Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens

Yoda the Cat #1

by Beth Stern, K.A. Alistir, Devin Crane (Illustrator)

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Oh My Dog comes the true story of Yoda, a very special cat— and adorable Instagram sensation— rescued by Beth and Howard Stern.

When Beth first met Yoda at the animal shelter, he was skinny and his fur was matted. He hid in the back of his cage and wanted nothing to do with anyone. But Beth chose Yoda. She took him home, cleaned him up, and gave him love.

Beth fosters kittens, too, and before long Yoda discovered them: and his life purpose. Now he's happy, and fluffy, and very, very busy. He makes sure the orphan kittens eat, he keeps them safe, and he even cleans up after them. Yoda acts like a father and mother to the foster kittens that fill his home, and taking care of others has helped him too: even though Yoda has a serious heart condition, he's made a miraculous turnaround, and is healthier than doctors thought he could be.

To further the important work that Beth does on behalf of animals, all of her proceeds from this book will be donated to North Shore Animal League America's Bianca's Furry Friends campaign.

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 18, 2014

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yoda was one unhappy Persian cat. Taken to the animal shelter when his people could no longer care for him, he was emaciated and unwell, sadly watching all the other cats get adopted. Then one day the unexpected happened: a nice lady named Beth came and took him home with her! Despite this change in circumstance, Yoda remained unhappy, until he discovered four little foster kittens, also being cared for by Beth, who needed a Papa Cat to keep them in line...

Although I tend to avoid children's books authored (or co-authored, as is the case here) by celebrities - it isn't that they are never any good, it's simply that one is a little skeptical of the rigor of the selection and editing process, given the fame of the author - I ended up quite enjoying Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens. The story itself is quite sweet, the ending heartwarming, and I particularly appreciated that the feline hero is based on a real cat that Beth Stern adopted. I also appreciated the fact that Stern is donating all of her proceeds from the book to an animal charity. The accompanying artwork by Devin Crane is colorful and cute, in a cartoon-like way, and adds to the fun. All in all, an engaging tale, one I would recommend to anyone looking for picture-books featuring cats in general, or rescue animals in particular.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuuute illustrations, and a cat's heart condition is cured with LOVE, for Pete's sake! Proceeds go to Northshore Animal League... go buy this book to stash away for that next kid's birthday party. What's not to love? It could only be better if the cat was a dog. ;) I also kinda wish the seriousness of the heart condition was made more clear in the story, since you only really learn of the seriousness in the afternote. When it's called a "sad heart," readers are just going to think that the cat is sad, not that he is given only months to live. That's too bad, because the whole point I think is that love literally heals ACTUAL physiological heart disease. So be sure to get the whole story. :)

[Sharon Huether · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yoda a beautiful whit Persian Cat was dropped off at an animal shelter. He felt so sad...other cats were being adopted, not him.
One day a lady pickup up Yoda and adopted him. He was still sad. The doctor told her he has a sad heart. The lady took in four foster kittens. Now Yoda had work to do teaching the kittens. Now Yoda was a happy cat and living a good life.

[Nickcole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5

I LOVED this book. It was such a good book about adopting a cat and seeing Yoda's way of dealing with the changes of homes was incredible. My daughter and I couldn't stop saying Awe and aren't they so cute. We cannot wait to read this book again and again.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I already wanted to adopt 72 rescue cats and this book has only renewed my zeal.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yoda was a little shelter cat who was diagnosed with a heart condition. Even so, he was adopted into a loving home. But despite having caring owners, Yoda was sad and lonely—until one day……

This is a heartwarming, true story about love, resilience, and finding purpose in life. A very good story for children and adults!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is based on the real-life Yoda, a rescue cat with a serious heart condition. Although there isn't much of a story, the intent of this picture book is to focus awareness on the plight of special-needs animals. All the author's proceeds for this picture book will be donated to North Shore Animal League America's Bianca's Furry Friends, a state-of-the art animal rescue facility.

[Colona Public Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations were great, and it was such a cute story. The book had a great message about adopting animals from shelters.

[Lauren Kramer-Theuerkauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yoda was once a gorgeous Persian kitten. He had the most luxurious white fur that looked like freshly fallen snow. Yoda also had dreams of becoming a super cat!

But those days were long gone. Yoda had been dumped at an animal shelter by his previous owner. Now, his white fur was covered with dirt. He had lost tons of weight because he was too sad to eat.

One day, a woman named Beth came into the shelter. She immediately chose Yoda to be a part of her family. He was excited to finally be adopted, but something still didn't feel right. Then he discovered a room in his new home that housed four foster kittens.

The cuddly cats were out of control! Yoda just knew that he had to whip the kittens into shape. Will he be able to control the kitty chaos? Can Yoda achieve his dream of becoming a super cat?

This is a very touching story. I love that the book is based on true events. I also love reading about animals that are given a second chance at life. The book also sheds light on the importance of animal adoption. In fact, all proceeds from the sale of the book are donated to the North Shore Animal League America's Bianca's Furry Friends campaign.

I believe that readers of all ages will be able relate to Yoda's longing to find a purpose. Children will delight in Devin Crane's illustrations. Yoda and the kittens are whimsical and adorable. Cat lovers will especially enjoy this comical kitty read.

[Elisabeth]

This book will fly off the shelves just because the cover is irresistible. The illustrations are so engaging and I think most kids will be able to stick with the confusing-at-times story.

[Danielle Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about how adopting animals can change the life an unwanted animal. It can also change the life of the person who adopted that animal as well.

[Lagobond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read Yoda Gets a Buddy first, and didn't care for it. So I almost didn't bother with this first book of Yoda's adventures, but surprisingly it's not too bad!

This is the story of Yoda's shelter misadventure and subsequent adoption into a home where he found his calling as a kitten mentor. As was the case in the companion book, the storytelling is pretty uninspired, but the illustrations are charming. I particularly love the view of Yoda's arrival in his dreamy new home; little Archie's first grooming; the two vet exams; and the feline family's joint nap at the end.

I appreciate the author's efforts on behalf of cats who need some extra help. Fostering is hard work, and advocacy/outreach of any kind (celebrity or not) is always needed. However, I do think that Mrs. Stern would have done better to hire a children's book writer who could have done more with Yoda's heartwarming story. I would give this book 5 stars as an advertisement for cat fostering and adoption -- but as a children's book, it's just average.

[Rebecca Nevling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens by Beth Stern is one of my favorites books. It's a mostly true story about a cat save from a pet shelter by Howard Stern's wife, Beth. When he's first rescued, he's in pretty bad shape. He's skinny, and his fur had to be shaved because it was so dirty. Beth nurses Yoda back to perfect health, but something is still missing. One afternoon, he discovers Beth has a room full of kittens she fosters. Yoda soon realizes the missing something is feline companionship. He loves his new Father role, and he welcomes every new kitten Beth takes in with open paws. This is a great book for teaching children about the value of adopting pets and their potential for showing unconditional love.

[Aimee Fuhrman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based loosely on the story of a true rescued cat, Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens is a tribute to the joy of animal rescue adoption or fostering. A rescued cat himself, Yoda finds his purpose for living by taking it upon himself to show four foster kittens what it means to be a cat. In the process he regains his joy and gains a family as well.

[Lea Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet story. Would be great to use as a introduction to a service project centering on animals.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sweetest cat story!!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This us a sweet story of a special-needs (ill) cat, who found health in his meaning in life. He became a foster father of four kittens!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet.

[elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celebrated the Late Late Show Day (IYKYK) by reading this book to my daughter.

[Raegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good I named my cats after it!

[Andrea Lorenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yoda had a good life until his owner decided he was no longer wanted. A stint in the local animal shelter left him skinny and sad, but finally he was adopted. His new digs were heavenly - full of cat toys and cat condos, plenty of places to play and run, but still Yoda has an unhappy heart. When his owner brings home some foster kittens, Yoda finally finds his purpose.

This is cute - normally not worth the three stars I gave it, but the illustrations are magical. They remind me of an old Disney movie - the cats with their big, pointed eyes, and their luxurious fur, so life-like. Yoda looks like a cotton candy fluffball, his fur begging to be pet. Each of the kittens, who never utter anything more than a mew, are brought to life with a unique personality through Devin Crane's work. Stern's writing is solid children's book material. Yoda's dialogue and thoughts are what pulled me out of the story - they aren't in the same writing style or don't have the same feel as the rest of the narrative. I think the book would be a lot better with a little more narration and NO cat dialogue. A sure bet for cat lovers.

[Tina Sample · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening:
Children gather on class rug for story, as is our daily routine.
"We have talked about our family pets a lot this year. I thought it would be fun to introduce you to a few great books all about animals and pets, but first, I have some questions. For those of you that have ever had a pet in your home, Where did your pet come from? Think for a moment. Did your pet come from a store or a shelter?" ---quietly waits---"Who can remind everyone what a shelter is?"-----child answers-----"Right, a shelter is a place for pets that do not have a family, for many different reasons. So, keep your hand up if your pet is from a shelter. ---counts---- That's wonderful. I'm glad to hear that you helped a pet that didn't have a family! Let's hear a true story about a cat that found a home."
Read story
"Now let's share our favorite parts of the story or questions you have about our book."
Students question and share


This books is my non-fiction selection for my animal set.

[Christiane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that the story is about a recued kitty who then helps raise a litter of foster kittens (my adult male rescue cat DID NOT appreciate the two foster kittens I had last summer!) and I love that proceeds from the book will go to support the North Shore Animal League. I am not a fan of the digitally rendered illustrations and the story was a little confusing. But I think young cat lovers will still enjoy this and it gives adults a chance to talk about the importance of adopting rescue pets rather than going to a pet store.

[Jeff Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has great illustrations that offer both great color contrast and visual textures, and a plot that's sweet and heart-warming. Yoda was a cat at a shelter who had endured a rough life and who thought no one would ever want him... until he was adopted and found a new purpose as a father figure for four adorable foster kittens! This book underscores the importance of fostering and adopting all pets who need a loving home, and I'm sure my students will enjoy it.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars I live with a cat, I don't not love this cat, I have realized I am a dog person. However, this book is cute, with humor and great illustrations.

I think it is a good book about adopting pets, and no kill shelters!

Who knew Howard Sterns wife Beth had depth, intelligence and humor and that he has a house of rescue cats.

[Meegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book’s illustrations were the first thing to catch my eye. They are very well-done and make the cats look realistically fluffy. The story was very adorable too and so, despite the high price, I bought it and now it will hopefully be in my collection forever. I would read this from birth to whenever they get bored of it. Everyone would love this book!!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw an interview with Beth Stern on Today discussing this book, and their story was so sweet. So recently I checked it out of the library and I read it with my niece. We both loved it! It's such a sweet and loving story about Yoda the cat and what love can really do.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ermagherd. So cute and having had a shelter cat that became Poppa Toby to a little kitten when he started out a hot mess hell cat-it is also very touching. If you like second chances and hissing, hanging, climbing, clawing, snoring, stinky, out-of-control fur balls? Read.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really happy story read with grandson. We used a library copy, but I'm still inclined to buy the book because all its proceeds will benefit the "America's Bianca's Furry Friends" campaign of the North Shore Animal League, a no-kill animal refuge.

[Kendra · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cat loving child would probably enjoy this. I found the narrative to be boring and forced, with only the soft illustrations offering any reprieve. I'm sure this was an adorable story in real life, but I'm really not feeling it as a book.