Grandma's Cat

by Helen Ketteman, Marsha Lynn Winborn (Illustrator)

A young granddaughter chases Grandma's cat, until she learns that the cat will only become her friend if she is patient in her pursuit, pets him gently, and gives him occasional treats.

Genres: Cats, Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 13, 1996

About the author

author and mother of two grown sons. Texas, where she lived for 9 years, is one of her favorite places and several of her books are set there. She, her husband, and their two cats currently live in Sanibel Island, Florida--where plenty of armadillos live, too.

Reviews

[Ryal McMurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of the wonderfully talented Helen Ketteman. I love so many of her books and have loved reading them to my students for years (Kindergarteners, 1st graders, 2nd graders, they all love Ms. Ketteman’s stories!). Some of my favorites are “Bubba the Cowboy Prince” (a hilarious new take on Cinderella), “The Three Little Gators (my students love the Big Bottomed Boar in this version of the Three Little Pigs”), and “Not Yet, Yvette” (that title phrase from this book is one I use frequently, especially during election season).

But this particular earlier book from Ketteman’s catalog has long eluded me. I finally was able to get my hands on a copy, and I loved it! It has Ketteman’s trademark humor for sure, but it is a charming story about a little girl trying to make friends with Grandma’s cat, who is not a fan of the girl at first.

The illustrations are pretty charming too, and this is a wonderful story! If you’ve never read any of Ms. Ketteman’s books, find one today. I love them and every class I’ve read them to loves them too!

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing special here, although it shows you why you should never get your cat declawed.

Because children are shits to cats.

Sadly, this was based on a true story, according to the About the Author section.

[Janis Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good way for teaching kids how to treat cats respectfully

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alissa saw what happens when she mistreats cats.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A child who learns to accept a cat and comes around to his ways.

[Alexis Jennings (ASU) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the story of a trip to Grandma's house, a young girl discovers the challenge of making a friend. While following a cat in the garden, up a tree and up a staircase she finds that her aggressive approach is not the best path to take. After Grandma's wise words of reassurance and advice the little girl will try again to make a new friend. With gentle strokes, tasty treats and playful games the little girl will understand the patience it take to gain trust from a furry friend.

While the text is written from the point of view of the little girl, the reader experiences a change of perspective through the illustrations. The simple yet wonderful illustrations fill the entire page as they bring you into the world of the main character. The facial expressions from the main characters allow the reader to connect to the feelings of each character. These realistic drawings allow the reader to connect to the book at a high level through similar experiences the reader might have had.

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, short and sweet picture book about a little girl's mission to befriend her grandma's cantankerous cat. Adorable illustrations with great, nostalgic details. A winner, even for non-cat lovers.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl unsuccessfully attempts to make friends with her grandmother's cat before figuring out that she needs to do it on the cat's terms. I think the story is nice and I liked it, but nothing really makes it stand out for me.