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Kitty and Cat
Kitty & Cat: Opposites Attract
Meet Kitty! Kitty wants to play! Meet Cat. Cat just wants to nap. Bold, whimsical artwork and plenty of humor engage little ones in a sly and stylish introduction to opposites.
This deceptively simple concept book introduces readers to grumpy, old, exhausted Cat, who just wants to be left alone, and to happy, new, energetic Kitty, who longs to make friends. In a story told entirely through well-chosen pairs of opposites and drolly expressive artwork, author-illustrator Mirka Hokkanen manages to elevate the humble concept book into a true work of art—one that is bound to have readers giggling and crying for more!
This deceptively simple concept book introduces readers to grumpy, old, exhausted Cat, who just wants to be left alone, and to happy, new, energetic Kitty, who longs to make friends. In a story told entirely through well-chosen pairs of opposites and drolly expressive artwork, author-illustrator Mirka Hokkanen manages to elevate the humble concept book into a true work of art—one that is bound to have readers giggling and crying for more!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2023
4 people are currently reading
3222 people want to read
About the author
Mirka Hokkanen
13 books37 followersMirka Hokkanen is a Finnish-American author-illustrator of Mossy and Tweed, as well as the forthcoming Kitty and Cat series and Little Seasons series. Mirka works mainly in children's books, but also licenses her work, sells on Etsy and teaches on Skillshare. When not in her studio, she likes to knit, sew and explore the outdoors with her three kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 5, 2023
As very small children begin to explore the world around them and recognize the relationships between nouns; it is important to show them the meaning of ‘opposites’. This helps children gauge the opposite ends of a spectrum physically, psychologically and logically. What better way to showcase this lesson that with cats?! Especially for those cat-loving kiddos! Mirka Hokkanen does just that in, “Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract”.
“Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” is a simple, single-word picture book ideal for very young children telling the tale of an old, grumpy, slow-moving cat whose owners surprise him with a rambunctious, tiny, fun-loving kitten. “Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” uses illustrations to forward the plotline in which the cat and kitten eventually become friends. In fact, it is very sweet to watch the subtle softening of Cat’s attitude toward Kitty. Too bad (spoiler alert!) that the ending jacket surprises both of them with a puppy while they are sleeping!
The strength of “Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” are the charming illustrations (which are digitally produced and not hand drawn) as they truly aid children in being able to express what they think the ‘opposite’ will be not yet being able to read text. In fact, some of the terms chosen as ‘opposites’ are not the most common descriptor used (even for adults) so “Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” doubles as a vocabulary builder. Even if electronically produced, the images within “Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” are VERY accurate in feline facial expression and body movements; and is therefore realistic versus being a completely fictional fabrication.
“Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” is a simple, quick, cute and simultaneously educational picture book but it doesn’t completely stand out among the massive competition and is merely a solid ‘average’. Regardless, “Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” is suggested for very small children who favor cats.
“Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” is a simple, single-word picture book ideal for very young children telling the tale of an old, grumpy, slow-moving cat whose owners surprise him with a rambunctious, tiny, fun-loving kitten. “Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” uses illustrations to forward the plotline in which the cat and kitten eventually become friends. In fact, it is very sweet to watch the subtle softening of Cat’s attitude toward Kitty. Too bad (spoiler alert!) that the ending jacket surprises both of them with a puppy while they are sleeping!
The strength of “Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” are the charming illustrations (which are digitally produced and not hand drawn) as they truly aid children in being able to express what they think the ‘opposite’ will be not yet being able to read text. In fact, some of the terms chosen as ‘opposites’ are not the most common descriptor used (even for adults) so “Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” doubles as a vocabulary builder. Even if electronically produced, the images within “Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” are VERY accurate in feline facial expression and body movements; and is therefore realistic versus being a completely fictional fabrication.
“Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” is a simple, quick, cute and simultaneously educational picture book but it doesn’t completely stand out among the massive competition and is merely a solid ‘average’. Regardless, “Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract” is suggested for very small children who favor cats.
August 12, 2023
"Kitty & Cat: Opposites Attract" deserves all the stars! This book is a fantastic way to teach opposites and similarities while having a blast. The hilarious story of Kitty and Cat keeps my kid giggling, and I'm equally entertained. The vibrant illustrations make the concepts clear, and the bonding time is priceless. A must-read for families—it's both fun and educational!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 13, 2023
What a fun book about opposites! I love the humor and the cat and kitty characters. This is a laugh out loud book young kids will love and want to read again and again!
August 4, 2023
This is a GREAT one with opposites. And cats. It's such simple and minimal text but I get fun vibes from it. So I'm gonna try it.
April 19, 2023
First, this book is just delightful! The cats on the cover are irresistibly adorable. Second, each page has only one word, and its opposite is on the other side of the two page spread. It’s great for kids just learning sight words or for littles who want to memorize the text. Third, the charming illustrations all work with the words and concepts they’re paired with. There’s not a single miss.
Even before the words begin, enough is going on in the pictures that readers can ask “What do you see?” “What do you think is happening?” Once the text begins, readers will begin to notice that there are additional opposites happening. Not only is the big cat old and the little one new, one is black and one is white; they have circles around their eyes on opposite sides of their faces, one is enthusiastic about their meeting, the other is all ruffled and wary. This book will hold up to repeated readings, as there is more to discover each time.
This is a great choice for opposites storytime and for cat or pet storytime. Pair with Big Cat Little Cat by Elisha Cooper for families integrating a second pet into the household. It even could work for families getting ready to welcome a new baby, as there’s a lovely arc from resistance to love.
Even before the words begin, enough is going on in the pictures that readers can ask “What do you see?” “What do you think is happening?” Once the text begins, readers will begin to notice that there are additional opposites happening. Not only is the big cat old and the little one new, one is black and one is white; they have circles around their eyes on opposite sides of their faces, one is enthusiastic about their meeting, the other is all ruffled and wary. This book will hold up to repeated readings, as there is more to discover each time.
This is a great choice for opposites storytime and for cat or pet storytime. Pair with Big Cat Little Cat by Elisha Cooper for families integrating a second pet into the household. It even could work for families getting ready to welcome a new baby, as there’s a lovely arc from resistance to love.
August 6, 2023
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
Like many books about opposites, the plot on this in a bit slight. Cat is large, black, and grumpy, while Kitty is small, white, and energetic. Using just the opposite words, we see that Kitty is "new" while Cat is "old", and follow Cat's rocky path to accepting his new roomate. Kitty wants to get Cat's attention, so pounces on him and causes all kinds of havoc. Eventually, Cat manages to lure Kitty to the cat door, and pushes the newcomer outside. When it starts to rain, Cat feels somewhat guilty and goes to retrieve his charge, even drying him off. This softens him a bit, and as the two are settling back in and having their dinner, "apart" becomes "together", which is much nicer.
This is a highly amusing book because of the illustrations. Just take a look at what Hokkanen is able to do with minimal lines and simple colors. Cat is grumbly and cantakerous, while Kitty is sunshine and rainbows in a blender. There's a great picture of Cat surrounded by a cloud of red yarn, and a number of (one supposes) cat nip mice in bright colors that are the center of contention.
Similar in illustration style to Leonni's A Little Book About Opposites, this has a message akin to McMullan's As Warm as the Sun. It is also a bit like Twohy's Stop. Go. Yes. No., but that has a dog and a cat. Now that my daughter has a cat, I'm working on expanding my repetoire of cat picture books, and this will be at home with titles like George and Tao, Amari and Han's Happy Cats, and Maizes and Kramer's Atticus Catticus.
Like many books about opposites, the plot on this in a bit slight. Cat is large, black, and grumpy, while Kitty is small, white, and energetic. Using just the opposite words, we see that Kitty is "new" while Cat is "old", and follow Cat's rocky path to accepting his new roomate. Kitty wants to get Cat's attention, so pounces on him and causes all kinds of havoc. Eventually, Cat manages to lure Kitty to the cat door, and pushes the newcomer outside. When it starts to rain, Cat feels somewhat guilty and goes to retrieve his charge, even drying him off. This softens him a bit, and as the two are settling back in and having their dinner, "apart" becomes "together", which is much nicer.
This is a highly amusing book because of the illustrations. Just take a look at what Hokkanen is able to do with minimal lines and simple colors. Cat is grumbly and cantakerous, while Kitty is sunshine and rainbows in a blender. There's a great picture of Cat surrounded by a cloud of red yarn, and a number of (one supposes) cat nip mice in bright colors that are the center of contention.
Similar in illustration style to Leonni's A Little Book About Opposites, this has a message akin to McMullan's As Warm as the Sun. It is also a bit like Twohy's Stop. Go. Yes. No., but that has a dog and a cat. Now that my daughter has a cat, I'm working on expanding my repetoire of cat picture books, and this will be at home with titles like George and Tao, Amari and Han's Happy Cats, and Maizes and Kramer's Atticus Catticus.
August 12, 2023
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: https://bookreadingtic.com/2023/08/12... THANK YOU!
A New Family Member!
When an older grumpy cat, suddenly has a kitten come live with him, all kinds of things happen. The kitten’s high energy keeps the older one on his toes—when he can stay awake, that is!
As the new kitten invades his space, the grumpy cat has his tale bitten, and a fish bowl dumped on top of his head. Children will laugh at the things the little cat causes to happen to the big cat.
Just when it seems the big cat would be happy for this new cat to be gone, things change when the grumpy one takes mercy on the small one.
Youngsters will appreciate how things change between the two cats, and will love to hear the story. It is a good opportunity to point out that changes may not seem good at first, but sometimes things can get better than before if given the chance.
The wonderful illustrations, done by the author, make the five-star story even funnier. Over-sized and hard backed, this picture book will become a favorite of children aged two through six years old.
Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
A New Family Member!
When an older grumpy cat, suddenly has a kitten come live with him, all kinds of things happen. The kitten’s high energy keeps the older one on his toes—when he can stay awake, that is!
As the new kitten invades his space, the grumpy cat has his tale bitten, and a fish bowl dumped on top of his head. Children will laugh at the things the little cat causes to happen to the big cat.
Just when it seems the big cat would be happy for this new cat to be gone, things change when the grumpy one takes mercy on the small one.
Youngsters will appreciate how things change between the two cats, and will love to hear the story. It is a good opportunity to point out that changes may not seem good at first, but sometimes things can get better than before if given the chance.
The wonderful illustrations, done by the author, make the five-star story even funnier. Over-sized and hard backed, this picture book will become a favorite of children aged two through six years old.
Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
January 30, 2024
Fall in love with this pair of lovable cats. Cat is older; Kitty is brand new. Kitty wants to play, but Cat wants to laze the day away. Cat, the curmudgeon, puts up of Kitty, barely. Cat begins to seek out Kitty's adorable antics, watching as Kitty plays, secretly hoping for a chance to join in.
When Kitty gets outside in the rain, Cat rescues her, bringing her inside to get warm and dry. Early pages show Cat distancing herself from the new invader. Later pages, Cat relaxes, sharing her toys and even her food bowl!
Readers will learn opposites as the story progresses. Opposites include: old, new, over, under, energetic, exhausted and finally apart and together. A surprise endpaper of a new arrival will delight kid readers and shake up the entire household!
Highly, highly recommended for teaching opposites in a fun, sneaky way! Ages 18 months and older. Delightful illustrations are colorful and laugh out loud cute.
Likely to be awarded this season, Kitty & Cat is a must have, must read for every child!
When Kitty gets outside in the rain, Cat rescues her, bringing her inside to get warm and dry. Early pages show Cat distancing herself from the new invader. Later pages, Cat relaxes, sharing her toys and even her food bowl!
Readers will learn opposites as the story progresses. Opposites include: old, new, over, under, energetic, exhausted and finally apart and together. A surprise endpaper of a new arrival will delight kid readers and shake up the entire household!
Highly, highly recommended for teaching opposites in a fun, sneaky way! Ages 18 months and older. Delightful illustrations are colorful and laugh out loud cute.
Likely to be awarded this season, Kitty & Cat is a must have, must read for every child!
October 26, 2023
Kitty and Cat is a witty, fun, and simple review of opposites. Opposite books are as classic as the day is long, and I think this one tops those we can think of off-hand. Kitty is small and cute and new. Cat is old and grumpy and used to being in charge. They have a few tussles, with just the most darling illustrations, before they come to terms with one another. The book is incredibly word-light; just your simple opposite words. But the action of the pictures brings those words to life in a silly way kids love. Top hit here! Great, great surprise ending as well.
Read as a nomination in the Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
Read as a nomination in the Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
May 12, 2023
Received as a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to Goodreads, Mirka Hokkanen, and Candlewick Press.
This is a simple and fun picture book in which Hokkanen uses opposites to tell the story of an old grumpy cat and a playful new kitten and how they gradually learn to get along. The story line moves well through one word statements and colorful illustrations without feeling overtly educational.
Four stars instead of five because while it is a fun and enjoyable read there is not much to make it exceptionally memorable. I have no negative criticisms but as-is it is just another book on the children’s bookshelf.
Recommended especially if your little one loves cats and animals.
This is a simple and fun picture book in which Hokkanen uses opposites to tell the story of an old grumpy cat and a playful new kitten and how they gradually learn to get along. The story line moves well through one word statements and colorful illustrations without feeling overtly educational.
Four stars instead of five because while it is a fun and enjoyable read there is not much to make it exceptionally memorable. I have no negative criticisms but as-is it is just another book on the children’s bookshelf.
Recommended especially if your little one loves cats and animals.
June 24, 2023
I received this book as a gift.
Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract is so cute! I can't believe what the author/illustrator has accomplished.
The text is so light. And the illustrations tell the rest of the story.
The end page, is adorable to see what's coming next. I predict little kids will have so much fun with this book. They'll be able to master "reading" it because of the clues from the pictures—when I worked with children in reading, memorization helped kids' confidence to learn how to read by themselves.
This is a delightful and purrr-fect book to add to your collection.
I highly recommend this book!
Happy reading!
Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract is so cute! I can't believe what the author/illustrator has accomplished.
The text is so light. And the illustrations tell the rest of the story.
The end page, is adorable to see what's coming next. I predict little kids will have so much fun with this book. They'll be able to master "reading" it because of the clues from the pictures—when I worked with children in reading, memorization helped kids' confidence to learn how to read by themselves.
This is a delightful and purrr-fect book to add to your collection.
I highly recommend this book!
Happy reading!
July 11, 2023
First sentence: Old
new
big
little
grumpy
happy
energetic
exhausted
Premise/plot: The story is NOT lacking in this picture book starring two cats--an older cat and a kitten. Yes, the text is super-simple. But the illustrations are SO expressive, the story is communicated in just a few words per spread.
My thoughts: I loved this one so much. It may be one of my favorite picture books of the year--so far. I have a feeling that whatever book I nominate for Cybils this year, it will likely star a cat. I highly recommend this one to cat lovers of all ages!
new
big
little
grumpy
happy
energetic
exhausted
Premise/plot: The story is NOT lacking in this picture book starring two cats--an older cat and a kitten. Yes, the text is super-simple. But the illustrations are SO expressive, the story is communicated in just a few words per spread.
My thoughts: I loved this one so much. It may be one of my favorite picture books of the year--so far. I have a feeling that whatever book I nominate for Cybils this year, it will likely star a cat. I highly recommend this one to cat lovers of all ages!
April 18, 2025
Kitty and Cat Opposites Attract by Mirka Hokkanen is a clever book about opposites that feature an old grumpy cat and a new, lively kitten. The book is very simplistic in its execution, but so clever in how it executes very easy opposites. My 6-year-old son and I read this out loud to each other and we loved to see what the author would have the cats do next. It is a great way to teach and/or enforce opposites while being enjoyable. The illustrations and facial expressions are worth the whole book!
March 22, 2025
Told in just opposites, this book is really all about Mirka's illustrations. I loved Bent Out of Shape, but wish I read this one first to see how Kitty joins the family (and then seeing Puppy at the end). Simple but so funny (especially relatable if you have cats). Personal favorites: Cat falling asleep with their two fish toys in their mouth and the adoring look on Kitty's face when Cat carries them back in from being outside in the rain (even though Cat pushed them outside).
June 3, 2025
This is such a simple and clever premise! In this book, a grumpy old cat meets a new young cat. Every page displays a set of words that are opposites (i.e., up/down, full/empty, etc.) but with great comedic effect as cat shenanigans abound. While not exactly written like a story, the illustrations convey the character and story that pushes the reader through the book to find out what happens with these two. And it's hilarious!
March 15, 2023
These illustrations are spot on in conveying the personalities of Kitty and Cat. We love both of them. The opposite words are perfectly familiar and will excite beginning readers. It's amazing how just one word accompanied by wonderful illustrations can make a reader feel a certain way. Mirka nailed it.
April 14, 2023
Love the facial expressions on these 2 cats - hilarious and emotionally expressive. This is a charming and funny story that explores, through the concept of opposites, what happens when a curious and energetic kitten invades the home of a grumpy, elderly cat. Chaos ensues. Readers will laugh on every page as they wonder if these 2 will ever learn to get along.
June 27, 2023
Fun, comic-like illustrations with very very sparse text. I wish there was a bit more text to go along with the lovely story. Reading it aloud to littles, you'd need to fill in the blanks somewhat. Still, a sweet book!
Themes: cats, friendship, opposites
Ages: toddler - Kindergarten
Pub year: 2023
Themes: cats, friendship, opposites
Ages: toddler - Kindergarten
Pub year: 2023
November 29, 2023
This is the perfect book for younger readers. The words are sparse--just pairs of opposite words, but the illustrations show what they mean while telling a highly amusing story of an older cat and new kitten interacting with each other. It's very clever, and the illustrations are funny, adorable and expressive. Highly recommend!
November 19, 2024
Cute and simple. Some of the word pairing felt a little off, still accurate but not the first "opposite" I would think of, or are just bigger words than I would have used. Ex: Selfish vs Generous, generous feels like a big word for the age this is geared towards, I feel like Taking vs Giving may have fit the flow better.
March 1, 2023
Sooo cute! Young cat lovers will adore this clever book that teaches words with opposite meanings. The illustrations are so expressive. Love it! A great little book for kids just learning how to read.
April 22, 2023
A fun concept book introduces readers to a grumpy old Cat who just wants to be left alone, and to a happy, new, energetic Kitty, who longs to make friends in a story told entirely through well-chosen pairs of opposites and drolly expressive artwork.
May 30, 2023
Though a bit clichéd in both the concepts of opposites and kitties, little ones will get a kick out of the cats' antics as they demonstrate opposites. Probably better as a lap-sit or bedtime book for two. The illustrations are cute too.
May 30, 2023
Reminds me of the Caldecott Honor book, Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper, only Kitty & Cat relies more heavily on the illustrations to tell the story. Great concept book for teaching opposites to our youngest readers while maintaining a sweet storyline.
June 2, 2023
Mirka Hokkanen's cute, expressive cat characters grow on you page by page. She brilliantly makes the simple concept of opposites entertaining and fun, with a theme of family and friendship. Be sure to read to the end!
June 3, 2023
I wish I had this book of opposites when my kids were little. This will definitely be an option for baby shower gifts. What I like about it is not just the fun, but the emotion it evokes! What adorable illustrations as well.
June 4, 2023
The reigning cat of the house is not amused when a new kitten arrives! A cute book for younger readers, the story is told one word at a time, as we watch two opposite personalities clash - and eventually come together.
But, wait - who is this third guest at the end of the book??
But, wait - who is this third guest at the end of the book??
June 18, 2023
Each example in this picture book is told with one word and the opposite of it, all being depicted in fun illustrations. A kitten is brought into a home where an old cat lives and who is very displeased with this animal coming into its domain. The cat and kitten are quite opposite to each other at first. So cute with a surprise and funny ending.
August 8, 2023
A laugh-out-loud picture book "purr-fect" for introducing the concept of "opposites."
Publication Date: 2023
Format: Picture book
Elements: Limited text per page; each "spread" features a pair of opposites being depicted by cat/kitty
Connection/Topics: Opposites; kittens/cat; humor; predicting
Publication Date: 2023
Format: Picture book
Elements: Limited text per page; each "spread" features a pair of opposites being depicted by cat/kitty
Connection/Topics: Opposites; kittens/cat; humor; predicting
January 23, 2024
A super cute book to help little ones understand opposites. The illustrations perfectly depict the shenanigans between the older tired cat, Grumpy, and the new and adventurous Kitten. This is a sweet read for littles and oldies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews