Cattitude

by Bianca Schulze, Samara Hardy (illustrator)

The creative team behind the international bestseller Don’t Wake the Dragon now presents Cattitude in a softcover edition! Cleo is a cat with an attitude–and she’s not afraid to show it! This quirky, humorous story follows the young narrator as they recount Cleo’s everyday activities. Whenever friends come over, Cleo leaves the room without saying hello. She likes to dig on the furniture, which earns her a scolding from Mom, and she loves to sit in Dad’s favorite chair. When the family is watching a movie, she manages to step on the remote and change the channel, and when she goes outside, she loves to feel the sunshine on her fur before she chases the birds and mice. And through it all, the narrator loves Cleo exactly the way she is.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Animals

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2024

About the author

Bianca Schulze is the author of Don't Wake the Dragon (2020), Who Loves the Dragon? (2021), Just Be Yourself, Dragon (2021), and Tell the Truth, Dragon (2022), as well as the founder and editor of The Children's Books Review—a resource devoted to children's literature and literacy. Bianca is also the bestselling author of 101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up (2016). She is a reader, reviewer, mother, and children’s book lover. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s bookseller, Bianca’s goal is to share her passion to help grow readers.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children in Boulder, Colorado.

You can visit her at www.biancaschulze.com and www.thechildrensbookreview.com.

Reviews

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from The Children’s Book Review/Bianca Schulze + Samara Hardy in exchange of an honest review.

In this delightful and full of attitude (or should I say cattitude) we meet a very happy cat named Cleo! She is quite the pretty cat as you may see on the cover! But she has a certain attitude and through the eyes of our MC we see all the things that Cleo gets up to. Some of them are not that bad, but some of them, oh Cleo, don’t do that! I really loved seeing what Cleo got up to and also see how the family, but most importantly how the MC, reacted to the cat. The family at times got really fed up with Cleo, and I can imagine, I mean, as a tiny kid I wouldn’t have been happy to see my popcorn fall. Or how the mom kept everything clean and there is the kitty again, this time with muddy paws! But I love how the MC just kept it positive! Like when Cleo gets stuck behind the fridge? He tells us that Cleo is always good at hide-and-seek. The MC really loves Cleo and I can imagine. How can you stay angry at this cute fluffball? Indeed, you can’t!

The ending was just the sweetest and I was just AWW-ing through those pages! So sweet! So cute! So fluffy!

The art was just delightful! I love the way the characters are drawn (human and of course Cleo the cat) and I love how colourful everything is!

All in all, is it really that bad to have Cattitude? I don’t think so! It just makes life a bit more fun! I would recommend this adorable and cute book to everyone~

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Beth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute book for cat lovers! In some scenes, the cat is much like a child, in others, she seems to be pure feline, but in all, the pet's personality shines through with specific endearing behaviors. The voice of a child narrates as the cat teeters on the edge of naughty, but remains clearly loved by her family. Like with all of us, patience is essential.

[Caitlin Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming and very accurate depiction of life with a cat. It reminds me of the saying "Cats don't have owners, they have staff." I love that the little boy is always coming to the cat's defense and finding positives in her behaviors that frustrate the rest of the family. It's a sweet story of their friendship with beautiful, whimsical illustrations.

[Ellice · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story about a cat who definitely cops an attitude with her family. Features a diverse family.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an undeniable and unapologetic cat lover, I love this purr-fect tale!

“Cattitude” is an adorable children’s book that showcases the feisty, playful, and sometimes unsociable attitude of Cleo the cat. But despite its mishaps and erratic bursts of energy, she is loved, enjoyed, and adored.

The colorful and detailed illustrations are amusing and expressive, revealing Cleo’s curious and capricious personality so clearly. There are quite a few laugh-out-loud moments throughout the story that are sure to entertain young readers.

The narrator’s love for Cleo is easy to connect with because anyone who has met or loved a cat has experienced a degree of cattitude. Furry felines are such unique family members, and this story reveals that with lots of laughs and love.

First Line: Some people say my cat Cleo has a bad attitude.
Genre: Children
Author: Bianca Schultze
Page Count: 32
Reading Age: 3-7

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book sponsored by The Children’s Book Review. Opinions are 100% mine. #Ad

[Book Zone Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by the dynamic duo Bianca Schulze and Samara Hardy, and it was a delight! The pictures are adorable. The bold font used in certain places helped me understand who Cleo is and how much the narrator loves her.

I am not a cat person, however, I have a special place in my heart for the troublemakers of this world. Cleo also reminds me of my sister’s cat, Sonia. If a stranger visited, you would not know she owned a cat. Sonia disappeared until all the strangers left.

My bestie, Sue, has two cats that sleep with her. She says the kneading and purring as they get ready to sleep soothes her.

What I loved about this book was the humorous tone and perfect depiction of haughtiness or mischief detailed in the drawing of Cleo. The words and illustrations gelled.

The overall message I received is that love isn’t real love unless it loves past our foibles.

One of my favorite scriptures,

1 Corinthians 13:7 says that “love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, but most of all, love never ends.”

Bianca and Samara did an admirable job of getting this message across. I would have loved it if the narrator had a name. He didn’t, so I gave him one…lol–Jimmy.

Seriously though, you and your child will enjoy reading Cattitude together.

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, we LOVED this book. Cleo, the cat, is so adorable and cute! My daughter loved Cleo. She reminded us of our cats that like to be touched when they want to be touched and like to go off and do other things in the meanwhile. And we agree, cats don't mean to be rude, that is just the way a cat is.
The illustrations are perfect for this story. We loved how Cleo is described as a perfect gymnast! That is so true with cats. They can jump off really high places and vault like crazy! Cats are also excellent at hiding and not coming to their owners when they are called, it's like they have selective hearing;)
We loved this book and the writing is superb for a children's book! Both my daughter and I agree that we want to read more of the author's work in the future. What a great children's book with a great message about kids and their animals. To a child, animals can do no wrong and they are the cutest thing in the world. That is a great message as it also follows Parents to their kids as well.
I highly recommend this read to all young children! Buy this book today y'all!

[Stephanie Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo, the cat, can push her family to their limits, but she's splendid in her own unique ways. Cattitude tells the tale of a cat with a hilariously haughty attitude through the loving eyes of an adoring, young cat-lover. Cleo may wreak havoc in the household, but there is always a purr-fectly good reason according to the protagonist. The compassionate voice of the protagonist is so lovely to read -- a constant stream of love and empathy, even though the errors of Cleo's ways are obvious to all.

The detailed illustrations are rich with patterns and hidden finds that make each page a visual treat. Cattitude is a fun read aloud -- a sweet and hilarious story that will ring true to cat lovers and is sure to bring a smile to even the most dedicated dog people.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Cleo, a cat with an attitude—and she’s not afraid to show it! Cleo is a misunderstood feline with a penchant for mischief and a heart of gold. Her quirks and antics reveal a cat who marches to the beat of her own drum. From hiding behind bookshelves to getting stuck in tight spots, Cleo’s adventures teach her family valuable lessons about love, patience, and the true meaning of companionship. Get ready for a heartwarming tale of feline charm and the power of unconditional love. Cleo proves that behind every mischievous whisker lies a world of affection and loyalty.

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable antics, attitude and all! Cleo the cat who sometimes seems like a little sister more than a cat and when her big tail swishes into action (trouble) I thought she might even be related to my dog (lol) I guess all of the funny shenanigans Cleo engages in are just so relatable that it doesn’t matter if she’s a cat or a dog or a little sister - she’s got a big personality that is endearing which makes this book fun to read and reread even for someone like me who has never had a cat!

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story. I love the charm and humor the story brings. Readers will enjoy how a cute little kitty, Cleo spends the day in a bit mischievous yet quirky way. It also warms my heart to see how the kitty loves her family and they love her. A beautiful story to enjoy over and over again.

[Ashlin Edmisten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about a cat named Cleo who gets in to a bit of trouble here and there. In spite of the family's exasperation, Cleo is loved and appreciated for who she is, especially by the narrator of the story.

This book has excellent illustrations.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may not be a cat owner, but let me tell you....Cattitude perfectly captured the personality of every single cat that I've encountered. This book was both endearing and hilarious and will resonate with all cat lovers in the world.

[Jessica Speer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat lovers (and others) will love meeting Cleo the cat. In typical cat style, she waltzes to the beat of her own drum, creating mischief along the way. With adorable illustrations and engaging text, families will love this fearless feline's antics. Highly recommend!

[A.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a good way to talk about boundaries, how the cat -Cleo doesn't want to be cuddled or touched but does want to be in the room with the family when they do things.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not a catastrophe, it’s cattitude, and Cleo has it in spades. Sweet story about a cat who’s always in trouble, except with the kid who loves her just the way she is - claws and all.

[Jenna Daucunas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book about a kitty that many in the family don't really understand or love having around. My 6 year old loved this book!

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, this cover is totally awesome! The bright colours, the bold title, and the sassy cat- this one is sure to grab little readers attentions!
My daughter & I read this one together, and she was totally engaged from start to finish! We loved the cat’s little strut, how it totally had the run of this household, and was adored by its littlest family members.
Cat lovers especially will enjoy “Cattitude”- but all children will find this one to be a sweet, silly, fun story.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dogs have owners, cats have staff. Have you ever heard that saying? Cats definitely have a certain attitude. The young narrator of this story quite truthfully describes all the ways in which his pet cat annoys his family. Cleo disappears when company comes over. She hides under little sister’s bed and swipes at her toes. She sits on the television remote and changes the channel mid-movie. Even when she is put out in the backyard she manages to get into mischief.

The illustrator does a wonderful job of capturing Cleo dangling upside down in the curtains, then strolling away after she “sticks her landing on the soft rug like a skilled Olympic gymnast.” And the image of Cleo stuck because the “small space behind the fridge where Cleo went to be alone is too tight” will have readers giggling uncontrollably. Even the lettering is used to great effect in capturing the drama of the story, text size increasing with each word as she “runs, races, leaps, and chases.”

This book is a wonderful choice for many reasons. The story has universal appeal for pet owners and animal lovers. There is plenty of humor, like little Addie who “can’t pronounce her Ls yet” calling “Cw-eo!” Booklovers will have to agree that the “bookshelf is the best-smelling hideout in the house.” And I appreciate that the loving family is shown with beautiful brown skin in a cozily decorated house. I can imagine putting this book in a text set with Pet Show, A Whistle for Willie, or Harry the Dirty Dog to update the collection.

[Ember Moto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cats don’t have attitude they have Catitude!

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who owns a cat knows that they are independent creatures who accept attention on their own terms. In other words, they have a unique attitude- Cattitude! Bianca Schulze has created a delightful book about a funny feline, that shows her kitty antics. Any cat lover will laugh with recognition. Amara Hardy’s charming illustrations show off the hijinks. This new picture book is the cat’s meow.