Cat's Eyes

by Taber, Anthony Taber

Text and drawings trace the life of a cat named Tiger.

Genres: Cats

87 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 1978

Reviews

[Beth Cato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a kid when I would check it out at my hometown library. It used to get to me emotionally back then, and it still holds that power now as it traces the life of a cat named Tiger. There is some human-imposed silliness, like a cat marriage, but overall it's a beautiful book that is interesting because many of the illustrations are from a cat's point of view. I found that fascinating as a kid, and it still strikes me as innovative now.

[Nathaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my view, this is one of the simplest and most beautiful juvenile books about cats ever written, following the life of a cat from his beginnings as a kitten to his final decision to go to sleep forever underneath his favorite tree on the hill overlooking his home. (The grieving owner is then visited by a new furry friend shortly afterward, and the cycle repeats anew.) The author's emotional connection to the stages of owning a long-lived cat clearly shows through; as a result, this story still makes me cry a little well into adulthood. I haven't seen a better representation anywhere in literature, children's or otherwise.

Also, the author's name is Anthony Taber.

[Riley M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a child and it was one of my favourites. As an adult I actually scoured the internet to see if I could find a copy, I could still picture it in my head. The illustrations are delightful, and as a cat-loving child I remember how I enjoyed seeing through the eyes of the main character (a cat), seeing his whole life from birth to even death (which though sad was not too much for a child to handle, especially the way it's presented here).

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cried

[Brian Hutzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book! My wife found it at a used book store, and it now holds a place of honor on our shelves. The drawings are beautiful and funny, and the minimal text is perfect and poignant. (Tiger reminds me so much of you, Tino.)