Cone Cat

by Sarah Howden, Carmen Mok (Illustrator)

One day, Jeremy wakes up at the vet’s with a giant cone around his head. In a momentary existential crisis, he resigns himself to his new role as clumsy, smelly Cone Cat. That is, until the cone becomes instrumental in lapping up the last few bites of cereal on the breakfast table.

Surprisingly, Cone Cat can do a lot of things old Jeremy couldn’t. He can hunt spiders with ease, collect stuffing from the couch, and disguise himself as a bowl to steal a scoop of ice cream at a birthday party. When the cone is removed the next day, Jeremy starts to miss it. Will he ever get another chance to indulge in the tricks he pulled off as Cone Cat? It doesn’t take him too long to find out …

With lively illustrations and plenty of wit, this hilarious picture book about adapting to seemingly im-paw-ssible situations is sure to please kids and cat-lovers alike.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Animals, Childrens, Humor, Storytime, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2020

About the author

Sarah Howden is a children's book author and editor best known for her 5-Minute Stories for Fearless Girls collection. She lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter.

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cone Cat turned out to be a fun read for all of my young readers. We loved this little mischievous cat! The illustrations are colorful and the story is an easy read that keeps little ones engaged. Definitely pick this one up if you have kids who love cats.

4 stars

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Jeremy, our grumpy little cat on the cover, has to wet a cone when he comes home from the vet's. He decides to call himself "Cone Cat" because he can't get the cone off his head! This story is all about his adventures with the cone on his head.

This is a sweet, little story book for your little ones. It's cute, fun and an easy read. It has goofy shenanigans of our friend Jeremy trying to learn how to deal with the cone on his head.

There isn't much education in this book, but it was still a sweet story and it had a plot. At least it was fun and cute! It's something that I can see animal lovers flocking to.

I like the illustrations in this book. It's rough yet pretty all at the same time. It's simplistic yet super fitting for the story. For me, it made the story stand out and look absolutely great!

Overall, I think this book is a great addition to any picture book shelf.

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and OwlKids for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cone Cat // by Sarah Howden // illustrated by Carmen Mok

Jeremy is a cat that likes to do the things cats like to do. But one day, he wakes up with a cone around his neck and all of a sudden he is not able to do his favorite things anymore! Eventually though he realizes that even the most annoying things can become your friend.

I knew I had to request this title as soon as I saw it. My husband LOVES cats so I figured this would be an instant favorite for him. My favorite thing about this book are the illustrations. Carmen Mok did a great job at making them simplistic yet infused with lots of fun and adorableness. You can easily see what Jeremy is feeling and thinking in these illustrations. There may not be a lot of words on each page, but each page tells a tiny story on its own that is easily imagined in real life and should make any tiny human smile. All together, Jeremy shows us that you can find fun in any situation even if you thought it was impossible.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute little picture book that cat-loving kids are likely to enjoy about a cat who wakes up with a cone on and has to learn to navigate life around it. He eventually finds some reasons to actually like it (though it is temporary), giving a little lesson in looking for the bright side. My daughter had fun with it and I really liked the art.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting aside the somewhat implausible plot points (who just drops scoops of ice cream without watching where they're going?), this is an amusing story that will likely appeal to cat lovers.

Jeremy the cat wakes up at the vet with a cone around his head. It interferes with all his daily activities: hunting spiders, stealing food, scratching the furniture, and licking his butthole (parents might want to be aware that there are two pictures that feature the cat licking said butthole). But on the day of Ava's birthday party, he realizes that the cone might be good for some things after all, and he grows to love his new accessory.

The story is obviously about making the best of things. The message is fine. The illustrations are okay, too, even if they're not in a style that I really enjoy.

Overall, this is a decent picture book about a predicament that many pets will face at some point. It will probably appeal mostly to cat lovers, though.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkids Books for providing a digital ARC.

[CanadianReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jeremy the cat’s life is initially restricted when he has to wear a “cone” (aka an Elizabethan collar) but he soon learns he can use it to his advantage, even as a bowl in which to receive ice cream. He grows so used to the cone that he is at a disadvantage when it is removed, injuring himself and having to wear a cone yet again.

This was an okay little picture book, but it felt predictable and ultimately forgettable. Children might enjoy comparing how Jeremy and their own pets adjust to wearing cones. Really, though, I think it’s fair to say you can take a pass on this picture book.

[Etienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5. A «cute» and «funny» story about a cat, animal are always popular with kids so that's okay, but the story just wasn't my style of humor, very light one, and the art was okay, but nothing much to it. A very average book that doesn't stand out enough!

[Madi ~☆TheBookNerdDiaries☆~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this has in no way affected my review.

This was such a cute story and the art was so adorable!!! As a cat lover and owner, I really enjoyed this one and how Jeremy tried to get around the dreaded cone.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cone Cat is a cute picture book about a cat who finds a benefit of wearing the dreaded cone. As the owner of a cat who loves drinking the last milk from a cereal bowl, I can relate to this book. The story is short and the illustrations are cute. This would make a great storytime book.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at how Jeremy the cats adjusts to having a cone around his head. At first, it just hinders him, but then he finds he can get things he couldn't without a cone.

It is a simple tale. Cat gets cone. Cat still gets into mischief despite it.



The pictures are cute. The mischief that he gets into isn't too bad, and the cat is very resourceful.

I do like that the bugs don't taste as good as he thought they would.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Winder Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charming book! We’ve probably all known a Cone Cat and now, we know what they could be thinking. This book really teaches children to look at the bright side. Through the eyes of Cone Cat, we learn that even bad situations can have silver linings if only we look for them. The illustrations were clean, clear, and humorous. The situations were ones that are probably played out daily in the life of a cat, which helped give a dash of realism to the story. I have already put this on my list to purchase for my library. I received a digital advanced reader copy of this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable! Jeremy wakes up at the vet to find a cone on his neck and his life has to change to adapt. Jeremy is sad at first, but then finds ways to use the cone to benefit him! (I don't think my cat has found much benefit to the cone when she has to wear it.) A cute picture book that is funny at any time, but would be especially great for kids when their beloved pet has to don the cone of shame.

[Emily Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cone Cat just upon looking at the cover, which is illustrated by Carmen Mok, is a book that makes me immediately interested and know that there will be some humor in the book. Most pet owners, especially those of dogs and cats have heard of or are familiar with the “cone of shame” as many refer to it. It is the cone that veterinarians put on them to keep them from bothering injuries or parts of their body that need to heal in some way. Unfortunately, when many pets wear this “cone of shame,” they do not find it the most pleasant experience, therefore it is not always the most pleasant experience for pet owners.
Written by Sarah Howden, Cone Cat is a delightful book about Jeremy, a cat who wakes up one day at the vets and is wearing “THE CONE.” This discovery does not leave Jeremy happy as he is typically a nimble, quick, and clean cat who is worried about how he will now go about his daily routine with this awful cone on his neck.
Luckily, Jeremy is not upset for too long as he discovers that “the cone” can be used to his advantage by helping him get milk from a cereal bowl, capture a spider, cuddle in couch stuffing, hearing for his human child in advance and more. The best part however is when he discovers it can be used as a bowl for ice cream that he is able to sneak at Ava’s party.
After finally discovering all the greatness of the cone, Jeremy wakes up one day to find it gone. Thankfully, he is happy to be back to his old self. He begins to do all his old things to his happiness until…
I will let you read to find out the rest. This book is full of cute illustrations and the story is super cute and funny. My cat loving five-year-old adored this book and asked for it to be read to her multiple nights in a row. Personally, I love how the book shows that you can overcome obstacles and adversity when one is not fully able bodied. We are not all the same, and sometimes we must find different ways of doing things. This is shown well in Cone Cat.
Because this book is so cute and we all adored it so much here, I give it five stars because this is a book we would purchase for our kids and gift to others as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Joy (Books with Joy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon discovering the strange new contraption around his head, Jeremy the Cat is not happy. The horror… The audacity… Jeremy the Cat has donned the cone of shame!

After a momentary crisis, Jeremy the Cat has accepted his role as… Cone Cat. However, upon acceptance of this new role, Cone Cat discovers the hidden perks of his new identity and uses it to his full advantage.

The illustrations are cute and vibrant. I love how Jeremy’s expressions are conveyed so well! The use of bright colours captures the light-hearted tone of the story well whilst keeping the readers engaged.

Overall, Cone Cat is an adorable and fun read that presents readers that one can always endeavour to make the best of poor circumstances and difficult situations. Owners and cat lovers may relate to Jeremy's behaviour and antics and I enjoyed reading this so much. Plus, the ending made me laugh out loud. I highly recommend this read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers (OwlKids Books) for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

This review will be posted on my blog closer to the publication date.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeremy is a cat the really enjoys his freedom. Then, one day, he wakes up after a visit to the vet with a cone covering his head and hampering his freedom of movement, and his super cat senses. Suddenly, Jeremy is plain old clumsy, bumping to things, and no longer able to hunt or even clean himself - PU! But then, Jeremy discovers that he can make the cone work for him. For instance, he can use it to tip a bowl of cereal into the cone, then into his mouth and even saving some cereal for later. Why it even works to get him some ice cream. But then, one morning, the cone comes off. And Jeremy regains his old freedom of movement - a happy cat, but wondering would freedom ever compare to his glory days with the cone? The story ends on a bit of an ironic note. The moral of Jeremy's cone tale - when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or perhaps necessity is the mother of invention. OK, so maybe Jeremy isn't the best example for kids to follow, but that's just the point - Jeremy provides a conduit through which behavior conversations can be opened as well as ways to make the best of a bad situation. Kids will also like the whimsical colorful pastel illustrations, especially Jeremy's melodramatic facial expressions.

[Jessica Haider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cone Cat is a cute picture book about a cat named Jeremy who wakes up in the recovery room at the Vets with a cone around his head. The horror! Jeremy decides that he is no longer Jeremy and that he is now Cone Cat. At home, he discovers all of the stuff he can't do with the cone on. Then, he discovers some great stuff he can do with the cone on.

This was a funny little story that my little guy enjoyed. It has a nice message about trying to find the bright side in your situation. Now my son wants to get a cone for our kitten. Hmmm.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!

[Jane Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

#ConeCat #NetGalley
Let me start by saying that I am not really a cat person. I love dogs but THIS cat had me laughing from the beginning to the end of the book. If you've ever had a pet you will recognize the plight of poor Jeremy who wakes up in the vet's office to find himself with a plastic cone on his head, bending his whiskers and blocking his view. It puts him in a funk and changes him into Cone Cat. Day to day life just isn't the same. Then suddenly one day it gets better. Read to find out how.

I highly recommend this book for families that love to laugh. The publisher states this picture book is ideal for ages 3-7. As a grandmother and teacher, well beyond this age span, I have a good excuse to read books in this category. Even if you don't have an excuse pick up this book and have a good laugh.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC through NetGalley from Owlkids Books. This picture book focuses on a cat who after a visit to the Vet has to wear a cone. At first he is frustrated, but then he sees the benefits or perks of wearing the cone. This is a good story for a child with a cast or something that is holding them back. It will make them see the bright side and know they could have a hidden super power too. The illustrations were cute, Jeremy the cat was funny and it was easy to read. Ages 3-7.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute and funny story about a cat who wakes up with a cone.  Jeremy is very, very unhappy about this until...Yes, there are many ways that the cone can be useful.  It is useful enough that, for a moment, Jeremy misses the cone when it is removed. 


Jeremy is very much like a young child; he likes to get into things and does not always consider the consequences.  Still, he can be made so happy by the small things that to him are big.


This is an adorable story for cat lovers both old and young.  The illustrations add to the reader's experience and are very well done.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Dontreadlikethem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a mood. It captures cats in a way we all expect if cats could communicate with us. This book needs to be a read aloud right after Winter break when teachers and students alike don't want to come back but we all show up anyway. Cat lovers everywhere this book is for you.

[Tiziana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humourous story about a cat named Jeremy that one day wakes up with a cone on his head. At first, he really dislikes the cone because it bends his whiskers, blocks his view, and gets in his way...until he realizes that the cone can really come in handy after all.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute picture book that my boys (8 and 6) enjoyed. The cone of shame - as we have always called it when one of our pets have had to use it. The illustrations are beautifully done. Cone Cat is not happy that he can not do the things that he was used to. He learns to adapt. He temporarily enjoys it. The illustrations are beautifully done. I love the underlying lesson - it's so comforting given the current COVID pandemic. The lesson is - sometimes you have to find the positive in a negative situation.

We enjoyed this book.

We received a copy of this book through Netgalley - all thoughts are my own.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit I fell a little in love with this book when Jeremy the cat declares dramatically “I am Cone Cat now ... I will never be the same.”

Cone cat presents the adorable antics of a cat stuck in the most unenviable position of having a cone around his head. The illustrations are fun, and I enjoyed watching Jeremy figure out the bright side of having a cone on his head.

This book seems likely to bring giggles, and is a fantastic addition to cat stories for children.

Thanks to NetGalley and OwlKids for a review copy of this book.

[Jessica (Spooky KidLit & We Who Walk Here, Walk Alone) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This humorous tale of a cat's misadventures with a cone shows kids that you can always make the best of a bad situation. One star removed from the rating for a fatphobic joke in the text.

[Kara Kvasnicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words and illustrations both hilarious. Cat lovers of all ages will appreciate. Would make for great read-aloud.

[Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A+++ and I’m not even a cat person.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So flippin' adorable.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny, thanks Bethany! Dare I say it was purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrfect!?

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeremy resents his cone, and little humans. But like any clever cat, he learns how to work the cone to his advantage.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

"...with all the grace of a fat squirrel," is how I shall live my life.
Seriously. This cat is such a mood.

A good story about learning to make the best of an icky situation.