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Mr. Pusskins
Mr. Pusskins: A Love Story
Mr. Pusskins doesn't want to play mouse games.
He thinks snuggling is for the birds.
Having his fur combed?
Listening to cozy bedtime stories?
Boring!
Mr. Pusskins goes in search of adventure.
But along the way he finds out how much love is waiting for him at home.
He thinks snuggling is for the birds.
Having his fur combed?
Listening to cozy bedtime stories?
Boring!
Mr. Pusskins goes in search of adventure.
But along the way he finds out how much love is waiting for him at home.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2006
About the author
Sam Lloyd
116 books31 followersSam Lloyd studied at Brighton University where she gained a BA Hons in Illustration. Now Sam is the author and illustrator of many successful picture books for children. Her picture books include Happy Day, Sad Dog which won the Sainsbury’s Baby Book Award in 2003, Mr Pusskins which won the Booktrust Pre-School Award in 2006 and the V & A Illustration Award. Most recently Calm Down Boris published by Templar in 2006 has been chosen by Richard and Judy for their Christmas Picks.
As well as writing and illustrating books, Sam also enjoys yoga, swimming, camping and doing outdoorsy things. She has been all over the world, including travels to India and Australia. Sam also does a lot of voluntary work with children, painting murals.
As well as writing and illustrating books, Sam also enjoys yoga, swimming, camping and doing outdoorsy things. She has been all over the world, including travels to India and Australia. Sam also does a lot of voluntary work with children, painting murals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
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March 8, 2019My niece, who is about two and a half years is, or was (possibly by now) fond of this story, I read it once and did not like it and repeated readings thereafter did not shift my opinion. I found the story very disagreeable and it took me a little while - or otherwise said many re-readings - to realise why. The Cat - Emily relationship I felt was the representation of a frustrated parent and their child. I brush your hair and you don't like it, I play nice games with you and you don't like them, you want to do your own thing you nasty, ungrateful, hateful, little child! Well one day you can do your own thing, maybe not today, and maybe not tomorrow ,but one day and for he rest of your life and then you'll be sorry and regretful and you'll have to go crawling around to find, Ha! A payphone! An actual payphone that works! To phone and beg for help... It reminds me of the Thomas Mann story in which a man stabs his own dog so he can have some creature to feel sorry for and that is dependent on him - but since it is a children's book it is not quite so bleak.
My niece is pleased to point at the cats in the picture and say "K,k" or at the cars and say "K, k" too - she's going to be a late talker.
And since it will probably take the best part of a decade before she's up for reading more interesting books it's a good think that I can always read a couple to read to myself, like Harry the Dirty Dog or Ivor the Engine.
My niece is pleased to point at the cats in the picture and say "K,k" or at the cars and say "K, k" too - she's going to be a late talker.
And since it will probably take the best part of a decade before she's up for reading more interesting books it's a good think that I can always read a couple to read to myself, like Harry the Dirty Dog or Ivor the Engine.
April 7, 2016
4 Nadie sabe lo que tiene, hasta que lo ve perdido STARS
Hace un par de días lleve a mi hija a una Play date, y la niña a la que visitamos tenia este libro. Y OMG lo ame demasiado, en serio me gusto tanto que me vi tentada a robárselo. LOL.
Creo que me gusto mas a mi que a las niñas.
Las imágenes son hermosas, tiernas y los colores son muy brillantes y llamativos, pero lo mejor es la historia.
Una historia entretenida y divertida, sobre un gato que lo tiene todo y no lo valora hasta que lo pierde. Que si me preguntan, yo creo que es uno de los principales valores que los niños de esta generación necesitan aprender con urgencia: SER AGRADECIDOS , valorar lo que los demás hacen por nosotros.
QUIERO ESTE LIBRO, la próxima vez que vaya a la librería seguro lo comprare.
En conclusión: Los gatos no merecen nuestro amor. XD
Hace un par de días lleve a mi hija a una Play date, y la niña a la que visitamos tenia este libro. Y OMG lo ame demasiado, en serio me gusto tanto que me vi tentada a robárselo. LOL.
Creo que me gusto mas a mi que a las niñas.
Las imágenes son hermosas, tiernas y los colores son muy brillantes y llamativos, pero lo mejor es la historia.
Una historia entretenida y divertida, sobre un gato que lo tiene todo y no lo valora hasta que lo pierde. Que si me preguntan, yo creo que es uno de los principales valores que los niños de esta generación necesitan aprender con urgencia: SER AGRADECIDOS , valorar lo que los demás hacen por nosotros.
QUIERO ESTE LIBRO, la próxima vez que vaya a la librería seguro lo comprare.
En conclusión: Los gatos no merecen nuestro amor. XD
November 29, 2012
Oh, gosh! Mr. Pusskins is SO amusing!!! I found myself chuckling just based on the cover art. I have definitely known some Mr. Pusskins-esque cats through my work at the cat sanctuary ;-p The story is told in an endearing and engaging way, although there is nothing really ground-breakingly creative here. It's just a sweet, humorous story about how a grumpy cat who begrudges all the love and affection of his owner decides to try independent living for awhile. Though it's pretty obvious how things will end, and what the "moral" of the story will be, I still found myself smiling and chuckling all through the book at Mr. Pusskins' antics and expressions.
October 3, 2012
Grumpy Mr. Pusskins hates his cuddly girl and her stupid games and bedtime stories. But when life in the alley proves rainier than he bargained for, can he find his way home again? And will Emily want him back if he does?
July 4, 2016
Mr Pusskins, bloomin' marvellous!
December 7, 2019
Grouchy Mr. Pusskins has little patience for his human companion Emily's attempts to engage him in play, to cuddle with him, or to groom him. It's all so BORING!, he thinks, dreaming of a life of adventure out in the wide world. Slipping out one night, he runs away, intent on doing all the naughty but fun things he isn't supposed to. But when rain, cold and loneliness make themselves felt, he suddenly begins to miss his home and human. Can he find his way back to Emily? Will she still want him, if he does?
An engaging tale of a difficult kitty who discovers the value of love and affection, Mr. Pusskins: A Love Story is a picture-book that cat-lovers will appreciate. Although I did find the sequence of events a little muddled - it turns out that Mr. Pusskins has been gone for a significant amount of time, and has somehow wandered far away from his home, something not made clear in the pages leading up to the conclusion - I enjoyed the happy ending. The artwork is colorful and fun, capturing its feline hero's disgruntled expressions beautifully! All in all, a sweet little tale, one I would recommend to young cat-lovers, particularly those who must contend with a grumpy kitty.
An engaging tale of a difficult kitty who discovers the value of love and affection, Mr. Pusskins: A Love Story is a picture-book that cat-lovers will appreciate. Although I did find the sequence of events a little muddled - it turns out that Mr. Pusskins has been gone for a significant amount of time, and has somehow wandered far away from his home, something not made clear in the pages leading up to the conclusion - I enjoyed the happy ending. The artwork is colorful and fun, capturing its feline hero's disgruntled expressions beautifully! All in all, a sweet little tale, one I would recommend to young cat-lovers, particularly those who must contend with a grumpy kitty.
April 9, 2010
I will say this knowing full well the repercussions this statement could possibly have (and knowing this is why I write this blog fairly anonymously): I am not a cat person. Sigh. There you go. I said it.
It’s not that I don’t like cats or anything. The main reason we don’t mix is that I’m allergic to them. Beyond that, I guess I’m just a dog person. Odd for a library employee, I know, since it seems being a librarian and cat lover are synonymous. But that’s that. Let’s move on.
Mr. Pusskins and the sequel are pretty darn cute. Mr. Pusskins is (you guessed it) a cat. When we first meet him, he’s a rather grumpy cat who doesn’t appreciate the love his owner Emily bestows upon him. She strokes his fur and tries to play games with him, but he is just not having it. So he decides to run off and be a bad cat, hanging with the wrong crowd and leaving Emily worried sick. Of course there’s a happy ending, but it’s a fun journey getting there and teaching kids there’s no place like home.
Taken from my blog: libchickreads.wordpress.com
It’s not that I don’t like cats or anything. The main reason we don’t mix is that I’m allergic to them. Beyond that, I guess I’m just a dog person. Odd for a library employee, I know, since it seems being a librarian and cat lover are synonymous. But that’s that. Let’s move on.
Mr. Pusskins and the sequel are pretty darn cute. Mr. Pusskins is (you guessed it) a cat. When we first meet him, he’s a rather grumpy cat who doesn’t appreciate the love his owner Emily bestows upon him. She strokes his fur and tries to play games with him, but he is just not having it. So he decides to run off and be a bad cat, hanging with the wrong crowd and leaving Emily worried sick. Of course there’s a happy ending, but it’s a fun journey getting there and teaching kids there’s no place like home.
Taken from my blog: libchickreads.wordpress.com
June 25, 2015
Took my son to the library the other day and let him pick the majority of books we read. This was one of them and of course he picked it because..well cats.
Mr. Pusskins is a mean cat. His owner shows him nothing but love. But Mr. Pusskins is not content and decides to venture out into the world. Till one day he realizes just how good he had it when he was back home.
The drawings in the book were fun. Mr. Pusskins was perfectly show to be a curmudgeon. I mean look at that cover! How much meaner can one cat look? Ok so the cat wasn't mean...he was just the sterotypical cat that ignores its owner. I can't tell you how many times my own cat ignores my calls for cuddling or playing with his toy mouse.
I like that the cat missed his owner and in the end became less of a sour puss. My son of course loved the cat even when he was all feral looking. I don't think he picked up on the appreciating what you have message but he enjoyed it all the same.
This one was a 5 out of 5.
Mr. Pusskins is a mean cat. His owner shows him nothing but love. But Mr. Pusskins is not content and decides to venture out into the world. Till one day he realizes just how good he had it when he was back home.
The drawings in the book were fun. Mr. Pusskins was perfectly show to be a curmudgeon. I mean look at that cover! How much meaner can one cat look? Ok so the cat wasn't mean...he was just the sterotypical cat that ignores its owner. I can't tell you how many times my own cat ignores my calls for cuddling or playing with his toy mouse.
I like that the cat missed his owner and in the end became less of a sour puss. My son of course loved the cat even when he was all feral looking. I don't think he picked up on the appreciating what you have message but he enjoyed it all the same.
This one was a 5 out of 5.
August 21, 2012
One of my all-time favourite picture books. It tells the story of Mr Pusskins, who is doted on by his owner, Emily, but he craves a more exciting life so he escapes to the streets. After getting in with a bad crowd, he soon gets lonely and calls home to be rescued. He is eventually reunited with Emily and he finally appreciates how much she loves him.
The illustrations are superb - brightly coloured and Mr Pusskins himself is fantastically grumpy and spoiled-looking. I have read this to many classes and is suitable for Yrs 2&3. It is always a hit, and like all the best picture books, the illustrations offer extra layers to the story, so it makes for good re-reading for children to do on their own, even if it has been read aloud in class.
The illustrations are superb - brightly coloured and Mr Pusskins himself is fantastically grumpy and spoiled-looking. I have read this to many classes and is suitable for Yrs 2&3. It is always a hit, and like all the best picture books, the illustrations offer extra layers to the story, so it makes for good re-reading for children to do on their own, even if it has been read aloud in class.
September 29, 2012
This is an entertaining tale about a contrarian cat who would rather be outside carousing and caterwauling than at home with his loving owner. He seems to be rather disagreeable and grumpy, but eventually has a change of heart. It's a good example of the maxim that 'the grass is always greener on the other side.'
The illustrations are very colorful and expressive and our girls loved Mr. Pusskins. We enjoyed reading this book together and have put Mr. Pusskins and Little Whiskers: Another Love Story on hold at our local library.
The illustrations are very colorful and expressive and our girls loved Mr. Pusskins. We enjoyed reading this book together and have put Mr. Pusskins and Little Whiskers: Another Love Story on hold at our local library.
January 20, 2009
A grouchy kitty finds out he's got it good.
March 25, 2012
Reads aloud extremely well. Great characters, dynamic illustrations, genuinely funny. Grouchy pampered cat embarks on the hero's journey.
January 3, 2018
First sentence: This is the story of a little girl called Emily and her dear cat, Mr. Pusskins. Emily adored Mr. Pusskins.
Premise/plot: Mr. Pusskins does not appreciate Emily. At least not when our story opens. What we have here is a story of a prodigal cat: "He went places he wasn't meant to go and did things he wasn't meant to do, and made friends with the Pesky Cat Gang." But after some adventures and misadventures, Mr. Pusskins may be ready to come home again. Will Emily be waiting for him?
My thoughts: I loved, loved, LOVED Mr. Pusskins. Whether or not it's intentional or not on the part of the author, Mr. Pusskins is a near-perfect adaptation of the Prodigal Son. I loved Emily start to finish. Mr. Pusskins is quite the character, quite the transforming character. "The things Mr. Pusskins wasn't supposed to do weren't fun anymore. And his new friends weren't really very nice. How lovely it would be to have someone brush his fur and tell him how much they loved him. He felt all alone." I thought the text was lovely and heartwarming.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
September 13, 2013
Title / Author / Publication Date:
Mr. Pusskins: A love story. / Sam Lloyd. / 2007.
Genre: Fiction.
Format: Picturebook - print.
Plot summary:
"Grumpy Mr. Pusskins hates doing ordinary cat things such as playing with his owner Emily but a night out on the streets in search of adventure makes him reconsider the advantages of a loving home" (NoveList).
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory:
cats, friendship, girls and pets
Review citation:
"Humorous illustrations capture this fluffy, ginger-colored sourpuss in all of his grouchy glory, and his big, round eyes convey a range of expressions, from haughtiness to remorse. This sassy love story will be a storytime hit" (Linda Ludke in School Library Journal).
Section source used to find the material:
MCPL: Bright Beginnings Booklist - Preschoolers (4-5 years).
Recommended age: Ages 4 - 6.
Mr. Pusskins: A love story. / Sam Lloyd. / 2007.
Genre: Fiction.
Format: Picturebook - print.
Plot summary:
"Grumpy Mr. Pusskins hates doing ordinary cat things such as playing with his owner Emily but a night out on the streets in search of adventure makes him reconsider the advantages of a loving home" (NoveList).
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory:
cats, friendship, girls and pets
Review citation:
"Humorous illustrations capture this fluffy, ginger-colored sourpuss in all of his grouchy glory, and his big, round eyes convey a range of expressions, from haughtiness to remorse. This sassy love story will be a storytime hit" (Linda Ludke in School Library Journal).
Section source used to find the material:
MCPL: Bright Beginnings Booklist - Preschoolers (4-5 years).
Recommended age: Ages 4 - 6.
December 3, 2008
How could you not love that face?!? Mr. Pusskins is my new favorite cat book character. He's a grumpy, ole puss who learns that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. The bold illustrations are eye-catching and the expressions are priceless. A great choice for storytime or one-on-one sharing. Couple this with Nick Bruel's Bad Kitty or Melanie Watt's Chester for a frolicking, feline time.
May 14, 2013
LOVE Mr. Pusskins.
Release date: December 26, 2006 | Age Range: 4 and up
Mr. Pusskins doesn't want to play mouse games.
He thinks snuggling is for the birds.
Having his fur combed?
Listening to cozy bedtime stories?
Boring!
Mr. Pusskins goes in search of adventure.
But along the way he finds out how much love is waiting for him at home.
Release date: December 26, 2006 | Age Range: 4 and up
Mr. Pusskins doesn't want to play mouse games.
He thinks snuggling is for the birds.
Having his fur combed?
Listening to cozy bedtime stories?
Boring!
Mr. Pusskins goes in search of adventure.
But along the way he finds out how much love is waiting for him at home.
February 13, 2015
From the cover of this book, Mr Pusskins is the grumpiest cat in the world, more grumpy the Dexter or Goosie. This book is all about "You don't know what you've got until its gone" Mr Pusskins lives the good life but is tired of the 'good life' so he goes out, parties with some rowdy cats and realizes...he loves his human!!
September 27, 2022
How could you not love that face?!? Mr. Pusskins is my new favorite cat book character. He's a grumpy, ole puss who learns that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. The bold illustrations are eye-catching and the expressions are priceless. A great choice for storytime or one-on-one sharing. Couple this with Nick Bruel's Bad Kitty or Melanie Watt's Chester for a frolicking, feline time.
August 27, 2014
Mr. Pusskins: A Love Story is a super cute picture book about a grumpy cat named Mr. Pusskins. He doesn't like his home or his human, Emily, so he runs away. He has a ton of fun doing a bunch of naughty things with the Pesky Cat Gang until he gets cold and lonely. Then he realizes how awesome Emily and his home was, so he tries to get back home.
I was smirking and "awww"ing throughout the whole book. The big and bold illustrations are great and really emphasize the story. Cat lovers will adore this one, and there's some great lessons hidden in the story. This one is definitely one of my favorites.
I was smirking and "awww"ing throughout the whole book. The big and bold illustrations are great and really emphasize the story. Cat lovers will adore this one, and there's some great lessons hidden in the story. This one is definitely one of my favorites.
November 7, 2018
I have to read this book every week to a little girl where I work - despite there being a plethora of books to choose from, she always chooses this & its sequel. I don't know if it's because she shares a name with Mr. Pusskin's owner, or because she likes cats, but it's all she will let me read to her.
It's ok. The illustrations make it for me (I love the picture of grumpy Mr. Pusskins that Emily has beside her bed), but overall the book just doesn't do it for me.
It's ok. The illustrations make it for me (I love the picture of grumpy Mr. Pusskins that Emily has beside her bed), but overall the book just doesn't do it for me.
February 22, 2018
Storytime theme: Cats
A cute story to show how Mr Pusskins goes from thinking Emily is so boring to finally realizing what he's missing out on when he gets lost. I probably would have like it more if it didn't say "Mr. Pusskins" so many times because that wasn't a super easy one to read aloud to the storytime kids over and over.
A cute story to show how Mr Pusskins goes from thinking Emily is so boring to finally realizing what he's missing out on when he gets lost. I probably would have like it more if it didn't say "Mr. Pusskins" so many times because that wasn't a super easy one to read aloud to the storytime kids over and over.
June 10, 2017
Weird. I read it because my mom got it for my brother and I was really bored. Extremely cheesy. This is the most info I will give. You will have to read the book to find out how cheesy it really is. But it has a 'good' meaning to it.
November 6, 2018
The illustrations make this story. The grumpy-faced cat is just too adorable. I am not a fan of cats in real life, and Mr. Pusskins basically is how I think of most cats--grumpy, unimpressed, unaffectionate, and blasé. He runs away, but then realizes he misses the cuddles and brushing.
September 25, 2020
Reminds me of the story of the Prodigal Son.
Mr. Pusskins didn't realize how good he had things until he left and had good times and then didn't have good times.
He's glad when his owner comes to rescue him.
Mr. Pusskins didn't realize how good he had things until he left and had good times and then didn't have good times.
He's glad when his owner comes to rescue him.
June 16, 2022
A fun book to read to kids! My 6-year-old friend enjoyed it --- and even told her mom that she needed to read it like I did - exchanging her name for the little girl who loved Mr. Pusskins. Love when kids like reading at a young age
January 25, 2025
It was a fun read. I read this book on a cold winter's day with a cup of hot tea and a purring cat on my lap. It was the purrfect book for that scenario. I also found out that there are 2 other books in this series so I am off to read those.
June 9, 2017
Very funny. Every unappreciative cat should read this!
July 19, 2017
This book is adorable. The cat's facial expressions made me laugh out loud and I loved the ending!
February 17, 2018
Such adorable illustraions ^_^
Check out the book now.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqloz...
Check out the book now.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqloz...
June 14, 2018
The adorable story of Mr. Pusskins and his human, Emily, and how he came to realize that a cat's life isn't so bad because he is so loved :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews