I Really Want to Be a Cat

by Helen Hancocks

When you're a cat, you answer to no one! 

Cats are quiet like ninjas, masters of hide-and-seek, and they aren't afraid of anything! Why wouldn't you want to be a cat? Well, maybe there's one reason… 

This funny and unexpected story celebrates all the reasons our furry friends are the coolest and why it would be fun to live like one! 

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 3, 2026

About the author

I am an illustrator, currently living in Manchester, England. I graduated in 2011 and have been gradually developing my working practice since. I spend a lot of time staring into space, walking around, drinking tea and watching films until an idea very gentle hits me in the face. My first Picture book ‘Penguin in Peril’ was published in 2013 by Templar publishing and was the UK’s best selling debut picture book that year and has gone on to been nominated for a host of awards. My second picture book ‘William and the Missing Masterpiece’ published by Templar will be released May 2014. My work has also featured in ‘The Skinny‘, Ceramic Review and The Lincoln Film Festival.

Helen Hancocks graduated in 2011 with a degree in illustration and animation from Manchester School of Art. She uses a mixture of crayon, watercolor, ink, and pen, combined digitally. Her work often features cats.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
There are days when I think I would really like to be a cat! This would be a fun story to share with groups of students as their discussion to follow would be entertaining.

[Zephorah Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very much a mood. As a newer adult, I dream of a life with less responsibilities but I do draw the line at some things cat do.

Thanks to Sourcebooks and Edelweiss for the DRC!