A Cat Named Swan

by Holly Hobbie

Discover this beautiful pet-adoption story from Holly Hobbie, the creator of the bestselling Toot & Puddle series and one of the most treasured children's illustrators of all time.

Beloved author-illustrator Holly Hobbie presents the story of a rescue cat's adoption, the paradise he finds, and the transformative joy he brings to his new family. Holly Hobbie's intricate watercolors evoke the small kitten's hardscrabble life as powerfully as they do his blissful one. This story tugs the heartstrings and is a testament to the importance of pet adoption and the powerful ways that pets connect with their people.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Animals, Childrens, Fiction, Adoption, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 2017

About the author

Birthed with the name of Denise Holly Ulinskas in 1944, Holly Hobbie first sold her distinctive artwork of the little cat-loving girl who carries herself in a rag dress and giant bonnet. It wasn’t until she married Douglas Hobbie in 1964 when she named her originally nameless character after her.
When the first images of the rag-clothed little girl came to the public’s consciousness, the character has been nothing but the most common design chosen to grace greeting cards. When the girl’s popularity started to soar high, that’s when people started to adopt the name “Holly Hobbie” in reference to the character’s creator.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I might've liked this one more if I were a cat person.

The story is just... meh. It's bland, and it's kind of annoying (especially with the way the people talk). The highlight is definitely the pictures, although at times I felt like I was looking at the artist's sketchbook and wondering if this picture book was just an excuse for her to draw lots of cats. Some of the illustrations are really lovely. But I think I could've done without the ones of Swan licking his crotch.

This is basically just a story about an abandoned kitten who eventually gets adopted by a family and lives a cat's life. The names of the family members make the book seem dated, even though it was only published a few years ago.

A Cat Named Swan will probably appeal to cat lovers, but it doesn't have enough charm or a strong enough narrative to have a wider appeal.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beginning in medias res, as a tiny kitten finds himself abandoned and alone in a frightening world, this lovely tale from author/illustrator Holly Hobbie follows the process whereby he finds a forever home. Surviving on the streets, the kitten is eventually captured, taken to an animal shelter, and then adopted. Slowly, he learns the ways of his new home, and the people (and dog!) in it. Slowly, he becomes Swan, a happy feline with a secure place in the world and a loving family...

Only the second book I have read from Holly Hobbie, following upon her wordless picture-book Gem , A Cat Named Swan was a distinct pleasure, pairing a poignant and heartwarming tale with absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Swan is an indoor/outdoor cat, which I imagine will rub some readers the wrong way, but as someone who grew up in a house with large yards and three such wandering felines, I think it will ring true for many others. I found the artwork here particularly lovely, and thought it captured both the terrors of Swan's early life and the joys of his later domestic bliss. Recommended to all young cat lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories about pet adoption.

[Casandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simple story about a kitten who eventually comes to live with a family. The illustrations are amazing!
Cats
Kittens
Pets

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book about a homeless kitten. Littles, and cat lovers, will enjoy this tale!

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a small kitten, who was suddenly alone on the city streets. He learned a lot about the dangers, scavenged for food, and survived. Until one day, he was taken off of the streets and put into a cage. There was plenty of food there though and no one was mean to him. Soon afterwards, he was adopted. And that is where his life changed. It became a series of perfect days. Days that started with breakfast, were filled with exploring the garden, had visits and naps, and ended with everyone returning home in the evening. Each day became night with him curled on a pillow fast asleep.

This picture book shows the harrowing life of a small kitten alone outside. Then it becomes a rescue and adoption story, one that is pure joy after the rescue takes place. The kitten learns about his new family, the dog, and the garden and house that are his too. There are small adventures, plenty of pleasures like just being with one another and bumblebees. It’s a picture book about small joys and the wonder of having a pet.

Hobbie’s illustrations are filled with energy and carry emotions clearly. The image of the kitten being lifted by his family for the first time is pure sunshine and blue sky. Readers know right then and there not to worry any longer. When they see the gardens and land, they realize that Swan has landed in kitten nirvana.

A testament to the power of animal adoption and the joy of a life well lived. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars -- What's good about it:
-The fantastic illustrations. The expressions and movement of cats and humans alike are captured in a delightful fashion.
-The perils of living as a homeless kitten are accurately represented.
-Cat rescue and adoption are nicely included in the story. Animal control rescues the tiny kitten, feeds and looks after him in an animal shelter and then he is adopted by a family who loves him. All good stuff.

What's not so good:
-In his new home, Swan spends his days as a roaming outdoor cat. The great outdoors--even the countryside idyll depicted in this book--is full of perils for cats, yet many children's books have been quite slow on the uptake in this area of pet welfare.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homeless cat finds a forever home.

[Stephen M. Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visions of the cats who have owned us flow with the tears in my eyes

All of our Owners — the cats who have Supervised my wife and me — have been Rescues. This evening, 22 weeks after our last wonderful beautiful guy passed from his fur, “A Cat Named Swan” transported me back to the days of his youth, and the sweetness of that time. I will read “A Cat Named Swan” again and again. I recommend that you find someone who can share the journey with you — and of course a cat or two...for proper Supervision.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story with lovely illustrations. Recommended for fans of cat-themed children's picture books.

[Maddie Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

adorable :)

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a homeless kitty, who finds a forever home.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: Then he was alone. Where was his mother? What had happened to his brothers and sisters? They were gone. The streets were a place of constant danger. Yet day by day, he found enough food to eat. Day by day, he managed to elude the threats that surrounded him. He survived. One morning, though, he did not escape the peril that came down on him.

Premise/plot: A kitten from the streets is taken to a shelter and then adopted by a loving family.

Quotes: After many days had passed, he learned that the house was his house, the yard was his yard. He learned that the people were his people and he was theirs. He belonged to them and they belonged to him.

My thoughts: A Cat Named Swan is a sweet picture book about a family adopting a cat. It is a story of belonging and family. The text is just as adorable as the illustrations. I love, love, love the illustrations. My favorite illustration was the last one. Swan all nestled up in a bowl.

Text: 4.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4.5 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet story about a kitten being adopted after a hard life on the streets. The illustrations are stunning as well. Definitely recommend to any children who love cats.

[Jacki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, but the narrative began in a confusing place.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and heartwarming cat adoption story. Hobbie's illustrations are luminous. She captures the essence of cat in her charming sketches.

Read in galley.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 2 out of 5]

For sure, this book is meant to tug at your heartstrings and make you fall in love with rescue animals, perhaps making their adoption a life priority.

The winsome pictures by Holly Hobbie add to the persuasiveness of this ultra-happy human family, completed by pets.

In the fantasy world of this picture story, each day might seem totally perfect.

BUT IN MY SOMEWHAT PROTECTIVE ROLE AS A CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWER

Might I remind you readers and idealists of all persuasions of one irrefutable fact? Children are impressionable. Picture book readers, especially. They're still learning about life.

My concern is this: Holly Hobbie's sweet book could set in motion for some impressionable children... a strong priority to love animals, care for animals, make adopting rescue animals a life priority.

Personally, I'd rather show my young children books that encourage them to learn, to become all they can be, to contribute to human society. I'd like to find child-sized books that ignite a passion for social justice. Because there is so much work to be done for the sake of our fellow humans. (See the quote in my COMMENT below.)

As part of a fulfilling life for your children, sure, eventually they may choose to adopt a pet or two. But please, please, please... recognize that there are already far too many adults who will tell you, and tell you proudly -- on Twitter, for instance -- "I like animals. I like animals far more than people." (What, as if this were deeply spiritual? Maybe reconsider the wisdom of that.)

Please, Goodreaders, raise your children to contribute to human society as a priority, not go for the priority of generating lovely warm feelings, due to caring for pets and rescue animals.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title page of this picture book shows a mother cat with her three kittens in a cardboard box lined with a shirt. On the opening page of the story, one small kitten is yowling because he is all alone and no one is nearby. It isn't easy, but somehow with a little luck and a lot of determination he manages to survive. The illustrations show just how small he is and how much danger surrounds him on the city streets. Eventually he is captured by an animal control officer and taken to a shelter from which he is adopted and brought to his forever home. The rest of the picture book shows how he grows accustomed to his new name--Swan--and his new family and their daily routines. It takes a bit of time, but eventually he realizes that he is safe and home for good. I enjoyed seeing how all members of the family, including Woody the dog, integrated him into their lives. My favorite illustration shows Swan wandering in the garden, eyes fixed on the colorful butterflies flitting around him, surrounded by wildflowers. It reminds me of the first time I took Spirit, my dog, on a walk. She was absolutely fascinated by the butterflies that zipped through the air as we walked along the levee. I am convinced that such joy can only be experienced by a young dog or cat. The last page shows Swan napping in a bowl that is clearly too small for his body, but cats will do that. This is a beautifully illustrated--so many details and such rich colors!--picture book with a good message about how adopting a cat changed its life completely--and I daresay changed the lives of its human companions for the better. Having the story told from the perspective of Swan works well here.

[LadyHague · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book earns a solid five stars from me!

First…the illustrations! Wow! We are a cat loving family and picked this up based on the cover art and cat content.

Second…I had to read this books slowly with lots of pauses. I tend to read fast and devour…but since there are few words and MUCH to look at (the illustrations do more talking than the words)…I had to slow down and give time for the pictures to speak between sentences.

Third…the story! A lone small Kitten is left behind after mother and siblings disappear (animal control?). After surviving on the streets, he is eventually rescued and caged by animal control. When a family adopts him, he has a transition period before settling into his wonderful forever home in the country.

Fourth…my children age 7-10 were ALL into it! Even the oldest boy who insisted he would rather sleep than read a “little kids picture book” joined us with snuggles after three pages. He was so intrigued to see what the pictures were since the words are the “side dish” and allow the art to be “the meat & potatoes”.

Fifth…this one has “stay-ability”. It will remain on the shelves for grandkids.

Last thing I wanted to mention: Holly Hobbie. I noticed the authors name and dismissed it as being connected to the bonnet girl art from the 1970’s since thai art is not similar and the book is so new (2017). I was wrong! I am now curious as to her other works! Are there more treasures like “Swan” to be found???

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This charming pictorial tale starts on the titular page, where we see a queen in a box with her kindle of kittens asleep around her, all of them sleeping. Then we find the abandoned kitten alone. Where are its mother and siblings?

This question is never answered. But the tale takes us along as the kitten faces danger, starvation and discomfort in its efforts to survive on the streets. The illustrations are wonderful, realistic in their painterly detail and admirably compositioned as we see the realities of a harsh world looming over a very small kitten. The story pulls us in to one changing scenario after another. (The shelter scene where the kitten is in a cage with 13 other cats is especially good. “Boredom was better than misery.” is a line that amply demonstrates how lucky the kitten is. Feral cats tend to live only about five years, a much shorter lifespan than their housebroken counterparts.)

The feral kitten transforms from frightened tiny beast to sleek adopted pet. Named “Swan” (no explanation given for that, either), it grows to become a happy tom, cherished and loved by its human owners. But the tom doesn’t think of love. It only enjoys a life that has become free of care, with plenty to eat, lots of activity and cozy places to sleep.

This is a lovely children’s book and, I think, the kind that might encourage a child to adopt an unwanted stray. There are lots of animals in shelters that need love and homes. A Cat Named Swan shows the happy outcome of such a choice.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was there a page missing? Does the story literally start with "Then he was alone."? If there are no pages missing and the story really does start like that...that's awful. It makes it seem like we should have known whatever happened beforehand. Terrible start to the story.

I also was not a fan of some of the sentence structures/words chosen either. "Who's going to get fat?" and "Who's getting a big belly?" are not necessary to the story and they sound awful. I know they're saying it to a cat in a sweet joking sort of way, but I was still not a fan of that. This book was published in 2017 so it's not even that long ago, but the book makes me feel like it was made in the '90s instead.

However, the illustrations are lovely and despite the beginning and the sentences about getting fat, the story is sweet. The ending is heartwarming and made me smile. Swan is adorable. Reminded me a little bit of my own cat.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hobbie, Holly A Cat Named Swan. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2017. $17.99. Content: G.

This tiny kitten thought he had a good life until his mother and siblings left him behind. Now he is scrounging in alleyways, looking for food and avoiding the dangers of dogs and fast bicycles. But when he is adopted by a family, he learns how sweet life can truly be.

This cozy, feel-good story will likely inspire many to seek out their next pets at a shelter rather than at a pet store or breeder. The illustrations are adorable and perfectly capture the kitten's exuberant personality. All in all a lovely and satisfying book.

EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewed by Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...

[Jtimko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swan was a stray cat until she was captured, place in a shelter and finally adopted by a loving family.
In typical Hollie Hobbie fashion the illustrations are absolutely lovely. Each full page illustration is a painting in itself. The story is a simple one-- abandonment, shelter, and adoption lead to a happy ending. The reader will enjoy reading about Swan’s daily activities after being adopted. This is a great story that deserves a place in the elementary library. Highly recommended for Kindergarten through grade 3.

[Brooke Milone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kitten was abandoned by its mother on the streets. The kitten began to find its own food and struggled. One day animal control takes him to a shelter where he was adopted. He learns his new family and figures out what love is. He gets unconditional love and still gets to go out in the woods but goes home to his family. I loved this book, at first, I thought it was sad but once he found his family it made everything fall into place.

[Heydi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet pet-adoption story. The narrative is honest and doesn't shield from the sadness some kitties face but also the happiness they can find in a new home.

These just too many good books to name that would go great with this one. I would say that Clarence the Copy Cat by Patricia Larkin would be a perfect pairing.

[Katie Bruff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young cat was lost and could not get to his mama and his family. Day by day he found enough food to survive. Then, a peril came down on him, and he didn't escape. He was rescued and this strange place was safe and nothing frightened him anymore. He found a loving family to care for him, and soon had a name, Swan. He now has a perfect place to call home.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Animal Control finds a kitten on the streets, and the kitten is later adopted into an ideal home. The pictures are cute enough, but the narrative needed more edited and refining. It begins, "Then he was alone." I literally thought a page had been ripped out since I checked this out at the library! There are lots of examples like that.

[Briana Lewellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was about a cat named Swan, who gets taken by animal control and then finds himself a new home. I read this book to my 4th grade buddies, and they LOVED it. Although, they did keep begging for cat books, safe to say I succeeded with this one. This book had their favorite animal in it, and also taught them about adoption!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though Swan is allowed to be an outdoor cat, I don't think he has much opportunity to harass songbirds. Still, it's a missed chance for an additional lesson (besides the one about how an adopted shelter companion can bring joy to a family). I do have to agree that there's not much story here, as the days of peril on the streets are dealt with quickly. So, overall, rounding up from 3.5.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about a kitten alone on the streets who is captured and taken to a shelter before being adopted.

Would be a good match for a Prodigal Son lesson (although the kitten doesn't choose its starting position) or from a story about Redemption.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started off as a page was missing but became a great read. Every person who brings a cat in their home should read. The illustrations were great. Even my princess (almost a year kitty) enjoyed me showing her the pics. I did find it out Swan for a boy name but Swan is a lovable kitty to read of.