M is for Meow: A Cat Alphabet

Sleeping Bear Alphabets

by Helen L. Wilbur, Robert Papp (Illustrator)

From saber-toothed to tabby, cats have had a prominent place in human history, society, and hearts. Now cat lovers of all ages can discover what's lurking behind kitty's twitching tail and bewitching eyes in M is for Meow: A Cat Alphabet. Beginning readers enjoy the simple rhymes, while older children discover facts about each letter topic in the accompanying sidebar expository. M is for Meow Feed me, pet me, come and play. Let me out, please go away! A cat fits all these thoughts somehow into the tiny word MEOW! General topics such as breeds, behavior, and cat care alternate with charming anecdotal entries. Lavish paintings of cat and owner appeal to enthusiasts of all ages. A back section on cat stats and feline facts provides even more information for pet owners.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Animals, Nonfiction, Childrens

34 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of numerous themed alphabet-books put out by the publisher Sleeping Bear Press, M Is for Meow is a celebration of all things feline, with a dual narrative meant to appeal to both younger and older children. Each letter in the alphabet is accompanied by a simple rhyme in the center of the page (or two-page spread, as the case may be), as well as by a side-panel containing more detailed, factual information about whatever term is being presented: "G is for Grooming," "W is for Whiskers," and so on.

As a confirmed cat-lover, I fully expected to appreciate M Is for Meow more than I did. Of course, I did find the side panels very informative, discovering some things - like the fact that each cat's nose forms a unique pattern, much like human fingerprints - that were new to me. The illustrations, done by Robert Papp, were simply adorable! But the rhymes themselves were rather lackluster, and the organization of the factual information (as interesting as it was) felt rather random to me. I honestly don't see this one working very well, as an alphabet book, and think it has some flaws, as an informational book. Still, children who are getting a pet cat for the first time might appreciate the information, despite its organizational issues, and it is primarily to them, and to cat-lovers, that I would recommend the book.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous and wonderfully informative book. It’s a must read for all cat lovers and should be read by anyone with a cat in their lives.

Yes, it’s an alphabet book and each letter has an associated rhyme, but this is not a book for preschoolers. I’d say it’s ideal for 9 to 12 year olds and adults can enjoy it too. Younger children can enjoy the pictures and, if they’re very interested in cats, will be fascinated by some of the information, but most kids won’t fully appreciate it until they’re 8 or 9, I don’t think.

I learned so much about all kinds of cats and the information is provided in a very entertaining way.

There were one or two facts that I questioned, but overall the information is so good and the illustrations are so fabulous and, most importantly, I’ve never seen this subject covered better in any other children’s picture book; hence, the 5 stars.

It’s beautiful enough to be a coffee table book, yet this was another book that needed the illustrator added to the Goodreads database. Too bad that’s such a frequent situation with children’s picture books.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Five stars might be a bit generous because, to be honest, a few times the rhymes don't flow perfectly, but I really didn't care :-) I think this book would be an utter delight for cat-lovers and an excellent introduction to cats for youngsters new to being ruled by cats--ahem, I mean, cat ownership. The illustrations are absolutely marvelous--beautiful and realistic and luminous and yet also just so gosh darn cute. The alphabet portion of the book could be read to young children as you go from A-Z with various aspects about cats, from "Ancient Cats" (sabertooth tiger, etc.) to "ZZZZ" (sleepy cats!) told in four rhyming lines. The majority of the book, however, is much heftier and more suited to older children as, in columns on the sides of the main page spread (poem/illustration) you'll find lots of information on the topic at hand, ranging from cat care to history of cats to famous cats in literature and as muses. There's also a delightful two page spread at the end of the book with various cat factoids. Some readers might not like the fact that the illustrations sometimes include happy cats out of doors although the author advocates (but does not insist upon) keeping cats indoors. However, I think most cat lovers will love this gem! :-)

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must have a copy of this book! The illustrations are beautiful, and the information is entertaining. I didn't know that cats have 12 whiskers in 3 rows of four on each side of their nose. I checked-- it's true! Also, this is the first cat book I've come across that says that punishment for being naughty does absolutely nothing. That's right-- no point in yelling when they break something-- the world is their playground! A must read for cat lovers.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

my kids love the illustrations for this one. We check it out from the library all the time

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming, lovingly illustrated, and educational kids' nonfiction book that provides information on multiple aspects of cats and their lives: from their wild cousins to their history alongside human society to their care in modern homes. Like many other books in this series, younger kids may just focus on the rhyming alphabet aspect, while older ones will likely gravitate to the wordier, in-depth sections on the sidebars.

[Cheryl]

The informational text is too long for me, and of course I know most of it already as I'm half a century older than the target audience. The verses, for the even younger children, didn't wow me. The art is beautiful.

Skimmed Feb. 2022

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book about cats.

[wildct2003 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the easy text and looked at the photos. Worth a look.

[collbrarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Illustrations are lovely, and I like that there are high-low text options on each page. However, even the higher text options are just so wordy for a book that is this format.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since we are a family of cat enthusiasts, this alphabet book was popular with everyone at our house (including the feline members). One of the great aspects of this alphabet book is its ability to grow with a child. The main part of each page of the book highlights a letter of the alphabet with sweet rhyming lines -- perfect for toddlers and early readers. Coupled with this is a sidebar containing much more detailed information about cats which will intrigue older readers.

published 2007; Concept Book

[Wrigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way the words were written was really entrancing.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABCs and cats - adorable illustrations

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

My six-year-old daughter loves this book...she's a big fan of cats. Lovely illustrations.