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The Backward Kitty
It's Halloween week, and odd things are happening. Big the Barn Cat takes his role on the W's farm very seriously, making sure everything runs smoothly and goes according to plan. But things don't always go according to plan... When Big unexpectedly meets a shadowy kitty under his favorite bench on the porch and the stranger doesn't know any of the answers to his important questions, Big takes it upon himself to learn where the kitty came from and get him home. While Big wants to help the new cat out, his top priority is still to his family and their farm, and someone has been spreading rumors that the farm is on the verge of starvation. Halloween – is it frivolous fun, or a massive cover-up?
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 28, 2021
Big (Beeg), a farm cat, finds an unsheltered cat with no name taking shelter on the farm. The story is told where both felines discover different life paths as the learn about themselves and each other. This is a good book for early readers from 2 or 3 grade on up to 7th for struggling readers. Cat lovers especially might enjoy seeing beloved animals personified. It would also be a book that can be read to younger children who have progressed to chapter books at bedtime/storytime/reading time.
March 1, 2025
In our house all three children love cats. Big and Skiziks' antics brought many giggles and left them wanting more. Fred may have actually been the favorite character because my kiddos also have fond memories of catching wooly bear caterpillars with friends. We appreciate books with silly characters that make us giggle and this one does that!
September 3, 2020
I’m not the target demographic for The Backward Kitty, but this was a cute story and good fun! It had a similar feel to Hank the Cowdog, which really only helped its appeal, in my mind.
There were a couple of points where the narrator, Big, was tricky to follow, and at least one interesting thing that was set up wasn’t followed through on (maybe it’ll be covered in the sequels?), but it was otherwise easy to read, laid back, full of personality, and perfect for kiddos.
The cover art is beautiful, and the illustrations laced throughout the story and chapter headings are similarly fun. I wish they would have been colorized because they’re so cute!
The cats’ names were unique and charming. I’d have to say Fred was my favorite character; he was delightful! And the extras were a brilliant addition/follow up to the book itself. I can see this being a book that children will grow up with and hold fondly in their memories.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
There were a couple of points where the narrator, Big, was tricky to follow, and at least one interesting thing that was set up wasn’t followed through on (maybe it’ll be covered in the sequels?), but it was otherwise easy to read, laid back, full of personality, and perfect for kiddos.
The cover art is beautiful, and the illustrations laced throughout the story and chapter headings are similarly fun. I wish they would have been colorized because they’re so cute!
The cats’ names were unique and charming. I’d have to say Fred was my favorite character; he was delightful! And the extras were a brilliant addition/follow up to the book itself. I can see this being a book that children will grow up with and hold fondly in their memories.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
December 17, 2023
Cute story told by Big the cat who has an upper level job on his family's farm. It is cute how a pet could assess what the farm owners need or why the humans are doing the things they do. Halloween offers questions that Big needs to answer. A newcomer, a stray with memory issues gives Big extra issues to deal with.
I would recommend this for a young reader who has advanced to chapter books or for an adult to read to children. I love that the author is Big's girl in real life.
I would recommend this for a young reader who has advanced to chapter books or for an adult to read to children. I love that the author is Big's girl in real life.
September 22, 2023
Big the Barn Cat: The Backward Kitty was so fun!
It gave me a lot of nostalgic, Hank the Cowdog vibes- only with cats. I listened to the audiobook, and I thought the narrations were very well done with multiple actors and even a few songs. It was an easy listen and perfect for Autumn reads and Halloween moods.
Recommend to young readers who love animals!
It gave me a lot of nostalgic, Hank the Cowdog vibes- only with cats. I listened to the audiobook, and I thought the narrations were very well done with multiple actors and even a few songs. It was an easy listen and perfect for Autumn reads and Halloween moods.
Recommend to young readers who love animals!
April 29, 2021
A quick read, told in the view point of a cat. Cute and easy read, probably made for a children’s book. Maybe even a family read together!
September 23, 2021
This book is so cute!
March 18, 2022
A great book series for young readers who like cats, big personalities, and farm adventures. Definitely recommend!
January 5, 2023
Enjoyed this easy read for a change. Of course I love Cats. Recommend for parents of young children
September 25, 2020
The Backward Kitty is an adorable book! It's written from the perspective of Big the barn cat. This kitty's tone of storytelling is filled with curiosity and really feels like it is something a cat would be thinking. The Fall theme makes this book extra cozy. Though it is targeted at a younger audience, I still loved it as an adult. It is full of fun, wit, a few songs, and hospitality. It is a 100% clean read as well. I highly recommend reading this kitty's tale. Trista Shaye is a talented author. I was not disappointed in the slightest.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews