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Ghost Cat
There is a ghost in my house. I've only seen it out of the corner of my eye, but I think it is a cat
, says a little boy in this comforting tale of love and loss.
There's something oddly familiar about this ghost cat--it does lots of things that remind the boy of the cat he used to have. The boy's not sure why the ghost cat never stays for more than a few moments, or why the ghost cat has visited him in the first place. He follows the ghost cat all over his house, until finally it leads him to something new and wonderful.
Bestselling author/illustrator Kevan Atteberry's artwork and story strike a perfect balance of evocative and haunting, as well as warm and hugely comforting to anyone struggling to cope with a loss.
With a few carefully chosen words and simple, expressive illustrations, Ghost Cat captures both the poignancy of losing a pet and the importance of moving on without erasing or forgetting what came before.
Winner of the Crystal Kite Award, Western Division
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
Washington State Book Award Finalist
There's something oddly familiar about this ghost cat--it does lots of things that remind the boy of the cat he used to have. The boy's not sure why the ghost cat never stays for more than a few moments, or why the ghost cat has visited him in the first place. He follows the ghost cat all over his house, until finally it leads him to something new and wonderful.
Bestselling author/illustrator Kevan Atteberry's artwork and story strike a perfect balance of evocative and haunting, as well as warm and hugely comforting to anyone struggling to cope with a loss.
With a few carefully chosen words and simple, expressive illustrations, Ghost Cat captures both the poignancy of losing a pet and the importance of moving on without erasing or forgetting what came before.
Winner of the Crystal Kite Award, Western Division
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
Washington State Book Award Finalist
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 11, 2019
1 person is currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Kevan Atteberry
17 books20 followersKevan lives in the Seattle area near his two amazing sons and his two adorable granddaughters. He is a writer/illustrator of award-winning children's books including Ghost Cat, the 2020 Crystal Kite Award winner from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. After decades running a graphic design studio, a greeting card company and a few dalliances in the dot.com nuttiness, he finally settled in with his true joy, picture books.
Along with Ghost Cat, his books include Bunnies!!!, Puddles!!!, and I Love You More than the Smell of Swamp Gas. Among books illustrated for others are the Dear Beast series by Dori Hillestad Butler, I Want a Boat by Liz Garton Scanlon, Frankie Stein by Lola Schaefer, Halloween Hustle by Charlotte Gunnufson, and Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett.
Along with Ghost Cat, his books include Bunnies!!!, Puddles!!!, and I Love You More than the Smell of Swamp Gas. Among books illustrated for others are the Dear Beast series by Dori Hillestad Butler, I Want a Boat by Liz Garton Scanlon, Frankie Stein by Lola Schaefer, Halloween Hustle by Charlotte Gunnufson, and Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
February 23, 2019
Ghost Cat is a tearful yet tender introduction to loss and new beginnings.
A young boy is certain there's a ghost in his house. He thinks it's a cat because he used to have one. *pause to wipe away a few tears*. So he follows it through the house, trying to catch a glimpse of the "quick, dark blur" that ultimately leads him to something small and warm and lovely on his doorstep. *pause to blow nose*
Every cat-lover will relate to this book. Every person who's known and loved a domesticated pet will understand. Every heart will ache and mend. Every child who's lost a pet and needs insight on how to start again will benefit from this exceptional book.
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*Note: Quote taken from an Advanced Copy.
A young boy is certain there's a ghost in his house. He thinks it's a cat because he used to have one. *pause to wipe away a few tears*. So he follows it through the house, trying to catch a glimpse of the "quick, dark blur" that ultimately leads him to something small and warm and lovely on his doorstep. *pause to blow nose*
Every cat-lover will relate to this book. Every person who's known and loved a domesticated pet will understand. Every heart will ache and mend. Every child who's lost a pet and needs insight on how to start again will benefit from this exceptional book.
It's always gone before I can really see it.
Just a flash . . .
. . . hiding somewhere nearby, I'm sure.
Sometimes I hear it.
Sometimes I feel it.
But mostly it's a quick, dark blur. Here, then not here.
Often at night
I fell its weight,
its warmth,
its purring.*
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*Note: Quote taken from an Advanced Copy.
December 14, 2019
Truth be told I have not really found Kevan Atteberry's artwork for his 2019 picture book Ghost Cat all that much to my personal aesthetic tastes. For while how Atteberry has drawn and visually rendered inanimate objects such as pianos, beds, armchairs and the like appears as mostly successful to and for my eyes, both the little boy main narrator and the ghost cat he seems to constantly see, they just do not look all that visually realistic and with in particular the little boy's head appearing as much too massive for his small body. However and the above having been said, the narrative accompanying the illustrations, Kevan Atteberry's printed words for Ghost Cat, they do indeed and certainly tell simply a lovely and poignant tale of how the loss of a cherished pet (and in this case, obviously a pet cat) does majorly change things and often makes one remember and even wish for the past, for how things used to be (and especially at night, if the pet in question used to share one's bed).
A sad but also always sweetly gentle little tale is Ghost Cat, and I also both love and appreciate how the reader is actually never quite sure whether there really is a ghost cat prowling around the house or whether the little boy is simply remembering the cat he has recently lost (realistic on many levels and a bit of a tear jerker of course, but indeed also with a totally optimistic and hopeful ending that totally and delightfully just seems to fit like the proverbial glove so to speak). And indeed, Ghost Cat is also and totally a story that even with my personal rather lacklustre visual reaction towards author/illustrator Kevan Atteberry's accompanying pictures, I do very much and highly recommend to anyone (especially to cat enthusiasts and most definitely to parents wanting a reassuring account about dealing with the loss of a pet that is both realistically painful and imaginative and yes, also ends on a totally smile inducing and positive note, even if tissues might also well be required for certain parts of Ghost Cat).
A sad but also always sweetly gentle little tale is Ghost Cat, and I also both love and appreciate how the reader is actually never quite sure whether there really is a ghost cat prowling around the house or whether the little boy is simply remembering the cat he has recently lost (realistic on many levels and a bit of a tear jerker of course, but indeed also with a totally optimistic and hopeful ending that totally and delightfully just seems to fit like the proverbial glove so to speak). And indeed, Ghost Cat is also and totally a story that even with my personal rather lacklustre visual reaction towards author/illustrator Kevan Atteberry's accompanying pictures, I do very much and highly recommend to anyone (especially to cat enthusiasts and most definitely to parents wanting a reassuring account about dealing with the loss of a pet that is both realistically painful and imaginative and yes, also ends on a totally smile inducing and positive note, even if tissues might also well be required for certain parts of Ghost Cat).
July 19, 2019
When my Indiana-based poet friend, Rebecca Kai Dotlich shared a news story associated with Kevan Atteberry's GHOST CAT ("The Surprising Inspiration Behind Bellevue Artist's New Children's Book"), I did not expect to be surprised thinking it was surely a cat that might have come into the author/illustrator's life that left an indelible mark inspiring a book.
This is not what the news story revealed. The news story chronicles the Atteberry's wife's journey through memory loss. And this took me into a different reading of GHOST CAT once it arrived on my doorstep.
As a former Activity Director for a Memory Care Unit, I have seen and worked with people as they lose and continue to lose a hold upon a life once lived and the loves once experienced fully. I understand even more about reality therapies and approaches in working with elders than I ever did as a twenty-something, well-intended AD (sometimes I wish I could have another go at this kind of work; books like GHOST CAT would be in my office to offer to my families who would come to visit).
From a design aspect, the book features a beautiful dust jacket when, once removed, reveals the barely-visible but tangible outline of a cat with its eyes rendered in gold foil that look out from the case. This is where we might begin to talk about, before the end papers, what memory loss can look like on both sides of the memory that is lost and the attempt at reclamation (it's right there, that faint outline that you can reach out and touch and be assured that it is almost real). In the Activity Director line of work, we would not tell Mrs. Atteberry, "But, your cat is gone." We might orient more toward, "Tell me about your cat, Mrs. Atteberry."
And here is where GHOST CAT begins on a reading of another level inspired by Kevan's news story.
The first page of the story introduces us to the main character who informs the reader, "There is a ghost in my house." He does not suggest that this ghost is a cat. This is the work of the picture book as it brings together words and pictures to convey messages and meaning. That our main character is sitting at a piano in sharing this revelation (and how might we respond if a friend turned to us and told us the same thing?). Perhaps a practice session has been interrupted here. Or perhaps the main character was remembering a favorite song of the one who has been lost.
The next opening has the main character sharing with the reader that he has only experienced fleeting glimpses of this ghost which he believes to be his cat. He holds this belief because he shares on the facing page, "I used to have one." The piano side-facing just a page before is turned to present keys-out to the reader revealing two pictures of the cat alone and one taken with the boy. In the fuzzy world of memory loss, the presence of pictures can be an invitation to share and to remember.
The next few pages has the main character expressing to the reader the difficulty he has had in actually seeing and realizing the "ghost cat" in order to assure himself that this is what he is seeing. The same is true here in memory care when we see that "glimpse" our our friend, neighbor, uncle, grandmother, husband, or wife. It is always presenting itself quickly, in a flash, and then moving around the corner of orientation and reality.
A deeper reading of GHOST CAT might lead us to consider how Atteberry presents encounters with the "ghost cat" now that he is almost sure of its presence. In the bedroom where sleep and slumber and dreams are shared. In the jangle of of a toy down the stairs, we see the glimmer of a boy and a cat at play and memories of joy spent together. In the den where work may have been done and interrupted for a quick encounter is another place through which the cat moves. In the kitchen where memories of meals shared reveals itself in the quickening of a "ghost cat." And in the "living room" where the name of the place suggests what happens in our homes.
It is through the places that Atteberry's main character thinks he sees the "ghost cat" that he finally realizes that he is in fact seeing what he thought to have lost.
It is these places that I spent most of my time talking with those in my care in an attempt to make connection. Tell me about your work. Tell me about what you would be cooking for supper tonight. Tell me about the games you used to play. Tell me about this picture. Can you sing this song with me? In the work I did once upon a time, I am able to walk through and work through Atteberry's newest book. Don't miss this one for opportunities to extend past what you think you see if there is something deeper coming through the pages, words, and images.
No spoilers for this book. This is not what we do in our reviews. But as much as Atteberry's picture book, intended for children, is a look at the mystery of what happens to the pets we lose, it is also about what we gain in returning to their memory.
And, the memories we share with them.
This is not what the news story revealed. The news story chronicles the Atteberry's wife's journey through memory loss. And this took me into a different reading of GHOST CAT once it arrived on my doorstep.
As a former Activity Director for a Memory Care Unit, I have seen and worked with people as they lose and continue to lose a hold upon a life once lived and the loves once experienced fully. I understand even more about reality therapies and approaches in working with elders than I ever did as a twenty-something, well-intended AD (sometimes I wish I could have another go at this kind of work; books like GHOST CAT would be in my office to offer to my families who would come to visit).
From a design aspect, the book features a beautiful dust jacket when, once removed, reveals the barely-visible but tangible outline of a cat with its eyes rendered in gold foil that look out from the case. This is where we might begin to talk about, before the end papers, what memory loss can look like on both sides of the memory that is lost and the attempt at reclamation (it's right there, that faint outline that you can reach out and touch and be assured that it is almost real). In the Activity Director line of work, we would not tell Mrs. Atteberry, "But, your cat is gone." We might orient more toward, "Tell me about your cat, Mrs. Atteberry."
And here is where GHOST CAT begins on a reading of another level inspired by Kevan's news story.
The first page of the story introduces us to the main character who informs the reader, "There is a ghost in my house." He does not suggest that this ghost is a cat. This is the work of the picture book as it brings together words and pictures to convey messages and meaning. That our main character is sitting at a piano in sharing this revelation (and how might we respond if a friend turned to us and told us the same thing?). Perhaps a practice session has been interrupted here. Or perhaps the main character was remembering a favorite song of the one who has been lost.
The next opening has the main character sharing with the reader that he has only experienced fleeting glimpses of this ghost which he believes to be his cat. He holds this belief because he shares on the facing page, "I used to have one." The piano side-facing just a page before is turned to present keys-out to the reader revealing two pictures of the cat alone and one taken with the boy. In the fuzzy world of memory loss, the presence of pictures can be an invitation to share and to remember.
The next few pages has the main character expressing to the reader the difficulty he has had in actually seeing and realizing the "ghost cat" in order to assure himself that this is what he is seeing. The same is true here in memory care when we see that "glimpse" our our friend, neighbor, uncle, grandmother, husband, or wife. It is always presenting itself quickly, in a flash, and then moving around the corner of orientation and reality.
A deeper reading of GHOST CAT might lead us to consider how Atteberry presents encounters with the "ghost cat" now that he is almost sure of its presence. In the bedroom where sleep and slumber and dreams are shared. In the jangle of of a toy down the stairs, we see the glimmer of a boy and a cat at play and memories of joy spent together. In the den where work may have been done and interrupted for a quick encounter is another place through which the cat moves. In the kitchen where memories of meals shared reveals itself in the quickening of a "ghost cat." And in the "living room" where the name of the place suggests what happens in our homes.
It is through the places that Atteberry's main character thinks he sees the "ghost cat" that he finally realizes that he is in fact seeing what he thought to have lost.
It is these places that I spent most of my time talking with those in my care in an attempt to make connection. Tell me about your work. Tell me about what you would be cooking for supper tonight. Tell me about the games you used to play. Tell me about this picture. Can you sing this song with me? In the work I did once upon a time, I am able to walk through and work through Atteberry's newest book. Don't miss this one for opportunities to extend past what you think you see if there is something deeper coming through the pages, words, and images.
No spoilers for this book. This is not what we do in our reviews. But as much as Atteberry's picture book, intended for children, is a look at the mystery of what happens to the pets we lose, it is also about what we gain in returning to their memory.
And, the memories we share with them.
January 11, 2024
Using books to raise topics with children has never especially appealed to me, but for those who do want an entree into a conversation about death and grief, this would be a good one. It is a warm and quiet book, not at all creepy. Sweet, really, about missing someone, feeling as if they're still right there, and eventually, letting go and letting someone new in.
Lovely, even if you've never had the bittersweet pleasure of being haunted by your own beloved cat.
Library copy
Lovely, even if you've never had the bittersweet pleasure of being haunted by your own beloved cat.
Library copy
June 6, 2019
A comforting, poignant story about the loss of a beloved pet and the importance of moving on without forgetting what came before.
August 16, 2019
Love the rich illustrations and the way the ghost is portrayed, but not sure if its about grief for a lost pet or really engaging the supernatural
Read
February 20, 2019Perfect and sweet for ANYONE who has had a pet!
October 18, 2019
With such economy of words and pictures, Kevan portrays the heartbreaking loss of one's pet in a way that children (and adults) can relate to and empathize with; sharing the boys unspoken loneliness and grief. I really love the way the ghost cat is depicted as a blue cat with glowing yellow eyes surrounded by a white swooshing aura. However, the ghost cat is not spooky or scary. Just a typical mischievous feline, knocking things about and terrorizing a fish.
This book is touching, reaffirming, and poignant. A message of hope for a child, or adult, who has lost a loved one and an affirmation that love continues. A wonderful book to open discussions, and help healing, after a loss of a pet or loved one.
This book is touching, reaffirming, and poignant. A message of hope for a child, or adult, who has lost a loved one and an affirmation that love continues. A wonderful book to open discussions, and help healing, after a loss of a pet or loved one.
July 20, 2019
There is no easy way to process the loss of a loved one. Kevan has expressed this in the way he does best, through skilled illustrations and a simple but expressive story line. By distilling this story to it's essence, a child can relate to it but it also provides the filter for more complex understanding. Anyone who has experienced loss can easily find meaning. This is a must read.
January 27, 2020
If only the boy could be allowed to question the reality of the ghost cat, deal with the depths of his grief, come to terms with the loss without the spoiler of the deus ex machina just as he opens the door to a deeper understanding of life and death. Simple illustrations beautifully blend both worlds.
August 4, 2019
Touched a soft spot in my black heart.
September 20, 2019
I have a high bar for both sentimental books and pet books, and this book sailed over both. Spare, poetic, perfect.
August 30, 2019
A little boy thinks that he sees a ghost cat out of the corner of his eye. It reminds him of the cat he used to have but the boy can never get a good look at this ghost cat. The ghost cat seems to sleep on his bed at night, curled up and purring. It plays with cat toys on the stairs. It meows outside of the boy’s door and knocks things off of shelves. But the boy is always too late to see anything more than a blur moving quickly. Then one day, the boy really sees the ghost cat clearly. He chases after it and the cat leads him to something new and very special right outside.
Atteberry tells a wonderfully gentle story here about the loss of a pet and the gap that it leaves. It is also a great ghost story with no scariness at all, just a playful cat ghost doing cat-like things all over the house. The tone is delightfully breathless and wondering, just right for a ghost story. The dashing nature of the bulk of the book slows at the end to allow readers to bask in the new discovery.
The illustrations, done digitally, are filled with warm tones that allow the ghostly form of the cat to really pop. Readers will enjoy seeing the cat fleetingly on the page, moving just away from the boy and the reader.
Comforting and understanding, this book takes ghosts and grief and turns them into something very special. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Atteberry tells a wonderfully gentle story here about the loss of a pet and the gap that it leaves. It is also a great ghost story with no scariness at all, just a playful cat ghost doing cat-like things all over the house. The tone is delightfully breathless and wondering, just right for a ghost story. The dashing nature of the bulk of the book slows at the end to allow readers to bask in the new discovery.
The illustrations, done digitally, are filled with warm tones that allow the ghostly form of the cat to really pop. Readers will enjoy seeing the cat fleetingly on the page, moving just away from the boy and the reader.
Comforting and understanding, this book takes ghosts and grief and turns them into something very special. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
May 15, 2020
A little boy experiences the presence of a ghost cat.
"There is a ghost in my house. I've only seen it out of the corner of my eye, but I think it's a cat. I know because I used to have one."
A little boy keeps catching glimpses of a cat and hearing sounds of a cat playing and mischiefing. Finally, he sees it, and when he follows it out into the backyard, he finds a stray kitten. The story ends with both the kitten and the ghost cat curled up asleep with the boy.
"There is a ghost in our house."
This story works on two levels. Surfacely, there is really a ghost cat in the house, playing, making noise, and knocking over things. This is what my preschooler and kindergarten thought was happening, and they hoped our recently deceased cat will return as a ghost and haunt the house.
But on a deeper level, the ghost cat is the boy's memory of the cat who died. It's metaphorical. The boy is living with a ghost cat because the entire house is full of memories of their shared lives. The arrival of the new kitten signals the end of the boy's loneliness but not to his old cat's memory.
This picture book would be an excellent book for anyone experiencing grief as well as children who have lost a pet. It addresses loss, grief, love, and moving on while still honoring the memory of what came before. It is beautiful, powerful, and sad.
"There is a ghost in my house. I've only seen it out of the corner of my eye, but I think it's a cat. I know because I used to have one."
A little boy keeps catching glimpses of a cat and hearing sounds of a cat playing and mischiefing. Finally, he sees it, and when he follows it out into the backyard, he finds a stray kitten. The story ends with both the kitten and the ghost cat curled up asleep with the boy.
"There is a ghost in our house."
This story works on two levels. Surfacely, there is really a ghost cat in the house, playing, making noise, and knocking over things. This is what my preschooler and kindergarten thought was happening, and they hoped our recently deceased cat will return as a ghost and haunt the house.
But on a deeper level, the ghost cat is the boy's memory of the cat who died. It's metaphorical. The boy is living with a ghost cat because the entire house is full of memories of their shared lives. The arrival of the new kitten signals the end of the boy's loneliness but not to his old cat's memory.
This picture book would be an excellent book for anyone experiencing grief as well as children who have lost a pet. It addresses loss, grief, love, and moving on while still honoring the memory of what came before. It is beautiful, powerful, and sad.
April 2, 2019
"There is a ghost in my house.
I've only seen it out of
the corner of my eye,
but I think it's a cat.
I know because I used to have one."
With these deceptively simple lines, Kevan Atteberry begins a beautiful poem about what comes after loss, if you keep your eyes and heart open. Kids will love the will-o'-the-wisp ghost cat (which was for me reminiscent of Pangur Bán the cat in The Secret of Kells.) Is the ghost cat really there, or is it a child's imagination combined with the memory of the cat now gone? Readers and listeners can decide for themselves, but what rings through repeat readings is that curiosity about the unknown opens doors for new beginnings, as well as new ways to see ourselves and our place in the world, from alone to together in 30 spare, perfect pages.
I've only seen it out of
the corner of my eye,
but I think it's a cat.
I know because I used to have one."
With these deceptively simple lines, Kevan Atteberry begins a beautiful poem about what comes after loss, if you keep your eyes and heart open. Kids will love the will-o'-the-wisp ghost cat (which was for me reminiscent of Pangur Bán the cat in The Secret of Kells.) Is the ghost cat really there, or is it a child's imagination combined with the memory of the cat now gone? Readers and listeners can decide for themselves, but what rings through repeat readings is that curiosity about the unknown opens doors for new beginnings, as well as new ways to see ourselves and our place in the world, from alone to together in 30 spare, perfect pages.
December 15, 2019
Even by itself, this is a sweet book that can be understood as a child dealing with the loss of a beloved pet. But it broke my heart to read the true inspiration behind this story. Kevan Atteberry's wife began experiencing young onset Alzheimer's disease in her early 50s. It got so bad, she eventually had to be moved into a home for special care before she passed away. As Atteberry began writing this book, he realized the cat was actually a metaphor for his missing wife. In his words (from the video titled "The surprising inspiration behind Bellevue artist's new children's book"): "This is a story about loss, moving on, keeping what you had, and I like to think a permission to love again." We see the young boy feeling the cat's presence in his bed, hearing the cat move through the house, and eventually run right out the door of the house. There's a sweet twist at the end that will bring a smile to your face! The artwork for this book was made using digital tools.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
October 16, 2022
A boy sees movement out of the corner of his eye and tries to discover what it is. It behaves like his pet kitty he recently lost and misses. The story struck me closely because there are several cats I loved and lost and, I promise, came back to visit. Mitten who came to sleep by my side under the covers most nights for months. Jack who slept in the pocket the "4" my legs make when I sleep, one leg straight, the other bent. Tater (Tot's twin) who jumped on the back of my recliner where I could pet her, but who wasn't there when I reached up to the feel of her landing. Others throughout my life.
Entirely predictable, still I love how the story ends.
Entirely predictable, still I love how the story ends.
July 14, 2020
A super cute book dealing with death and new beginnings. I would definitely give this to a child who just experienced death of a pet and needs a bit of help moving on. Tugged at my heart strings.
October 11, 2022
A cute cat story about a cat that has passed and getting a new cat.
March 20, 2024
WEEPING
January 22, 2020
5 stars for theme of remembrance for children.
June 8, 2019
A young boy ponders the half-seen glimpses and other evidence of a ghost cat living in his house. His cat passed on, and from illustrations it is clear the cat was much loved. Now the ghost cat s flitting through the house and finally leads the boy to the door. Opening it, he finds a kitten. With both the kitten and the ghost cat he is content. Though the beginning is a little spooky the end is warm and reassuring. The simple text meets the needs of beginning readers, and the bold illustrations are big enough for sharing. This is a sweet simple tale.
June 10, 2019
Very cute - the ending was a surprise and I cried
November 18, 2019
There is a ghost in my house. I've only seen it out of the corner of my eye, but I think it is a cat.
I know because I used to have one...
1. This book was another favorite read of 2019 for its simple, but powerful message. The loss of a pet can be awful and this book is such a source of comfort and is just so bittersweet.
2. Great for helping children understand and maybe even overcome the loss of a beloved cat.
3. The illustrations are so nice, and the ghost cat is just purr-fect. My son really loved this book!
A little boy keeps seeing a ghost cat around his house, causing a bit of a ruckus as he follows his to discover something amazing waiting for his just outside his front door.
I know because I used to have one...
1. This book was another favorite read of 2019 for its simple, but powerful message. The loss of a pet can be awful and this book is such a source of comfort and is just so bittersweet.
2. Great for helping children understand and maybe even overcome the loss of a beloved cat.
3. The illustrations are so nice, and the ghost cat is just purr-fect. My son really loved this book!
A little boy keeps seeing a ghost cat around his house, causing a bit of a ruckus as he follows his to discover something amazing waiting for his just outside his front door.
October 17, 2019
From inside front cover: "...a quietly haunting yet ultimately joyful story about loss and learning to move on."
The protagonist of this gentle picture book often catches a glimpse of a ghost cat who very much resembles the cat he recently lost. The ghost always disappears before he can get a good look at it - until the day he hears it mewing at his bedroom door. He dashes downstairs hoping to see it and sees just the hind legs and tail as the ghost cat leaps through the door. When he throws open the door he finds a tiny kitten sitting on the doorstep, with his ghost cat watching from behind a tree in the yard. Very sweet.
The protagonist of this gentle picture book often catches a glimpse of a ghost cat who very much resembles the cat he recently lost. The ghost always disappears before he can get a good look at it - until the day he hears it mewing at his bedroom door. He dashes downstairs hoping to see it and sees just the hind legs and tail as the ghost cat leaps through the door. When he throws open the door he finds a tiny kitten sitting on the doorstep, with his ghost cat watching from behind a tree in the yard. Very sweet.
October 17, 2019
I was expecting a Halloween book, but ended up reading a sweet story about moving on after the loss of a pet. Highly recommended for cat lovers or those who want not-too-scary ghost stories. Ages 4-7.
July 26, 2019
As is the case for just about everyone, loss can be hard to deal with. A young boy clearly misses the cat he once loved, and he becomes convinced that there's a ghost cat haunting his house. He isn't really afraid of it because it reminds him of his old cat. Then, one day, he is able to follow the sounds it makes when it moves through the house, knocking over a bowl of fruit and trying to catch a fish in the aquarium. Just as he's close to catching it, the cat ghost darts through the closed door. Of course, the boy opens the door to find a new friend. His work done, the ghost cat can now settle down for a nap. I loved the last page that shows the three of them--boy, kitten, and ghost cat--nestled in bed. The illustrations, created with digital tools, are simple yet effective with one image even featuring three photographs of his cat on the piano, making it clear that this cat was important to him. This one touched me, and I would certainly share it with youngsters as a way to honor those they have lost while looking forward to building new memories and new relationships. Healing from a loss and grief take time, and this understated picture book shows that the boy's old cat must have known there was room in his heart for another feline friendship.
September 26, 2019
Simple, effective and moving story about loss and love. A young boy is convinced his house has a ghost, the ghost of a cat. Which would make sense, since the boy used to have a cat - subtlety alluded to in a series of framed photos that appear throughout the house. The ghost also acts quite cat-like, hiding around corners, knocking things over and menacing the fish (was it my imagination the fish looked slightly traumatized?) Eventually the cat leads the boy to the door outside, where the young boy friends a new friend. The ending is a sweet balance as the boy sleeps with his new friend curled in his arms, and his old, beloved friend a ghostly weight on the other.
The illustrations are uncluttered and the color palette alternates primarily between subdued blue and muted oranges. The cat has a ghostly, otherworldly energy that surrounds him suggesting movement in the series of off white lines. I liked it more than I thought and I think it goes well with the story.
What can I say? Love me some cats.
The illustrations are uncluttered and the color palette alternates primarily between subdued blue and muted oranges. The cat has a ghostly, otherworldly energy that surrounds him suggesting movement in the series of off white lines. I liked it more than I thought and I think it goes well with the story.
What can I say? Love me some cats.
December 16, 2019
A little boy is adjusting to the loss of his cat, and hears and sees evidence of its ghost in his house. Not as tear-jerking as some of the picture books on life/death have been, but still very sweet and tender. A wonderful way to teach little ones about moving forward with life and not forgetting who you've lost (without straight-up ugly crying). Another one to recommend along with Big Cat, Little Cat, Always Remember, and Ida, Always.
September 16, 2019
I got to the ending of this book and I said to myself, "I wrote this exact same book four years ago." Only it was in verse and had a 3-legged dog trying to get his owner to choose his replacement... So, not the exact same thing, but I can't illustrate worth beans. More power to Kevan, he beat me to it. Great story. Great minds think alike. Nice to see that yes indeed, I DID have a good idea, worth publishing. Just didn't take it far enough! Two thumbs up.
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