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Cat Secrets
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Picture Books (2011)I'm sorry—this book is not for you. This book is for CATS ONLY.
What's that you say?
You are a cat?
Okay . . . get ready to prove it!
What's that you say?
You are a cat?
Okay . . . get ready to prove it!
Paperback
First published January 4, 2011
14 people are currently reading
1247 people want to read
About the author
Jef Czekaj
22 books45 followersJef Czekaj is a cartoonist, children's book author and illustrator, and musician.
Jef has written and/or illustrated 12 books with titles like Hip and Hop Don't Stop!, Cat Secrets, A Call for a New Alphabet, and Austin, Lost in America.
His books have been named Junior Library Guild selections, designated "Must Read" by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, and won awards with names like the Black-Eyed Susan Book Award and the Young Hoosier Book Award.
His comic, Grampa and Julie: Shark Hunters, ran in Nickelodeon Magazine for more than 10 years. A collection of the first three years of the comic was published with the help of a Xeric Foundation Grant and distributed byTop Shelf.
Jef lives and works in Somerville, MA.
BTW, Czekaj is pronounced "check-eye"!
Jef has written and/or illustrated 12 books with titles like Hip and Hop Don't Stop!, Cat Secrets, A Call for a New Alphabet, and Austin, Lost in America.
His books have been named Junior Library Guild selections, designated "Must Read" by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, and won awards with names like the Black-Eyed Susan Book Award and the Young Hoosier Book Award.
His comic, Grampa and Julie: Shark Hunters, ran in Nickelodeon Magazine for more than 10 years. A collection of the first three years of the comic was published with the help of a Xeric Foundation Grant and distributed byTop Shelf.
Jef lives and works in Somerville, MA.
BTW, Czekaj is pronounced "check-eye"!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
March 1, 2011
On a purely technical level every book engages the reader, right? The act of reading or listening demands at least a small amount of participation. Then you run into a book like Cat Secrets, which shows the heights to which engaging can go, as it pulls kids into its participatory tractor beam. Confidently stepping into territory Mo Willems has been dominating in recent years, Cat Secrets takes a wrecking ball to the fourth wall and speaks directly to its audience. An audience that will be quite delighted.
Can you prove you’re a cat? Because that's what you'll have to do if you want to read Cat Secrets. Non-felines are not allowed. A trio of suspicious cats guard the book, and aren’t going to let just anyone crack the cover. They administer a couple tests to determine if the reader is a cat. Meowing and purring ensue, but the third and final test (napping) proves to be the cats undoing, as they can't help but take a snooze themselves, leaving their book of secrets up for grabs.
The simplistic cartoon illustrations are an excellent match for the comedic text, creating a unified mood that screams funny. Bold colors coat every surface, with minimal backgrounds to focus attention (as if it were needed) on our main characters.
The conclusion is more calm then expected and no actual secrets are revealed - aspects that, while lending contrast and continuing the mystery, make the ending seem slightly abrupt.
Well-suited for read aloud settings, Cat Secrets will find plenty of kids eager to join in he fun.
Can you prove you’re a cat? Because that's what you'll have to do if you want to read Cat Secrets. Non-felines are not allowed. A trio of suspicious cats guard the book, and aren’t going to let just anyone crack the cover. They administer a couple tests to determine if the reader is a cat. Meowing and purring ensue, but the third and final test (napping) proves to be the cats undoing, as they can't help but take a snooze themselves, leaving their book of secrets up for grabs.
The simplistic cartoon illustrations are an excellent match for the comedic text, creating a unified mood that screams funny. Bold colors coat every surface, with minimal backgrounds to focus attention (as if it were needed) on our main characters.
The conclusion is more calm then expected and no actual secrets are revealed - aspects that, while lending contrast and continuing the mystery, make the ending seem slightly abrupt.
Well-suited for read aloud settings, Cat Secrets will find plenty of kids eager to join in he fun.
February 10, 2018
I read this despite the many warnings that this book was only for cats, and now I know all the cat secrets. I do wish they'd elaborated about cat naps a bit more, so thats still a mystery, but I'm now better at meowing.
April 2, 2014
Not bad. I enjoyed the humor. Would not work well in a storytime as there are too many smaller actions for the children to pick up on. Then again, a very small storytime might work. I'd really want to try it, since it would be fun having the kids do the cat actions. But like me, it might take them a few pages before they pick up on the mouse's actions--and a large group would have a much smaller chance to see them. A lap-read would be extremely fun. A read-alone wouldn't be so bad as long as the child is OK that the speech bubbles do not always go in order from left to right. They are more comic style in the highest is first, then you worry about left to right. I don't think really young children would get that--especially as you are trying to teach them about book formats besides reading.
4/12/14 They completely missed the mouse's actions. But they LOVED doing the cat actions. Started doing them before the cat even asked them to. And I didn't go in left to right order. I read main cat first, and then some of the other cats speech bubbles. It worked well.
4/12/14 They completely missed the mouse's actions. But they LOVED doing the cat actions. Started doing them before the cat even asked them to. And I didn't go in left to right order. I read main cat first, and then some of the other cats speech bubbles. It worked well.
May 9, 2021
یک کتاب تعاملی بامزهی دیگه
چندتا گربه تو صفحات کتاب هستند، کتابی که مخصوص گربههاست و فقط اونا میتونن بخونن
پس ما چی؟ ما هم باید گربه باشیم
برای همین گربهها از ما آزمایش میگیرن که مطمئن بشند گربهایم
باید براشون میومیو کنیم، کش و قوس بیایم و .... تا بتونیم کتاب رو بخونیم
جذاب و خندهدار و بامزه برای کودک
چندتا گربه تو صفحات کتاب هستند، کتابی که مخصوص گربههاست و فقط اونا میتونن بخونن
پس ما چی؟ ما هم باید گربه باشیم
برای همین گربهها از ما آزمایش میگیرن که مطمئن بشند گربهایم
باید براشون میومیو کنیم، کش و قوس بیایم و .... تا بتونیم کتاب رو بخونیم
جذاب و خندهدار و بامزه برای کودک
July 8, 2019
The feline narrator of this amusing picture-book from author/artist Jef Czekaj at first demands that all non-cats stop reading the story, instituting a series of tests when it is brought to his attention that not everyone has obeyed his instructions. Can the reader meow like a cat? Can they purr? What about cat-like stretching - can they do that? In the end, it seems as if the reader is indeed a cat, one that is prompted to join the felines in the story in a nap...
The reader/listener never does find out what those eponymous 'cat secrets' are, although the little mouse who's been trying throughout the story to abscond with the volume of secrets held by the narrator, does succeed in the end. This additional layer of story, available only in the artwork, adds to the entertainment provided by Cat Secrets, a meta-fictional tale in which the narrator addresses the reader directly, and involves them in the story. Czejak's cartoon-like artwork, although not really my cup of tea, is colorful and amusing, capturing the humor of the story. Recommended to all young cat lovers, as well as to anyone looking for meta-fictional picture-books.
The reader/listener never does find out what those eponymous 'cat secrets' are, although the little mouse who's been trying throughout the story to abscond with the volume of secrets held by the narrator, does succeed in the end. This additional layer of story, available only in the artwork, adds to the entertainment provided by Cat Secrets, a meta-fictional tale in which the narrator addresses the reader directly, and involves them in the story. Czejak's cartoon-like artwork, although not really my cup of tea, is colorful and amusing, capturing the humor of the story. Recommended to all young cat lovers, as well as to anyone looking for meta-fictional picture-books.
November 22, 2016
Hm. Not quite what I expected, and I guess I'm kinda burnt out on Meta picture-books. If I'd read it a couple of years ago I might have given it four stars. But now, well, imo the best part was the mouse. And, I guess, the end. Otoh, I do wish there was a way for me to see it used at story time.
February 24, 2011
Love these cats! MEOW!
March 7, 2011
Cute. Would be great for storytime participation as long as little ones are okay with not finding out any cat secrets. My 12-year-old was disappointed. :)
April 19, 2011
This book is for cats only, so if you want to read it you will have to prove that you are, in fact, a cat. The cats in the book are hard to deceive. If you keep turning the pages, they will be on to the fact that you are not a cat at all. They will test you. You will have to meow. You will have to purr. Can you stretch like a cat too? And then the final test. Can you nap like a cat? This is a book that happily breaks down the fourth wall, celebrating silliness through a very interactive story line.
Czekaj follows the likes of Mo Willems and one of my childhood favorites, The Monster at the End of This Book, as he allows the audience into the book and to feel as if they have input into the storyline. His very simple illustrations have a modern feel to them. They let the humor stand on its own and don’t oversell it at all.
This is a book that will read aloud extremely well. It’s one that I would save for that final book of a story time because it will stop the wiggles immediately. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
Czekaj follows the likes of Mo Willems and one of my childhood favorites, The Monster at the End of This Book, as he allows the audience into the book and to feel as if they have input into the storyline. His very simple illustrations have a modern feel to them. They let the humor stand on its own and don’t oversell it at all.
This is a book that will read aloud extremely well. It’s one that I would save for that final book of a story time because it will stop the wiggles immediately. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
November 6, 2012
This is a humorous and silly tale about cats who are about to discuss cat secrets, but have to confirm that those reading the book are indeed cats. The story speaks to the reader and encourages the audience to meow and stretch and act like a cat. The illustrations are fairly simple, but we loved the mischievous mouse who attempts again and again to get the book of secrets.
Overall, it's an entertaining book that would be great for a group or for a parent and child. The story is perfect for a 2-5 year-old child, but we really enjoyed reading it together, too.
Overall, it's an entertaining book that would be great for a group or for a parent and child. The story is perfect for a 2-5 year-old child, but we really enjoyed reading it together, too.
June 11, 2019
I am giving this a 5 because there are too many damn dog books--that goes double for the books about pugs--and this is a delight. This is interactive and just perfect for story time with bold, double page spread art. Yes, they may miss the mouse unless you clue them in--truthfully I didn't notice it myself until I read this a second time!
My cats would give this 5 stars too--only they'll never admit that they can read. Secrets!
My cats would give this 5 stars too--only they'll never admit that they can read. Secrets!
January 19, 2019
Silly fun. Only cats can read this book, so be ready to prove you are one. I think this would make for a fun storytime.
October 3, 2011
Three cats have in their possession a locked copy of the book, "Cat Secrets." It ends up that they can ONLY share it with cats, and since YOU dear reader, are reading their book, you must now prove that you are a genuine cat.
In our family, we love the way the cats have broken through the fourth wall and talk directly to the reader. Everyone in our family loves this book, from the 44-year-olds down the 4-year-olds. The cats are definitely funny, but make sure you don't miss the more subtle antics of the mouse on each page.
In our family, we love the way the cats have broken through the fourth wall and talk directly to the reader. Everyone in our family loves this book, from the 44-year-olds down the 4-year-olds. The cats are definitely funny, but make sure you don't miss the more subtle antics of the mouse on each page.
June 27, 2017
Cat Secrets is a cute picture book that really engages the reader. It reminded me of The Monster at the End of this Book with the way the narrator speaks directly to the reader. The cats in the book want to prove that the reader is actually a cat, so they test readers by asking them to act like a cat, making this book fun for storytime. Keep an eye on the mouse--he's cute!
July 14, 2015
Very cute, but I almost wish that there were only two cats, as it's hard to read all the speech bubbles in different voices. But I like the drawing style and it would definitely be popular with those who enjoy Gerald and Piggy.
Highlights: A little girl in the group of 40 kids shouting "THE MOUSE IS STEALING THE BOOK" and then the whole crowd complaining "but they never shared the secrets! Bad cats!"
Highlights: A little girl in the group of 40 kids shouting "THE MOUSE IS STEALING THE BOOK" and then the whole crowd complaining "but they never shared the secrets! Bad cats!"
October 16, 2016
I suppose it is foolish for me to find this book a bit disappointing, because I didn't find out any Cat Secrets, after all I did to convince those cats that I was one.
This books is cute, but it really isn't a "read over and over until it falls apart" book. As a jumping off place for creative thinking, it might work. As a go to sleep book, it might work. Enjoyable.
This books is cute, but it really isn't a "read over and over until it falls apart" book. As a jumping off place for creative thinking, it might work. As a go to sleep book, it might work. Enjoyable.
November 23, 2015
My favorite participation read-aloud for cat-lovers, readers must prove they are cats to learn cat secrets. I'll never tell. You'll just need to read it for yourself. Looking forward to the sequel to be published in 2016 called Dog Rules.
October 16, 2010
Pretty funny a la Pigeon books, perfect for reading to groups.
November 14, 2010
Road tested on the 6th graders and the 7th graders in galley. They loved it, especially the interactive meowing.
January 12, 2011
Though there's not much to this book, I can see preschoolers giggling over it at storytime.
July 2, 2015
Just convince the cats you are a cat and you would read the whole book. It is a very funny book that anyone will enjoy.
February 7, 2018
Get ready for an interactive test to see if you too can make it as a cat (or at least pass as one). Be on the lookout for the stray mouse trying to steal the cat secrets.
December 30, 2021
I actually read this one a little while back at the recommendation of a young patron of my library that said it was really funny and cute. I have to say, I agree with her on those sentiments! It’s a more interactive type picture book where the characters are talking about the reader and it’s a good one to get younger kids’ attention and laughs.
January 29, 2020
Cats put the reader through a series of tests to make sure they only reveal their secrets to fellow felines. I think this will be a good one with a group.
July 13, 2022
I think it's a funny book and I like it so much. I like how they want me to act like a cat and how they fall asleep.
Oh, and I also like that Skippyjon Jones reviews the book on the back – he says “If I were a cat, I'd give this book five paws. But I am NOT a cat - I am a chihuahua!” This is funny, because he is a cat, but imagines he is a chihuahua in his own book.
Oh, and I also like that Skippyjon Jones reviews the book on the back – he says “If I were a cat, I'd give this book five paws. But I am NOT a cat - I am a chihuahua!” This is funny, because he is a cat, but imagines he is a chihuahua in his own book.
October 2, 2019
“Cat Secrets” is about the feline narrator demanding that all non-cats stop reading the story and that you can only be a cat to read Cat Secrets. The other feline characters come into play and start to ask questions to the main feline character asking what if the reader is a cat. The three suspicious cats then administer a couple of quick tests to determine if the reader really is a cat or not. The tests they ask the reader to do is if they can meow like a cat, purr like a cat, and can nap like a cat. But before the reader can prove to the cats that they can nap like a cat, the three cats start to get sleepy and doze off into a cat nap of their own.
The theme of this book is grabbing the reader’s attention by engaging them to participate in the ‘tests’ that the cats come up with. I would give this book a three out of five-star rating because the ending is a bit abrupt. It would have been nice to find out some of the Cat Secrets but overall the book is a very great book with the illustrations and the bright colors that are used.
The theme of this book is grabbing the reader’s attention by engaging them to participate in the ‘tests’ that the cats come up with. I would give this book a three out of five-star rating because the ending is a bit abrupt. It would have been nice to find out some of the Cat Secrets but overall the book is a very great book with the illustrations and the bright colors that are used.
December 5, 2018
Cat Secrets by Jef Czekaj is a graphic text that wants to share the secrets of cats. This book is told by cats for cats ONLY. The only problem is that the cats make the reader do cat-like activities like purring, meowing, and stretching to prove they are indeed felines. This book is humorous for all ages. Everyone has fun pretending to be a cat during this text. It is engaging with clear defined speech bubbles and illustrations. This book reminds me of Jon Klassen's, I Want My Hat Back, based on the character interactions and the similar animal point of view. A quote from the book is, " Okay, if you really are a cat, let's hear you meow".
January 19, 2011
"This book is for CATS only!" and will strike giggles in an audience ranging in age from toddlers up to schoolage. As a result, the book would make a great selection for a family storytime or school visit. Interactive and heavy on the cattitude, the characters demand meows, purrs and other proof that the audience is feline before they will divulge their secrets. I didn't catch the "punchline" of the book on the final page on the first glance (it's subtle) but alert preschoolers/early elementary students surely won't miss it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews