Flat Cat

Flat Cat #1

by Tara Lazar, Pete Oswald (Illustrator)

From Pete Oswald, New York Times bestselling illustrator of the Bad Seed series, and Tara Lazar, critically acclaimed author of 7 Ate 9, comes Flat Cat, the story of a cool cat who learns that sometimes life is about finding the best of both worlds.

Flat Cat was born flat. He wasn't squashed by an out-of-control ice cream truck, or smushed in a waffle iron. He was just flat. This slick, sly cat could stray and roam anywhere he pleased, keen and unseen. And wouldn't you know it, Flat Cat liked it just like that.

That is until one day, when Flat Cat accidentally fell splish splosh right in the wash. And when he emerged from the dryer, Flat Cat wasn't flat at all. He was adorably puffy and downright fluffy!

From acclaimed author Tara Lazar and brought to life by New York Times bestselling illustrator Pete Oswald, this is a hilariously quirky and irreverent story that is sure to appeal to fans of Pete the Cat!

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

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 19, 2023

About the author

Street magic performer. Award-winning ice sculptor. Hog-calling champion. These are all things Tara Lazar has never been. Instead, she writes stories for children featuring quirky characters and hilarious happenings. Tara writes the 7 ATE 9 series of picture books from Little Brown, illustrated by Ross MacDonald. Her next book is BLOOP, about an alien who comes to conquer earth but thinks the dogs are in charge! Tara lives in New Jersey with her husband, two daughters, and an adopted stray cat named Phoebe who thinks she is in charge of the planet. Visit Tara online to read about all her books at taralazar.com.

Reviews

[Joe Krakovsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

FLAT CAT is not our dearly departed on the side of the roadway, but a reference of such is mentioned on one page. Though I thought the picture was a bit humorous at first, the happiness left me when I remembered past furry friends who were run over by speeding idiots who had no business behind the wheel. Here in the US, any village idiot whose feet can reach the petals is allowed to get behind the wheel of a deadly weapon.

Okay, climbing down off my soapbox I will try to be more objective. Flat Cat is about a cat that was born flat and not run over by an ice cream truck among other things. Bear in mind that anything is possible in the cartoon world. The book explains why he was happy as such. For instance he could slip out the door whenever he felt like it. Then one day he ended up in the washer, and then the drier, and when he came out the static cling made his hair stand out so now he is a fat, fluffy cat who gets lots of hugs, until Aunt Harriet with her big rear end sits on him. Now he is flat again.

This book, like others based on various cats, is naturally a kids' book. The pictures are simple but illustrate the story well. It would be a good book to read to a little one before bed. However, I would avoid this one if the child had lost a pet due to being run over. Heck, that bothered me and I am old enough to read it by myself.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes we are just born certain ways, and we are comfortable, just the way we are – perfectly flat. But then what happens when we accidently tumble into the dryer and come out fat and puffy?

Can we be comfortable with our new look? Where everyone thought he was cute and cuddly?

What was the best way to be?

Well, maybe it was whatever felt best to Flat Cat. What do you think?

Loving ourselves as we are is a great discussion to have with kids, and this book is a good conversation starter.

Reading Level: Age 3 – 7 – Grade Pre-school – 2nd

[Blanco Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an adorable, puffy, furry, fuzzy-wuzzy feline, I related all too well to Flat Cat's distress at being manhandled, hugged and squeezed.
I enjoyed the descriptive language.
I also liked the bit of a Whoopie Cushion joke about half-way through, and I have a feeling that my young (4.5 year old) human did too.
(He did not read Flat Cat in my presence, but several hours later, Flat Cat made an appearance in our imaginary play.)

I will end with a trigger warning that two other reviewers mentioned: on the second page there is a drawing that Flat Cat was not squashed by an out-of-control ice cream truck - that would be horrifying for any reader who had actually experienced the loss of an animal in that manner, and my heart hurts just to think about it.

The second reviewer mentioned that taking a tumble in the dryer would be fatal to a feline. Parents or anyone reading this to young people, please let them know not to try this at home. Young humans are inquisitive sponges.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. It was cute and very different. I can see the funny side of it. The illustrations are adorable throughout and it definitely has a few good laugh moments. However, I can't unsee the dangerous side of it either. Perhaps it is working with children for almost 20 years or being a parent myself, I can just see a curious kid tossing his/her live animal in the washing machine. They are just so dangerous, especially to littles. I can also see how it could be triggering to some kids that have had their beloved pet run over or "flattened" somehow.

[sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was so happy to accompany flat cat on this journey !

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trigger warning! Anyone who has suffered the agony of having a beloved pet hit by a car or tumble dried might not want to turn the first page to see how many ways a cat can be squashed, smushed, splatted, or otherwise flattened, especially when that loss is treated as silly shtick. Unfortunate illustrations.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Was already smiling on page 1, then laughs soon followed. So fun to read aloud. Like most of Tara’s wonderful picture books, FLAT CAT is choc full of word play and humorous silliness, but at heart it’s a story about finding the best of both worlds and that it’s okay to change your mind.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flat Cat is a cool cat who loves his life until, one day, the washing machine happens and, POOF, he's flat no more! Kids will love this hilarious book. It's lines work when read aloud and the illustrations add another layer of fun.

A must-have for anyone who loves lol humor. The Aunt Harriet section is my favorite.

Your elementary school teacher will thank you if you buy them this book for their classroom library.

[Julia Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book as a way to introduce the elements of art of shape and form, to my Kinder-2nd students! My middle schoolers also enjoyed it as a review of those elements! I read it to them on Halloween as they worked on projects.

It’s so cute!

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny book about a cat that is flat. Best as a one-on-one story due to small illustrations.

[Jessica Calaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 - 7 years

[Alison]

A preschool favorite!

[Kallen Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you’re comfortable in your own skin but learn to accept yourself outside of those comfortable boundaries can be even better than we expect!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious and fun to read aloud. This slick, sly, cool flat cat will win you over. Rhyming text and gently humorous illustrations make for a killer story time read. Very rad.

[Kelly]

This is really cute! I love that the cat starts flat and then it makes a big deal of it getting all poofy and in the end it wants to be a more typical cat, getting lots of love.

[정예빈 (Jinny) · Rating 2 out of 5]

ภาพมันก็น่ารักอยู่หรอก แต่กลัวจะมีคนเอาไปทำตามจริง ๆ เช่นเอาน้องเข้าเครื่องซักผ้างี้ 😭

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Flat Cat" by Tara Lazar is an amazing book about a cat named Flat Cat who was born flat, not squished by an ice cream truck or a waffle maker. He loves being flat because he can slip and slide everywhere. But one day, he takes a nap in the washer, and when he comes out, he's all puffy and fat! Now he can't slide under underwears or go through doors. He can't even drift or blend in.

At first, it's annoying because everyone wants to hug him, especially Aunt Harriet. But then he starts to like it a bit. One day, Aunt Harriet accidentally sits on him, and he becomes flat again. Then he realizes he likes being noticed and having a rosy feeling. So, he goes back to the washer because he enjoys being slick.

Aunt Harriet visits often because she likes Flat Cat being flat, but he likes being slick. The story teaches us that sometimes the way we are or the things we do might be good, but trying new things can lead to something even better. Flat Cat didn't like being puffy at first, but now he enjoys being slick. It's a fun and interesting book that reminds us to be open to new experiences because you never know what you might enjoy in the end.

Check out my full review of this book on my YouTube channel. It's got everything you need to know about this amazing read.
https://youtu.be/76iQiVggjSk?si=Rdo7l...

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Flat Cat was born flat. He wasn't squashed by an out-of-control ice cream truck. He wasn't smushed in a waffle iron by a sleepy short-order cook. He was just flat. Flat as a welcome mat, flat as splashed splat. And wouldn't you know it, Flat Cat liked it just like that.

Premise/plot: Flat Cat loves being flat. This is the story of how Flat Cat became un-flat and rather FAT. Can Flat Cat learn to see some positives at least from being fat and fluffy? Or is the Flat Cat lifestyle the best way to do life?

My thoughts: This was an odd book. Obviously. That almost goes without saying. Cats aren't really all that flat--naturally. The book is silly enough and it could prove appealing. It wasn't quite my cup of tea.

[Queenie Gultia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A silly and funny book about a cat who was born flat. When he was flat he was more autonomous with other not bothering him. However, one day he got inside a washer and turned all fluffy. People eventually started to pet and hug the not so flat cat. Flat cat was not used to so much touching that they tried various ways to become flat once more. When they did become flat, Flat cat missed the touch of affection from people. He eventually went back to being fluffy since he now knew how to be fluffy and flat depending on his mood.

The book is a great illustration for both children and adult how there can be times we want to be left alone and other times how we also crave for human connection and affection. It is not wrong to want both. There are days we want to be Flat cat and other days we want to be Fluffy cat.

[Shelly Gordon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sad that I did not care for this story. I really wanted to. However, the idea that someone would take a "live" cat and put it in the washer and dryer to "puff" it up is disturbing. I know it is intended as good fun- however, sadly there is a story of a friend who had this happen- their kitten got in the dryer without their knowledge. Guess what happened? The worst possible scenario. My inclination (as a parent and teacher) is that kids will think it is ok and funny to do this with their own pets. I cannot read this to my students in good conscience. Also, the fact that every time I do, I would be thinking about that poor kitten. I wish this had been a stuffed animal cat and not a real one. Sorry Tara and Pete. I normally love your work, but this misses the mark.

[Amy Dalin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flat Cat is a cat that was born as flat as a mat. Flat Cat loves to be flat and loved using his flatness to his advantage. Until one day he gets put into a dryer and fluffed up. Flat cat was no longer flat! Flat Cat could not do any of the special things he could do before and that made him very upset. Instead of being invisible, people cuddled Flat Cat and loved on him. He did everything he could to become flat and eventually succeeded. However, Flat Cat missed being loved. He finds a way to be fluffy or flat whenever he wanted! This is a super fun and silly book. This book is for entertainment, and I would recommend it for kindergarteners or first graders!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Flamingo Books through Edelweiss+.
The title character is just as described - flat. Readers see all the ways this cat explores and blends in. One day, Flat Cat accidentally ends up in the washer and dryer and changes significantly. He discovered he liked being noticed too. By the end, he enjoys the best of both body styles. The simple sentence structure lets younger readers enjoy this as a read alone. The humor comes through the text and the illustrations. An amusing read aloud.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flat Cat is probably one of the coolest pets you'll ever meet. He slinks around, aloof, that is, until he's accidentally put into the dryer. When he's removed, he's all of a sudden...fluffy? He can no longer do the same things he used to, but there do seem to be some payoffs and a way to manage this new way of being!

With fun illustrations and a cafe poetry-vibe, Flat Cat makes for a fun read about discovering something new about yourself...and maintaining your aloofness while doing it.

[Josh Peatfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ladybug 2025

Well illustrated and fun overall, but I think the moral gets a little muddled? Just because we're born one way doesn't mean we can't change, which is good. The journey to get there though is kinda... interesting lol. I think kids will be able to tell what's cartoony and what's real, so I'm not worried about kids sitting on cats after reading it, but I also think they might scratch their heads about it the same way the adults reading it have.

Again, still fun. Will likely be a good read-aloud.

[Suebee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My seven year old and I enjoyed this one!

One flat cat gets washed in the washing machine, and then dried and becomes a fluffy puffball, it reminded us of another book called Fluffy Mcwhiskers.

I would say be careful with reading this to kids younger than five years old, kids might get the idea that it’s fun to sit on a cat or put a cat in a washing machine.

(there is a small disclaimer written on the verso page.)

[Sylvia Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

With cool and charming depictions of Flat Cat in flattened and fluffed up forms, FLAT CAT stands out for its superb wordplay, clever and layered sequences, and fun text with flexibility for spot-on illustrations. This story hits so many marks for presenting: a fantastic (and funny!) flat-vs.-fluffy cat concept, staying open-minded about who you are, trying new things, finding the right balance for you, and working through what comes your way. Very highly recommended!

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Flat Cat is pretty sneaky, and often overlooked. But when he gets into the wash accidentally? Not so flat anymore. Spunky and fun, this silly cat explores a different mood. Always love Tara Lazar and Pete Oswald - great combo here.

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).

Gave off a few "Flat Stanley" vibes, which doesn't feel overly original.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tara Lazar. She is a quirky, funny person and author. She's done it again and filled this story of Flat Cat with heart and Fluffy goodness.

Flat Cat was born Flat. He wasn't squashed by an out-of-control ice cream truck. He wasn't smashed in a waffle iron by a sleepy short-order cook. He was just Flat. . . .

Pete Oswald's illustrations feel reminiscent of mid-century comic art. His lavender and peach limited palette adds to this quirky, sweet, and fluffy story.

[FloraTzu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think flat cat is a cute and unique way to describe a cat going from feral and wild, to realizing humans are actually rather nice and he would enjoy being a pet. Nevertheless, I do concern that it may introduce a young child to thinking the washer and dryer are safer for a cat than they are. Unfortunately, there are accidents that happen with cats getting in the laundry. Always be aware where your little fluffy is!

[Hannah DCamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zero substance, but what's not to love about a cat that is by turns puffed up like a newly washed sheep,* being flattened like a whoopie cushion, or slithering under a door. My very adult Roth IRA and I laughed hysterically the whole time I was reading this.

*Y'all remember The Night of the Living Bed, because apparently that was formative for my sense of humor