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Toes
When a litter of cats is born into the McDonahue family, one kitten stands out from the rest. Intelligent and aptly named, Toes has seven toes on each foot instead of five. The other kittens tease him and, fearing his condition might be contagious, refuse to include him in their games. So one night, a lonely Toes flees his house. He takes refuge in a strange basement, where a struggling musician named Sebastian eventually finds him. Sebastian soon realizes that this is no ordinary cat. As he grapples with his own insecurities as a violinist, Sebastian learns from Toes that the most beautiful duet can be the one made by true friendship. In the tradition of The Wainscott Weasel and A Rat's Tale, Toes is a timeless story by National Book Award finalist Tor Seidler that features a charming and endearing character who touches the heart of everyone he meets.
Hardcover
First published January 3, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 6, 2023
literally came to write this review because this book was a pivotal moment in my adolescence and not in a good way. this book traumatized me when it was read to me at the age of 3/4ish. thoroughly traumatized me, to the point where i actively refused to read ANYTHING that my mother had not read first and cleared until around age 8, when i was introduced to harry potter.
0/5 stars, do not recommend. still hung up on this 18 years later. tor seidler, i'm sending you my therapy bills.
0/5 stars, do not recommend. still hung up on this 18 years later. tor seidler, i'm sending you my therapy bills.
October 29, 2015
I came across this book in circumstantial sort of way--my wife, while taking a shortcut through the children’s section of our local public library, noticed the unique cover of the book while it was on display. Intrigued by the cover, she read through the book’s description on the dust cover, and decided to go ahead and check it out. After reading it, she insisted that I should read it as well. Being a Friday night after a long week at work, I decided that I could spare the time to read an approximately 160 page book, especially if I could get it read that evening. I, being a 50 year old, ex-mixed animal veterinarian who is now a biology professor at a small university. Well, I was hooked. What a gem of a book that seems to have gone pretty much unnoticed by a vast majority of people!
Technically, the book has a rather simple plot. It follows the life of the title character--Toes--from his beginning to a few days past his eventual demise. No multiple or complex subplots. In addition, the book follows his life in a simple chronological order--in detail up to year one, then approximately a page for years 2-5, then picking back up on the detail towards the end of year 6. No flashbacks or other contrivances, though an occasional “memory” that Toes has of his early life (especially those regarding his mother). I should have been able to easily finish the book in one evening, but circumstances (as described below) required I finish it up the next morning.
The book presents 2 very strong themes: 1) the unique bond between humans and our four-legged friends, and 2) the cycle of life and death. Other, more minor themes included unrequited friendship (the relationship between Toes and Minerva the dove) and that being different from the rest isn’t necessarily a fault. Regarding the first theme, the story aptly demonstrates the give and take relationship of the human and animal bond. For Toes, examples of this included being “saved” from starvation in a basement to almost daily serenades with beautiful classical music. For Sebastian, it included a non-judgmental audience for his music, an intervention to prevent him from doing a very desperate act that would have likely finished any chance of a music career, and the motivation to continue on with his violin playing after rejection. The story does a good job in highlighting these various interactions. In fact, it expands on the importance of all of these interactions by demonstrating that they don’t necessarily need to be grandiose (e.g. Toes initiating a series of events to help Sebastian realize a dream) but could be small and still as important as well (e.g. Sebastian celebrating Toes 1 year birthday). In the end, it is really the sum of all these experiences that defines the relationship.
It was the second theme that caused me some problems. As I mentioned earlier, I would have finished the book in an evening, but towards the end I had to take several breaks to dry my eyes. I don’t mean to imply that this was a negative--the book took a hard approach to the subject versus just going with the easy “they lived happily ever after.” For me, I have been through this cycle with multiple cats and dogs (and humans as well). The story’s description of the events at the end were realistic--first, the minor health issues that seem to slow one down, then the exponential growth of the problems with new ones being added, the desperate acts of trying to get the individual to just eat a morsel or two of food, to finally having to except the fact that they are dead and all you are left with are the memories. It is a difficult period in one’s life, and one that you really never get used to. I felt the author did an excellent job in handling this difficult subject--not over emphasizing the inevitable end, yet demonstrating that memories are an important part of the process and be can sources of inspiration and strength. This might not be a subject that a younger reader may be able to completely grasp, but it’s still one that exposure to may make acceptance of it easier at a later time.
Some readers might argue about the implausibility of the actions and abilities of the title character. Yes, most cats wouldn’t move a can into a sink to serve as a drinking bowel, nor use a chisel to enlarge a mouse hole, but this is fiction, and to suspend or stretch reality for a period of time is to me is an acceptable use of artistic license. Most of use who have pets I am sure have seen some pretty amazing things that we would have never have imagined them doing. I personally would have liked the book to have included a few subplots--more about Sebastian’s and Thad’s relationship, possibly a little more about the lives of Toes’ siblings--but realize this might have put the book a bit out of reach for the younger readers.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book for people that have had, have, or are thinking of having, experiences with four legged critters (or finned or two-legged critters, etc). Yes the book starts out on a sad note, and definitely finishes out on a sadder note, but it does make the reader reflect on the positives of having pet companions and also reflect on the fact that, in most cases, we will outlive them.
Technically, the book has a rather simple plot. It follows the life of the title character--Toes--from his beginning to a few days past his eventual demise. No multiple or complex subplots. In addition, the book follows his life in a simple chronological order--in detail up to year one, then approximately a page for years 2-5, then picking back up on the detail towards the end of year 6. No flashbacks or other contrivances, though an occasional “memory” that Toes has of his early life (especially those regarding his mother). I should have been able to easily finish the book in one evening, but circumstances (as described below) required I finish it up the next morning.
The book presents 2 very strong themes: 1) the unique bond between humans and our four-legged friends, and 2) the cycle of life and death. Other, more minor themes included unrequited friendship (the relationship between Toes and Minerva the dove) and that being different from the rest isn’t necessarily a fault. Regarding the first theme, the story aptly demonstrates the give and take relationship of the human and animal bond. For Toes, examples of this included being “saved” from starvation in a basement to almost daily serenades with beautiful classical music. For Sebastian, it included a non-judgmental audience for his music, an intervention to prevent him from doing a very desperate act that would have likely finished any chance of a music career, and the motivation to continue on with his violin playing after rejection. The story does a good job in highlighting these various interactions. In fact, it expands on the importance of all of these interactions by demonstrating that they don’t necessarily need to be grandiose (e.g. Toes initiating a series of events to help Sebastian realize a dream) but could be small and still as important as well (e.g. Sebastian celebrating Toes 1 year birthday). In the end, it is really the sum of all these experiences that defines the relationship.
It was the second theme that caused me some problems. As I mentioned earlier, I would have finished the book in an evening, but towards the end I had to take several breaks to dry my eyes. I don’t mean to imply that this was a negative--the book took a hard approach to the subject versus just going with the easy “they lived happily ever after.” For me, I have been through this cycle with multiple cats and dogs (and humans as well). The story’s description of the events at the end were realistic--first, the minor health issues that seem to slow one down, then the exponential growth of the problems with new ones being added, the desperate acts of trying to get the individual to just eat a morsel or two of food, to finally having to except the fact that they are dead and all you are left with are the memories. It is a difficult period in one’s life, and one that you really never get used to. I felt the author did an excellent job in handling this difficult subject--not over emphasizing the inevitable end, yet demonstrating that memories are an important part of the process and be can sources of inspiration and strength. This might not be a subject that a younger reader may be able to completely grasp, but it’s still one that exposure to may make acceptance of it easier at a later time.
Some readers might argue about the implausibility of the actions and abilities of the title character. Yes, most cats wouldn’t move a can into a sink to serve as a drinking bowel, nor use a chisel to enlarge a mouse hole, but this is fiction, and to suspend or stretch reality for a period of time is to me is an acceptable use of artistic license. Most of use who have pets I am sure have seen some pretty amazing things that we would have never have imagined them doing. I personally would have liked the book to have included a few subplots--more about Sebastian’s and Thad’s relationship, possibly a little more about the lives of Toes’ siblings--but realize this might have put the book a bit out of reach for the younger readers.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book for people that have had, have, or are thinking of having, experiences with four legged critters (or finned or two-legged critters, etc). Yes the book starts out on a sad note, and definitely finishes out on a sadder note, but it does make the reader reflect on the positives of having pet companions and also reflect on the fact that, in most cases, we will outlive them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2017
Finished reading this with my 10 year old daughter tonight. She actually liked this book. I found it mostly dull, poorly written and emotionally sadistic, but hey, maybe you have to be a little kid to enjoy something which is primarily detailed descriptions of cats dying or feeling sad. Hopefully one of the other 5 books my kid picked from the library based on cats being on the cover will be better.
September 13, 2014
Cats and books were the best things on the earth ever when I was little, which is why when I saw Toes propped up in the children's section I was immediately drawn to the cat on the front. I devoured it in about a day. After returning it to the library, I checked it out again a couple months later, and a couple more times after that. It's been a long time since then, but about a year ago I saw Toes on sale at a bookstore and immediately bought it, memories resurfacing of the fun I had reading it. Being so young when I first read it, I couldn't understand the more tragic aspects of the story, but reading it now it really stirs up emotion within me. I'm a string musician myself so it's especially touching. Its not just about a cat with seven toes; it's about his effect on the life of a struggling man. It's a short read that I loved as a little kid and will always have a special place in my heart. This book is great for kids who are getting better at reading and older people who just want a good story.
February 16, 2009
It was a pretty good book. Except there were too many sad parts. (Well, two, put the author really made a big deal about it.) Toes is a cat with a lot of extra toes. He is the only surviving cat of the litter when adoption day comes. A man buys Toes, and they have many adventures together.
*My mom read the book, and she said it had a sad ending.*
*My mom read the book, and she said it had a sad ending.*
April 3, 2014
As a guy who takes pride in the fact that he rarely ever sheds tears, even when I've been somewhat severely injured, I am proud to say that no matter the strength of the hard and sharp shell I form around myself in order to stay strong in times of sadness, this book effortlessly shatters all walls and reduces my ever-so-resistant boundaries to mere rubble in its bitter sweet wake.
January 23, 2018
Toes is told mainly through the eyes of an intelligent cat, who figures the world out through watching television (especially nature documentaries) and a rational approach. (For readers who don't like animals that think, I'll suggest the book Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? and leave that discussion aside.)
Of course there's a line of the fantastic in this story, and there are improbabilities, but the voice is consistent, the premises clear. Toes, a polydactylous cat, earned my affection for his practical and positive personality, and when he is bullied and leaves home more by accident than plan, I am fully invested.
Now, I'm talking about this book as though it were written for adults, but it's actually a children's book designed for children over the age of eight that deals directly, even in the first chapter, with death, and limitations. For all Toes' cleverness, he remains a cat. He cannot talk, and even his friend the dove and he, cannot actually converse. His mother dies in the first chapter, his siblings die, and before the end, he too accepts the imminence of death. The clear-eyed simplicity in this inclusion of death as a fact is comforting, I suspect, to any child (or adult) who has lost or will lose a beloved animal friend.
More than this, the main theme of the book is Toes' friendships, first with the man Sebastian who saves him from starvation and delights his soul with classical music from his violin, and then the dove Miranda, with whom he will never speak.
Friendship comes with its own costs, including having to contradict or face down a friend who is about to make a mistake. Toes passes this test with Sebastian in a scene involving insecurities and alcohol. Friendship involves the ability to think creatively about the friend's needs and abilities, and in this too, Toes weaves his way into Sebastian's life in a fashion that the reader will anticipate lasting long after Toes dies. Friendship also includes the desire to spare the friend pain, and this last service Toes accomplishes as best he can when he makes his way home to his mother's grave before Toes also dies.
The gentle glow of friendship, the yearning to achieve, and the melancholy of loss give this little book a tenderness that lasts beyond its actual length, and the tale of Sebastian the violinist, remains elegantly incomplete save in the reader's mind.
Of course there's a line of the fantastic in this story, and there are improbabilities, but the voice is consistent, the premises clear. Toes, a polydactylous cat, earned my affection for his practical and positive personality, and when he is bullied and leaves home more by accident than plan, I am fully invested.
Now, I'm talking about this book as though it were written for adults, but it's actually a children's book designed for children over the age of eight that deals directly, even in the first chapter, with death, and limitations. For all Toes' cleverness, he remains a cat. He cannot talk, and even his friend the dove and he, cannot actually converse. His mother dies in the first chapter, his siblings die, and before the end, he too accepts the imminence of death. The clear-eyed simplicity in this inclusion of death as a fact is comforting, I suspect, to any child (or adult) who has lost or will lose a beloved animal friend.
More than this, the main theme of the book is Toes' friendships, first with the man Sebastian who saves him from starvation and delights his soul with classical music from his violin, and then the dove Miranda, with whom he will never speak.
Friendship comes with its own costs, including having to contradict or face down a friend who is about to make a mistake. Toes passes this test with Sebastian in a scene involving insecurities and alcohol. Friendship involves the ability to think creatively about the friend's needs and abilities, and in this too, Toes weaves his way into Sebastian's life in a fashion that the reader will anticipate lasting long after Toes dies. Friendship also includes the desire to spare the friend pain, and this last service Toes accomplishes as best he can when he makes his way home to his mother's grave before Toes also dies.
The gentle glow of friendship, the yearning to achieve, and the melancholy of loss give this little book a tenderness that lasts beyond its actual length, and the tale of Sebastian the violinist, remains elegantly incomplete save in the reader's mind.
September 8, 2023
In my opinion, the book Toes is a great book and is the first book that really made me cry. It’s a book that tells a pretty sad story about a sweet cat who is able to make great friends along his journey.
One reason why I liked this book is that Tor Seidler did a great job on describing the emotions and all of the characters with different, realistic and unique personalities as well as their struggles. For example, one of the characters named Toes (who is a polydactyl cat) struggled with being bullied by his siblings just for being different.
Another reason why I liked this book is because it taught us an important lesson about friendship, like for example the friendship that Toes and another character in the book had.
However, the book does get very emotional and sad, which not everyone may like.
I would recommend this book to people who like books that are about animals and that are emotional.
One reason why I liked this book is that Tor Seidler did a great job on describing the emotions and all of the characters with different, realistic and unique personalities as well as their struggles. For example, one of the characters named Toes (who is a polydactyl cat) struggled with being bullied by his siblings just for being different.
Another reason why I liked this book is because it taught us an important lesson about friendship, like for example the friendship that Toes and another character in the book had.
However, the book does get very emotional and sad, which not everyone may like.
I would recommend this book to people who like books that are about animals and that are emotional.
January 6, 2026
A beautiful book, I have yet to read anything similar to Toes.
From the first moment I picked it up in middle school years ago, I knew that this book was not something I would ever forget. I remember finding this book on the very bottom of my school library shelf- I was shocked by the simple title and cover- Toes enchanted my young self. I really felt like this book found me.
You would never expect this book to be filled with sadness just from judging it by its cover, just like how life tend to be. Toes gave me a glimpse check of reality at a young age. It told me what other children’s books refuse to acknowledge: not everyone achieve his/her dreams; someday you are going to die.
This book has a very emotionally heavy story to tell; especially, for young children. I remember the anger and sorrow it made me feel, but that what makes this book beautiful to me. Toes changed my apathy; it shaped me as a person.
From the first moment I picked it up in middle school years ago, I knew that this book was not something I would ever forget. I remember finding this book on the very bottom of my school library shelf- I was shocked by the simple title and cover- Toes enchanted my young self. I really felt like this book found me.
You would never expect this book to be filled with sadness just from judging it by its cover, just like how life tend to be. Toes gave me a glimpse check of reality at a young age. It told me what other children’s books refuse to acknowledge: not everyone achieve his/her dreams; someday you are going to die.
This book has a very emotionally heavy story to tell; especially, for young children. I remember the anger and sorrow it made me feel, but that what makes this book beautiful to me. Toes changed my apathy; it shaped me as a person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
I’m pretty sure I read this book in 5th or 6th grade back in 2005ish and I still think about it a lot. Like— a lot. I think everyone had a book that sort of shaped them in their childhood, this one certainly shaped how I look at animals and music. I think one might compare it to Flowers for Algernon in a lot of respects, but only in theme. They’re very distinct books. I wish I still had a physical copy, I’m gonna order one for myself for Christmas I think. Truly a great read, just be prepared for some tears.
November 8, 2017
When a kitten is born with seven toes on each foot instead of five, he is teased mercilessly. He flees, and finds a struggling musician to live his life with instead. This is a heartwarming tale about how a misfit cat and a misfit man help each other learn the value of true friendship. Warning: the ending will rip your heart to pieces.
November 21, 2017
This book will rip your heart out. It honestly is pretty sad the whole time. It is pretty bittersweet. I would not recommend it unless you like sad books.
March 15, 2018
A sweet story about diversity and friendship!
June 30, 2018
It was a decent book. Kind of scattered. The cover is what caught my eye.
September 21, 2018
cute cat story, though it's aimed at a younger audience. I just picked it up because my little brother didn't really want it anymore. -Heart is rent in a thousand pieces-
December 10, 2018
A touching animal story that came full circle for the main character. Good quick read - keep the tissues handy.
January 3, 2019
It was very good. Just sad he died in the end. :[
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2019
It was so good but kind of sad
June 18, 2019
This was so good :))
January 29, 2020
was the first book that made me cry, read it in the 5th grade
March 18, 2021
Emotionally investing with a symphony of warm fuzzies. Struggled to accept the ending.
Currently reading
February 10, 2022it's good but me no done
March 1, 2023
Excellent reread for MGM.
December 16, 2024
We both loved this one me and the fourth grader
March 13, 2025
genuinely traumatic
September 23, 2019
It was a very happy book but at the end it was sad and kind of cheesy.
October 22, 2016
Well, this is a charming book but I found it a real tearjerker. Perhaps it's my own history of having been extremely attached to some pets who have died, but whenever a beloved animal dies in a book I cannot help but weep, most particularly if I am reading aloud to a beloved child. Hopefully my family finds this endearing. This book gets me blowing my nose upfront and at the end. In between it's a delightful adventure, primarily told from the titular cat's point of view. There are some fun brainteasers as you figure out what the cat is experiencing, and as always Seidler's use of language is inventive and playful and sophisticated.
For a little less sentiment but equally delightful anthropomorphizing for the early elementary set, try this author's book "A Rat's Tale".
For a little less sentiment but equally delightful anthropomorphizing for the early elementary set, try this author's book "A Rat's Tale".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2014
My son picked this book for himself from the library. I try to read much of what he reads not only to monitor his reading in a parental way but also to connect with him and to foster discussion. This little book (164 pages) is filled with surprising depth and richness. Halfway through reading I interrupted my husband reading his own book to tell him that he must read this one. I don't want to discuss the contents of this story because for me it was the discovery of the unexpected where I had consistently underestimated it which became integral to enjoyment. It is after all a simple children's story. I am grateful to my son for bringing it home.
Want to read
March 4, 2010Why: I like Tor Seidler and I didn't know he'd written a cat story. I pre-read this and it would be better for later. Or not. Right now, Logan gets pretty upset when animals die in stories, esp cats. In the first chapter, Toes' mother dies while he's a young kitten, then Toes' siblings tease him and harrass him about his polydactyl toes so much (even burying him in the litterbox so that he wakes up thinking he's been buried alive) that he leaves home. He befriends a lonely jazz musician. But in the end, he dies young like his mother. It's largely a sad story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2015
A sweet story about a polydactyl kitten who got lost from his home one halloween.
After a rough time as an unhomed kitten, he found a safe and comfortable home with a concert violinist.
This was particularly touching because I had a polydactyl kitty for nearly 15 years.
A kleenex or two would be useful.
After a rough time as an unhomed kitten, he found a safe and comfortable home with a concert violinist.
This was particularly touching because I had a polydactyl kitty for nearly 15 years.
A kleenex or two would be useful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews