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Paris Cat
A sassy cat from the back alleys of Paris believes she is quite different to the rest of the rabble. She can do anything she sets her mind to – even if others don’t think so. Leaving her cat family behind, she sets off to explore Paris. Cat meets legendary singer Edith Piaf, creates her own stunning designs at a high-fashion atelier and dances with the infamous dancer Josephine Baker and her cheetah. But is this the life she really wants? What about her friends and family?
24 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 20, 2021
A story about a Paris cat set in the 1920s. The cat in this story goes from poverty to fame by becoming part of an act with Josephine Baker. Although some notes on the back page mention some of the wonderful things Josephine achieved the story only shows her wearing next to nothing in her famous banana skirt. A pity the story didn’t focus on any of her other achievements.
The illustrations were okay, mono-print collage and pencil drawings, faux naive, nothing new and the story felt forced.
The illustrations were okay, mono-print collage and pencil drawings, faux naive, nothing new and the story felt forced.
October 18, 2020
Paris Cat is born in a dirty alleyway where her cat relations eat fish bones. She runs into a dressmaker's shop to get out of the rain, and begins sewing her own wardrobe from the fabric scraps. She visits a theater and dances onstage with Josephine Baker (who is a famous erotic dancer from history known for her skimpy costumes) and Chiquita the leopard. Eventually, she opens her own dancing club and cafe where her cat family and friends can benefit from her fabulous fashion creations and jazz music.
The reason for my low rating is the inclusion of Josephine Baker in this book in her skimpy costume. Paris Cat joins Josephine onstage for some erotic dancing in very revealing clothing. I understand that Josephine Baker was a wonderful civil rights activist who even spoke alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., and she was part of the French resistance during WWII. She adopted 12 children because she had such a difficult childhood herself.
I mean, this is a person with a ton of good qualities that could have been highlighted in this children's book, but instead we see her dancing on stage in an erotic costume. Why would you feature that part of her life in a children's book? They barely mention the other amazing things she did in a blurb at the back of the book.
I just can't understand the twisted lack of morality that would put this aspect of Josephine Baker's career forward for children to learn about in such an inappropriate way. I really wish that they had included this historical figure in some other capacity other than erotic dancing.
I love that Paris Cat is determined and resourceful to build a new life for herself away from the old alley. She sees other people creating something or dancing or singing, and she decides that she can do it too. I love how confident she is in her own abilities, and she's willing to work hard to achieve her dreams.
I'm not sure that I'm a fan of this art style. It's a little too messy and garish for me. Everyone's eyes are so dark, and every feature is exaggerated in a weird way. I know that is the style, but it's not my cup of tea. The art is consistent and has a professional polish. It's obviously well done, but it's not my personal favorite.
I'm very disappointed in this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
The reason for my low rating is the inclusion of Josephine Baker in this book in her skimpy costume. Paris Cat joins Josephine onstage for some erotic dancing in very revealing clothing. I understand that Josephine Baker was a wonderful civil rights activist who even spoke alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., and she was part of the French resistance during WWII. She adopted 12 children because she had such a difficult childhood herself.
I mean, this is a person with a ton of good qualities that could have been highlighted in this children's book, but instead we see her dancing on stage in an erotic costume. Why would you feature that part of her life in a children's book? They barely mention the other amazing things she did in a blurb at the back of the book.
I just can't understand the twisted lack of morality that would put this aspect of Josephine Baker's career forward for children to learn about in such an inappropriate way. I really wish that they had included this historical figure in some other capacity other than erotic dancing.
I love that Paris Cat is determined and resourceful to build a new life for herself away from the old alley. She sees other people creating something or dancing or singing, and she decides that she can do it too. I love how confident she is in her own abilities, and she's willing to work hard to achieve her dreams.
I'm not sure that I'm a fan of this art style. It's a little too messy and garish for me. Everyone's eyes are so dark, and every feature is exaggerated in a weird way. I know that is the style, but it's not my cup of tea. The art is consistent and has a professional polish. It's obviously well done, but it's not my personal favorite.
I'm very disappointed in this book.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
November 19, 2020
From the beautiful collagic endpapers showing a map of 1920s Paris to the final double-page spread of Madame Kitty leaping off on a new venture, Paris Cat is bursting with the bustle of Parisian life from a cat’s-eye view.
Tired of haunting the alleys with the family horde of cats, Cat decides it’s time to move on and discover her calling in life. Her first stop is the ‘Café de Paris’ in which she espies none other than Edith Piaf singing to an audience. But a life of singing, as Cat discovers, is not for her.
With the rain pelting down, she finds solace in the home of a seamstress and suddenly there is a spark of recognition: perhaps she can create a dress from discarded fabrics and a new persona. ‘Dressed to the nines’, Cat makes her way out onto the streets once more and joins Josephine Baker and her cheetah for a dance on the stage. Here, Cat becomes an overnight success.
Not content with fame though, Madame Kitty reflects on her family and wants them to enjoy her successes too so she opens up her own nightclub at the very spot in which she started. Whilst friends and family dance and wail the night away, Cat leaps off at the close - heading towards a new adventure.
Part introduction to Piaf and Baker (with useful biographies in the back) and part fun kitty frolic through the streets of 1920s Paris, Hofmeyr’s light, poetic prose skips through the streets with some humorous refrains whilst Grobler’s cut-out art style presents a sharp, alluring sense of Paris’ catacombs and heady entertainments. A frolicsome sense of fun and delight.
Tired of haunting the alleys with the family horde of cats, Cat decides it’s time to move on and discover her calling in life. Her first stop is the ‘Café de Paris’ in which she espies none other than Edith Piaf singing to an audience. But a life of singing, as Cat discovers, is not for her.
With the rain pelting down, she finds solace in the home of a seamstress and suddenly there is a spark of recognition: perhaps she can create a dress from discarded fabrics and a new persona. ‘Dressed to the nines’, Cat makes her way out onto the streets once more and joins Josephine Baker and her cheetah for a dance on the stage. Here, Cat becomes an overnight success.
Not content with fame though, Madame Kitty reflects on her family and wants them to enjoy her successes too so she opens up her own nightclub at the very spot in which she started. Whilst friends and family dance and wail the night away, Cat leaps off at the close - heading towards a new adventure.
Part introduction to Piaf and Baker (with useful biographies in the back) and part fun kitty frolic through the streets of 1920s Paris, Hofmeyr’s light, poetic prose skips through the streets with some humorous refrains whilst Grobler’s cut-out art style presents a sharp, alluring sense of Paris’ catacombs and heady entertainments. A frolicsome sense of fun and delight.
November 25, 2020
Cat is tired of her life living in a narrow, smelly alleyway behind the fishmonger's stall. She wants to see more of Paris. Off she goes to sing with Edith Pilaf (unsuccessful), to make clothes with Madame Delphine (more successful), and to dance with Josephine Baker (very successful).
A fun Paris story.
A fun Paris story.
October 9, 2020
This was kind of a weird story. The pacing was off. The cat was boastful and a little unlike able. I did like that it includes famous Parisians, Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker. There is even some back matter about them. However there is quite a risqué picture of Josephine in this book considering it’s for children. I think I’ll pass on purchasing this for my school’s collection.
February 9, 2021
Can't figure out the target audience for this one and didn't love the portrayal of some notable women (Edith Piaf, Josephine Baker).
August 14, 2020
Cat, born in a Paris alley, reminds me of many free-spirited humans who aren't content with staying in place and who yearn for adventure. She heads out into the world and starts singing her own song outside a cafe, and then when her vocals aren't appreciated by the patrons, Cat seeks refuge among the discarded fabrics belonging to a seamstress. She fashions some glittery duds from the remains, and joins Josephine Baker and her cheetah, Chiquita, onstage, to great acclaim. Eventually, she misses her family and starts her own nightclub with them. Although this story is a bit strange, I enjoyed the illustrations and the costumes designed by that clever Cat. Back matter includes information about the two famous individuals from the Paris scene who are mentioned in the book. Who knows what talents might be hidden in those felines that live with some of us?
April 26, 2021
#kietsinparys - Dianne Hofmeyr & Piet Grobler
#Lapa
Kiets is ‘n straatkat in Parys met groot drome en geen gebrek aan verbeelding en innovasie nie. En as sy eers: ‘Pffff!’ lug by die kant van haar bek uitblaas, kan niks en niemand haar stuit nie. In hierdie lieflike boek vir die kleintjies word Kiets se merkwaardige verhaal vertel; van ‘n straatkat tot ‘n deftig aangetrekte (klere uit Madame Delphine se eksotiese klerewinkel) danseres (saam met die befaamde Josephine Baker) en sangeres (saam met die beroemde Èdith Piaf). Lees gerus hierdie boek om uit te vind hoe dit gebeur het.
Die boek is in Afrikaans vertaal deur Nandi Lessing-Venter en die illustrasies, deur die bekende Piet Grobler, is elkeen ‘n mini-kunswerk. Dis ‘n pragtige kinderboek en verdien 5 sterre.
#Uitdieperdsebek
#Lapa
Kiets is ‘n straatkat in Parys met groot drome en geen gebrek aan verbeelding en innovasie nie. En as sy eers: ‘Pffff!’ lug by die kant van haar bek uitblaas, kan niks en niemand haar stuit nie. In hierdie lieflike boek vir die kleintjies word Kiets se merkwaardige verhaal vertel; van ‘n straatkat tot ‘n deftig aangetrekte (klere uit Madame Delphine se eksotiese klerewinkel) danseres (saam met die befaamde Josephine Baker) en sangeres (saam met die beroemde Èdith Piaf). Lees gerus hierdie boek om uit te vind hoe dit gebeur het.
Die boek is in Afrikaans vertaal deur Nandi Lessing-Venter en die illustrasies, deur die bekende Piet Grobler, is elkeen ‘n mini-kunswerk. Dis ‘n pragtige kinderboek en verdien 5 sterre.
#Uitdieperdsebek
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February 22, 2021See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...
PARIS CAT is an imaginative picture book about a cat that lives in an alleyway of Paris but dreams of something more. She tries singing, but that only gets her kicked out. When she stumbles into a seamstress's shop, she learns how to make fanciful clothes, making herself an outfit out of fabric scraps. She then goes to dance onstage with Josephine Baker and her cheetah, starting a career that makes people seek out the Paris Cat. She ultimately returns to her roots with the dancing and costumes.
What I loved: This is quite the imaginative story, and there are a lot of interesting details in the book. Perhaps the most interesting is the context at the end about who the singer, Edith Piaf, and Josephine were and their roles in history. They are much more than what we see in their brief interludes in the book.
What left me wanting more: I would have liked more about these historical figures and more than their performing to be in the book, perhaps with a nod to their wartime contributions. I think the story could have been expanded to include more, but it really only presents them as entertainers. As a small point, the story also reads a bit awkwardly in places.
Final verdict: PARIS CAT is an imaginative picture book about a cat who finds a place in entertainment. The historical context at the end is intriguing and could spark an additional lesson in these interesting individuals.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
PARIS CAT is an imaginative picture book about a cat that lives in an alleyway of Paris but dreams of something more. She tries singing, but that only gets her kicked out. When she stumbles into a seamstress's shop, she learns how to make fanciful clothes, making herself an outfit out of fabric scraps. She then goes to dance onstage with Josephine Baker and her cheetah, starting a career that makes people seek out the Paris Cat. She ultimately returns to her roots with the dancing and costumes.
What I loved: This is quite the imaginative story, and there are a lot of interesting details in the book. Perhaps the most interesting is the context at the end about who the singer, Edith Piaf, and Josephine were and their roles in history. They are much more than what we see in their brief interludes in the book.
What left me wanting more: I would have liked more about these historical figures and more than their performing to be in the book, perhaps with a nod to their wartime contributions. I think the story could have been expanded to include more, but it really only presents them as entertainers. As a small point, the story also reads a bit awkwardly in places.
Final verdict: PARIS CAT is an imaginative picture book about a cat who finds a place in entertainment. The historical context at the end is intriguing and could spark an additional lesson in these interesting individuals.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
November 27, 2020
I can think of several cat-lovers and Francophiles who will adore this book, but otherwise the audience for it feels a bit unclear. Cat's lively personality and talent would appeal to younger audiences, but the complexity of plot, embedded nonfiction references, and alley-cat troupe seems better suited to older readers. This reminds me more of CATS, the musical. No doubt it will find its fans, and the execution of both text and illustration deserve a close look.
October 26, 2020
Odd story about a sassy alley who meets singer Edith Piaf and dances with Josephine Baker and her cheetah.
November 1, 2020
Very Parisienne.
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November 28, 2020journey of an alley cat through Paris
at the beginning of the 20th century.
Fun story and lively illustrations!
at the beginning of the 20th century.
Fun story and lively illustrations!
December 22, 2020
Cute kids story about an ambitious, restless cat living in Paris. Great way to introduce kids to some Parisian icons.
June 29, 2021
This is a fun picture book that also gives a nod to Josephine Baker and Edith Piaf.
August 8, 2025
Sometimes I enjoy perusing the children’s books at the public library, and this one caught my eye, since I like cats and dream of visiting Paris. The book was pretty cute!
April 23, 2021
Dis net lekker om soms weer kind te kan wees... Al is dit wanneer jy 'n kinderboek lees.
Hierdie boek het my aandag getrek want dit het 2 van my absolute gunstelinge: katte en Paris.
'n Oulike storie met bietjie geskiedenis daar agter.
Hierdie boek het my aandag getrek want dit het 2 van my absolute gunstelinge: katte en Paris.
'n Oulike storie met bietjie geskiedenis daar agter.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews