. For instance:

"With his paws all tucked inside
Or with limbs flung open wide--
Nat the cat can sleep like that."

FIVE STARS for this book with contagious joy, an infectious sense of fun.
And here I commend both excellent author Victoria Allenby
Plus the superb illustrator of outstandingly lively cat art, Tara Anderson.
Well done!!!!!

[Tori Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for people who own a cat. I do not own a cat, but I can imagine this story would be endearing if I did. The art is good, and as some of the words are simple I even had my 5 year old practice sounding them out. The rhyme scheme is done well.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

probably more fun for families with cats

[Engel Dreizehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hehe relatable if you ever owned cats and observed all their silly sleeping poses!

[Josephine Burks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book, was hard to hear at storytime as all the babies were losing their minds.

[Haaley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nat the Cat can sleep anywhere, anytime. Except at night time.
Cats are crazy and this book was very true. :)

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and Sherlock loves to zoom around at night too.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan of the art style but the story's alright!

[Megan Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply delightful! As the pet parent of a kitty myself, I found myself saying "yup, he does that" at every page (except of course to some of the antics of the kitten, like sailing and such :P) I am 24 years old with no children as of yet, but I found myself unable to NOT get this book! The writing is catchy and flows perfectly, and the drawings are so darn cute! Victoria Allenby does an excellent job describing the antics of Nat the Cat who, during the day, just wants to be left alone to sleep. But when nighttime comes, watch out! Nat and the kitten get into all sorts of mischief!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has kids who love to be read to, as it is such a fun read!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nat the Cat reminds me of many of my feline friends. They snooze all day in the most uncomfortable spots, but then when night comes and I'm ready for bed, watch out. Up and down the stairs they go. Bouncing on the bed and using me as a trampoline, they keep me awake. This picture book shows exactly how Nat passes through his days and makes friends with a new kitty. The mixed media illustrations used pencil crayon, watercolor, gouache, acrylic paint, and glaze to capture the spirited felines as they finally settle down.

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for any parent who's looking for a fresh bedtime or any time story for their child. The rhymes are smart and not forced, the drawings are delightful and whimsical. My 15 month old daughter loves this book, and wants to read it at bedtime over any other book. This is a must have, especially if your son or daughter loves cats! Looking forward to more books from this author and illustrator!

[Kate McGinty aka Caryn Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter where he is and what hubbub is going on around him, Nat the cat can sleep through it -- until nightfall, of course. Once it's dark, he's got playing to do.

This is an adorable picture book with equally adorable illustrations. The contrast between the sleepy Nat and his playful kitten friend is delightful, and Nat's awkward sleeping positions will likely elicit giggles from cat lovers of all ages.

[Great Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who can sleep anywhere at any time? Nat the Cat. Until nighttime that is. See how Nat makes himself comfy in a variety of not too comfortable looking spots. Great rhymes and bright fun illustrations make this a great book for children. Reviewer 13

[Lucia · Rating 2 out of 5]

not impressive. Illustrations are similar to what one of the talented kids in Junior High may have drawn.

Poem was sweet, though.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleep all day, play all night as cats do.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of sounds and rhymes that are good for building phonological awareness in children. Good for ECE level readers, especially those who have (or have had) a cat as a pet.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

cute book, especially if you like cats. :)

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nat sleeps all day while the kitten runs around. At night, Nat wakes up and gets busy.

Library copy

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning readers will enjoy this story. Pictures connect with the story and the words rhyme.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story for cat lovers. Rhyming words.

[Caitie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about a cat who sleeps all day but is up all night. A tale my family knows all to well. Good rhythm and rhyming.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nat the Cat can sleep through anything during the day. But when night comes he is ready for play. With Easy text and fun illustrations, this book will be enjoyed by cat-lovers ages two to five.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. Yes, some cats are more nocturnal than others. I have a more nocturnal cat. Night-time is interesting at my house.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nat the Cat is kind of ugly, but the stories cute. The book rhymes which is nice for parents who have trouble finding a pace while reading aloud.

[Julie (Let's Read Good Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 14 month old daughter has loved this book since she was born. I read it to her before naptime. She always giggles along with the story. Love it!

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can Nat sleep? Like that!