Pepper and Poe

by Frann Preston-Gannon

Orli Zuravicky at Orchard Books has bought Pepper and Poe, a picture book by author-illustrator Frann Preston-Gannon. In the book, two newly introduced cats must learn how to coexist. A 2015 publication is planned; Kirsten Hall at the Bright Agency sold world rights.

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

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Frann Preston-Gannon is the author-illustrator of several books for children. She was the first U.K. recipient of a Sendak Fellowship, and her first picture book, The Journey Home, was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal. She is one-fifth of the design group Zombie Collective, which specializes in workshops and pop-up galleries. She lives in London.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came through my hands at the Library & I just had to check it out due to the gorgeous illustrations! Lots of fun as two cats get to know each other, and eventually gang up on the dog!

[Elene Figuer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entretenido no más. Gatito nuevo vs gatito viejo en casa. Los típicos celos iniciales.

[molliekay · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a really cute book until the end. That's not the best message to send to kids: just blame someone else for your mistakes.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best of 2015. SO CUTE! Could totally relate to this as my 2 cats were not thrilled with each other exactly; um, ok, so they still aren't sometimes.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty cute book about a cat whose humans get a kitten he doesn't care for. But slowly, they become friends. Great illustration and a cute story.

[Casandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh, the cuteness! If you've ever had doubts about getting a new sibling (or have kids who've experienced it), this book is for you!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative, original digital artwork and a fun story, as senior cat Pepper has to adjust to the young interloper, Poe, who is the newest member of the household. Frann Preston-Gannon's illustrations definitely capture the mischief and playfulness of a young kitten, as well as the leisurely life of an older cat who loves napping on Sundays. But Poe learns to love Sundays, too! Very cute and simply told for younger readers.

[Christine Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maurice Sendak Fellowship Award Winner Frann Preston-Gannon makes her US picture book debut with this hilarious yet touching story about two soon-to-be sibling cats, Pepper & Poe. Pepper is an old cat. He's set in his ways, and used to his normal routine in the house that he rules--or thinks he rules, anyway! Yup, he's got everything down to a science, including how to manipulate the house dog. That is until a new kitty named Poe comes along and starts messing up everything! Can Poe get Pepper to accept him as part of the family? This hilarious story reinvents the age-old new sibling topic with a furry twist, taking an emotionally heavy subject and masking it with humor--all while reinforcing the days of the week! Frann Preston-Gannon, the 2011 Maurice Sendak Fellowship Award Winner, makes a stunning US picture book debut with her unique, eye-catching artwork and clever use of text.

Author Notes
Frann Preston-Gannon is a South London based illustrator and designer. Her first picture book, The Journey Home , was published in October 2012 and has been shortlisted for both the Waterstones Children's Prize and the Cambridgeshire "Read it Again" book prize. It has also been shortlisted by Junior Magazine for "Best Picture Book" and "New Talent" and longlisted for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal.

Subject:
Cats -- Juvenile fiction
Kittens -- Juvenile fiction

Note: This book mentions the days of the week.
Also, it may be a helpful book to a child with a new sibling.

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cats are the best!

I loved this book! Cats are my favorite and this was about two cats named Pepper and Poe. It starts off with just Pepper. She looks just like my cat Tara. Pepper loves most days of the week. She likes to sleep and play. But on Wednesday something changes. Another cat named Poe arrives. Pepper does not like it at all. Pepper does not like other cats and neither does my cat Tara. It’s a “cat”astrophe! Like most kittens, Poe gets in big trouble. Poe chases Pepper around and makes a huge mess. Their owner is not happy. I don’t want to tell you the ending, but it was super funny and involved the dog.
Even though the main characters were cats, I could really relate to this book. It reminded me of me and my brother. He chases me around, and tries to get me in trouble. Everyone thinks he’s so cute. It can be hard being a big brother, so I liked Pepper. She reminded me of my favorite cat Tara. But this book reminded me that even though my brother can be annoying, he’s also my friend. I have this fun playmate just like Pepper does with Poe.
I would recommend this book for 5-6 year olds. It’s funny. Poe made me laugh a lot. I like that Pepper and Poe really exist. I saw their pictures on the back book cover. I want to write a book about my cat. Meow!
Review by Cameron H., Age 5, New Mexico Mensa

[Jennifer Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every day in Pepper's life is wonderful! As the lone cat in the household, Pepper can do whatever she wants. All that changes on a Wednesday when her human introduces her to Poe. Tiny Poe ruins the next few days getting in Pepper's way, playing with Pepper's toys, and just being an all-around nuisance. Pepper tries to hide away, up high on a shelf. Naturally, Poe tries to climb up high too, but crashes down to the floor. Concern for her new sibling outweighs Pepper's dislike and she hops down to comfort the little kitty. Their friendship blooms as they both blame the crashed mess on the dog.

I think it's funny that I randomly pick up a story with the same message as another book that I just read (Say Hello to Zorro!) except this story has cat characters. I like that this story highlights Pepper's compassion when Poe falls down. Even though Poe was annoying, Pepper didn't want her to get hurt. I think it's the same with human siblings. We may think a brother or sister is a pest, but we wouldn't want anything bad to happen to them. This story shows that life is better when you share it with a buddy.

[Robin Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My OH and I have been cat lovers ever since we got married, which is why I can’t resist entering any book giveaway which is offering a book about cats, and how I came to receive this hardcover book through a GoodReads giveaway. The following is my honest opinion for it.

Ms. Preston-Gannon has done wonderful in teaching her young readers what might happen when a new cat enters a home where an older cat already lives. I know this to be the case since we’ve gone through this three times, once when we adopted a second cat and twice to replace a cat which had died. And just like in the book, we’ve experienced how the older cat accepted its new companion but only until a certain point.

While the illustrations here help its reader in visualized what’s happening, the only drawback for the book is the black background the author/illustrator has decided to use for the illustrations; which is why I giving this book only 4 STARS.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s nothing particularly special about the storyline of Pepper & Poe. Older animal/child meets younger animal/child. Initially, there is tension. There is frustration. There is even animosity. Eventually, though, there is understanding. Pretty standard “dealing with a new sibling is hard” stuff. Still, what makes Pepper & Poe so much fun is its delightful twist ending, in which the two cats are suddenly united by a common goal, one that will ring particularly true to cat lovers. Preston-Gannon’s simple text is complemented by her unique illustrative style, putting a refreshing spin on a familiar story.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book at our local library while perusing the stacks. The narrative is short and gives an overview of the days of the week as a cat bemoans the addition of a new family member.

The digital illustrations are cute and fuzzy, without too much detail. I am sure that it will really appeal to younger children,.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper the old cat isn't sure about Poe the new cat. A short story that captures the suspicion and annoyance involved when a new pet enters the home, and the friendship that evolves over time. Amazing illustrations!

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cómic infantil muy cuco, que relata la temprana enemistad del gato regente de la casa: Pepper, al incorporarse un nuevo gatito al hogar; que acaba volcándose en amor fraternal.
Las ilustraciones presumen ser pintadas a acuarela, con trazos simples pero resultones y bastantes interpretativos, que dan una buena sensación ‘lanosa’ en los mininos de la obra.
En lo referente al apartado narrativo, la obra gráfica abarca una semana, que bien podría haberse extendido un poco más; pese a ser para los lectores más tempranos

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story about a cat named Pepper who suddenly has to deal with a new member of the family - a kitten named Poe. Awesome illustrations that look like pastel pieces glued into a collage on top of black paper. Very interesting. I love the expression on the animal faces throughout. Nice conclusion. Kids will love this one. I have been reading it to my kindergarteners this past week and they love it. They all sigh and seem to really get into the story well. Highly recommended Gr. K-1.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a story that will be instantly familiar to anyone who has lived in a multi-cat household, an older cat is decidedly unamused with the presence of a new kitten. Eventually, Pepper learns that there are a lot of things to teach and share with little Poe--like blaming the dog for the mess they've made!

Unfortunately, there are multiple illustrations of cats unrolling and playing with a ball of yarn--something that is in actuality quite dangerous for cats, especially kittens.

[Ali Book&Seaglasshunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pepper the cat loves her life and enjoys each day, until a new kitten arrives. Simple and short text with adorable illustrations make a nice story about adjusting to a new family member or house mate.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Available in English and Spanish

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biography of my old cat Mackerel, whose life was essentially ruined (temporarily) by the adoption of two kittens.

[Erica Flory · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Mel Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a cat mom, I can totally relate to this story. And think it's adorable. It gets 4 stars because they blamed the dog in the end and I felt bad for the dog.

[Arnela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simple, and cute, story of Pepper a cat getting used to a new Kitten joining the family.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adjusting to new cat.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

BV Library checkout - read to herself first twice, then to me.

[Milton Louie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pepper meets a new kitty. B

[Mary Thelma · Rating 5 out of 5]

historia de tolerancia ante la llegada de nuevas personas (o animales)
los personajes son adorables

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great way to teach basic emotions to Jack, and the days of the week. A short simple easy to read story.

-AG

[Sarah Opgenorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not into cats, but I like FPG so I’m a fan.