Scamp

by Anden Wilder

This playful story about a little girl and her best cat friend is a unique exploration of the changes children go through as they grow from toddler to big kid—for fans of Truman and Big Cat, Little Cat.

Scamp believes there are two cats in her house — one pink (Scamp herself) and one black (Hector) — until her growing body begins behaving in not-so-catlike ways. She suddenly finds herself standing on two feet…eating with a spoon…even enjoying the bath. What is happening to her? But when Hector needs help, Scamp must choose between acting like a cat and taking a big-girl stand to rescue her friend.

This sweet and poignant picture book, with inviting watercolor art by a debut talent, perfectly captures the moment when a little girl realizes she is becoming a big girl, and the universal bittersweet beauty of change.

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

40 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

9:55 26 April 2025

Well, I am clearly a bit weird this morning since I thought of live blogging my picture book reading. But this one is already way out in front: cute custom end-papers. And dedicated, in part, to "My cats-past, present, and future".

Surprising developments on page 3 and 4

More surprising developments on page 6. Also, I'm liking the very limited color scheme of Scamp's house and the world outside the window: it makes the two main characters really POP! as on page 10.

Another surprising development on page 11.

A new mood on 13-14. Liking the mouse toys in some of the pictures.

On 17-26 there is rising tension and plot development until resolution on 27-28.

29-30 is a pleasing reprise of 3-4, and 31-32 brings us back to 1-2 in a satisfying conclusion.

***

Where we are too cclose in the close-ups in here the shifts in distance and perspective flow smoothly.

Once again, the palette is restricted, but it serves a conceptual purpose. Wilder has done lovely work with postures that convey as much emotional meaning as the facial expressions of cat and child. Even the use of light and shadow is evocative. There is a warm golden shimmer that feels snug and contented. We know that someone is around, but the unseen helper never intrudes on the perfect accord between child and cat. Altogether a delightful book.

While picture books are usually 32 pages, with one of those pages given over to copyright and such. I didn't realize that there wasn't one until I went looking to see if there was a note about how the art was created. As much as I love the routine details, I don't miss the tiny print and the the Publisher's ads.

Okay, so I don't need to read another version of Cat Goes to know my dislike wasn't a one off. And also. I cannot begin to spend four hours on the other books just now. But I am glad I carried on: this book has left me in a much happier place.

[Helen Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like a lucky person when I picked up Scamp by Anden Wilder! There are so many books that I know I can’t possibly read them all, so happy I didn’t miss this delightful, funny, thought provoking picture book!

Just look at the cover! Makes me smile every time! The way the little girl and the cat are in the very same pose, expressions the same, too. Reminds me of seeing Cats on Broadway many years ago and enjoying all the feline like movements on the stage - that took studying on everyone’s part how cats use their paws and their ears and their necks and their backs … Was thinking the author/illustrator must know cats and indeed she does, she was “raised with three cats and many, many books!”

The story begins, “Scamp’s house had two cats: one black and one pink.” And we immediately see how this little girl thinks she’s a cat… Until one day when she learns to stand… I don’t want to say anything more because it’s best to discover this story yourself! You will see why I think this book is thought provoking as well as just adorable!

What I especially like is the story is told completely from Scamp’s perspective, in fact there isn’t an adult or even hint of an adult on these pages.

The book I have is from the library, I think I have to have my own copy!

#purrfect #picturebookforeveryone

[Annie Herzig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beware: Scamp and her fellow cat Hector are going to snuggle right up inside your heart and stay there forever! This book is a beautiful tale of two friends navigating change within themselves and their friendship. It evokes both laughter and suspense, with a perfect ending that shows readers that their friendships can survive change as long as they embrace it. The illustrations are gorgeous and leave you wanting more of Scamp and Hector (I'll cross my fingers for a sequel!). This book is perfect both for storytime read alouds as well as cuddling up under a blanket together—with a cat on your lap, of course.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story of a young girl growing up with a cat and learning that some days she can be a cat but it's also useful to be a person, too.

Recommended for storytime.

[Sophia Kloster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute. A girl and her beloved cat. She imitates the cat. One day she stands up on her legs and she knows that cats don't stand on their legs. She is surprised. This girl loves her cat.

You know, I have memories of my childhood with our dog - Ringo. Ringo was a small mute and I remember laying on my parents bed and imitating everything the dog did just like this girl. It was difficult to keep up with Ringo. She was energetic.

The artwork is very cute. The kid and the cat make the cuteness factor sky high. I couldn't find what the artwork is, but it looks digital, maybe.

Kids who love cats will go crazy over this one.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful read-aloud involving one cat and a little girl pretending to be a cat. The two go about their day doing cat things until one day the little girl learns the important skill of standing up. The drawings are cute and young children can have fun locating the little mouse on many of the pages.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of two cute little cats . . . only one of them has no tail. And, she's behaving more like a human everyday - standing on her hind legs and actually enjoying bath time. Can these two remain bosom buddies as they grow older?

It's a very sweet book with adorable illustrations by the author.

[Kerry Aradhya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet and playful book highlights the inseparable bond between a toddler named Scamp (who thinks she's a cat) and a cat named Hector. The minimal color palette of mostly pink, blue, and black goes well with the simple story of how Scamp comes to the realization that maybe she isn't a cat after all. A very cute ending, too!

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scamp is a charming picture book that immediately captures your heart. Families will immediately recognize the unique relationship that little ones have with pets. Anden Wilder’s watercolor art is beautiful, and her use of perspective adds a delightful twist. It truly is a lovely read.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story of a little girl " Scamp" and her cat Hector. Scamp actually thinks she is a cat until one day she learns to stand... but standing does have its advantages particularly when she needs to rescue Hector from a rainstorm.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love to read cat picture books, but this one was actually pretty good (not all are). My cats growing up were not this affectionate, but if children do have affectionate cats this will be extra special. Cute and silly but not ha ha funny.

[Karie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doesn’t every child go through a cat or dog phase? 😍 I picked this up because I had a cat named Scamp very similar in looks to the author’s cat. I was surprised to find the child is Scamp and the cat is Hector. 🐈‍⬛❤️

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful story about 2 best friends, Hector the cat and Scamp, the kiddie-cat. These two do everything together that cats do until one day, Scamp finds herself doing some very un-catlike things. Can they still be best friends?

[Stan Yan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anden's debut picture book is SO cute, and demonstrates what a unique artistic voice she has. Highly recommended for cat-loving humans, and human-loving cats alike.

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute book. Can’t wait to share with Allie. It perfect for her lil Willa

[Cope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay

[Emily Haage · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all the cat people :)

[Reader One · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best cat book I have read

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it. Cute illustrations about a young girl who acts like a cat playing with her cat until she starts growing up a bit. But a cat girl can grow up and be a cat person.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

A toddler realizes she is not a cat both to her and her cat’s surprise.

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 1/3

Is it better to be a cat, or person?

[wildct2003 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok story

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sweet story about a young girl and her cat, and how things change as the girl grows and develops.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4yo: 5 stars, best ever because it has PETS in it!

Parent review: simple, but pretty and floaty illustrations.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story about the relationship between a little girl and her cat.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

A baby girl and her cat

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous use of white space, comic panels to move the story, varied pov, and movement

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the artwork, and the story was quite cute. Love how the author picture was of the author when she was younger with her childhood cat!

[Ellen L. Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imaginative and fun book in praise of cats and kids with a perfect blend of words and illustrations for kids and adults to enjoy!