Al Gets a Cat

by Ron Stoltz

When Al's parents return from town with a little bitty kitten whose teeth just keep growing, they have no idea that they brought home a saber tooth tiger! This picture book teaches important morals like learning not to judge a book by its cover and learning to appreciate those who are different from you.

39 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2018

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sweet children's book is about a vegetarian T-Rex who gets a kitten that isn't all she seems, and is beautifully illustrated too. Touching on themes of not judging a book by its cover and everyone having a purpose, this sets out to be a good fable whilst also being a good story in itself. However, I don't think the author really achieved what he set out to do - by having both the children AND adults bully Sally just because she can't do the things they want her to do, and then throw her out too, that is sending out a hugely negative message - if you're not any use to us, we don't want you. Whilst this is then counteracted by Al's actions, and the way everyone treats Sally after she helps Al's dad with his job, the moral is more like "it's ok to treat people badly unless they can help you with things you want them to do" except for Al, and that's not ok in my book, and not what the author sets out to do (I hope!). My nieces and I enjoyed the story generally though, and if this element could be overcome, then it would be a great story for all young dinosaur lovers.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[An · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story about a T-Rex named Al and a saber-tooth kitten named Sally. The kitten grows rapidly in an unexpected way. Al’s parents and friends are hard on Sally believing she is not good at anything. Eventually the family realizes Sally’s value.

I loved the inner species family setting that showcases diversity. What I didn’t like is the family and friends negativity towards Sally. I thought this showed its ok to treat people, especially family members, in a bad way. I thought not enough effort was put into finding out what Sally was good at.

Overall, it had a moral at the end, but I’m not sure it was executed well. It gave the impression that if people can help us they are greatly valued, but if not, then they get treated as we see fit.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this story.

[No Dammit · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a truly horrible book. The moral of the story is about Al's parents learning that they can't do everything by themselves so they should accept others that are different.

First off, NO! I chose to teach to teach my children to accept everyone. Not just because you need something. I choose to teach them there is no reason to hate or bully people. It is ok not to get along with someone but never ok to hate them for being different.

Secondly, the moral of the story isn't even clear until the author's not at the end. I took the book as people picked on the cat for being different until her difference could be used. Ya let's help teach kids that you will be accepted if used. Disgusting book, would not recommend to anyone. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Karen high Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute little story.

[Xantippa Amaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story! I really liked the art!