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Mrs. Katz and Tush
Friends from different backgrounds come together in a heartwarming picture book that is perfect for Passover, from beloved children's book author Patricia Polacco!
Larnel doesn't know his neighbor, Mrs. Katz, very well, until he asks her to adopt an abandoned kitten. Mrs. Katz agrees on one condition: that Larnel helps her take care of the kitten she names Tush. When Larnel starts spending more and more time with Mrs. Katz to help with Tush, Mrs. Katz tells him stories about coming to America from Poland and about the good times she spent with her late husband. As Larnel grows to love Mrs. Katz, he also learns about the common themes of hardship and triumph in each of their cultures.
Larnel doesn't know his neighbor, Mrs. Katz, very well, until he asks her to adopt an abandoned kitten. Mrs. Katz agrees on one condition: that Larnel helps her take care of the kitten she names Tush. When Larnel starts spending more and more time with Mrs. Katz to help with Tush, Mrs. Katz tells him stories about coming to America from Poland and about the good times she spent with her late husband. As Larnel grows to love Mrs. Katz, he also learns about the common themes of hardship and triumph in each of their cultures.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
33 people are currently reading
842 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Polacco
94 books1,060 followersPatricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
November 4, 2009
Thanks so much to my Goodreads friend Abigail for recommending this book.
This book touched me deeply and I can see why it was a “Reading Rainbow” book. The last several pages had me close to tears with emotion.
I love how this story shows the power of friendship, and how friends can be like a family. In this case it’s the friendship between a lonely Jewish widow and a neighbor who’s an African-American boy, and also that same Jewish woman and her cat, a cat given to her by the boy.
I love how Yiddish and Jewish culture and history was interspersed through the book, although I did notice some unevenness in the explanations given.
The illustrations are terrific. My favorite is of Mrs. Katz, Larnel the boy, and Tush the cat dancing as Mrs. Katz danced at costume balls in the Catskills. That illustration conveys such joy. I also loved the second to last picture of Tush, whose expressiveness made me smile.
This book touched me deeply and I can see why it was a “Reading Rainbow” book. The last several pages had me close to tears with emotion.
I love how this story shows the power of friendship, and how friends can be like a family. In this case it’s the friendship between a lonely Jewish widow and a neighbor who’s an African-American boy, and also that same Jewish woman and her cat, a cat given to her by the boy.
I love how Yiddish and Jewish culture and history was interspersed through the book, although I did notice some unevenness in the explanations given.
The illustrations are terrific. My favorite is of Mrs. Katz, Larnel the boy, and Tush the cat dancing as Mrs. Katz danced at costume balls in the Catskills. That illustration conveys such joy. I also loved the second to last picture of Tush, whose expressiveness made me smile.
February 23, 2013
Patricia Polacco has written so many children’s books that show the true meaning of friendship and “Mrs. Katz and Tush” is no exception! “Mrs. Katz and Tush” is a children’s book by Patricia Polacco which is about an old Jewish woman named Mrs. Katz whose husband had died recently and she ends up making friends with a young African-American boy named Larnel and a stray cat named Tush. “Mrs. Katz and Tush” is a truly wonderful tale about the importance of true friendship that children will enjoy for many years to come!
Patricia Polacco has done it again in creating a book where multicultural friendships are shown in a positive light. What I really loved about Patricia Polacco’s writing is how she truly shows Mrs. Katz’s pain when she lost her husband and I truly felt sad for her since I have lost many loved ones during my lifetime and I felt the pain that Mrs. Katz felt. I also loved the connection that Mrs. Katz has towards both Tush and Larnel as with Tush the cat, Mrs. Katz did not care how odd Tush looked without its tail, she still loved Tush for just being her true companion. I really loved the relationship that Mrs. Katz has with Larnel and what I loved about their relationship is that they both extremely different from each other (Mrs. Katz is Jewish and Larnel is African-American) but they formed such a strong friendship with each other and that made me feel all warm inside! My favorite part of Larnel and Mrs. Katz’s relationship is when they started relating to each other about their family history and it was a truly powerful moment in the book when Mrs. Katz told Larnel that they are alike from each other since both their ancestors were faced with racism and prejudice during their times and it was that moment that brought Larnel and Mrs. Katz much closer towards each other. I also enjoyed seeing Mrs. Katz show Larnel the Jewish traditions that she enjoyed doing such as celebrating Passover which truly shows how much she trusts Larnel. Patricia Polacco’s illustrations are just as beautiful as ever as the images of both Mrs. Katz and Larnel are truly brilliant and memorable! I especially loved the appearance of Mrs. Katz herself as she has white hair, is always wearing a colorful dress, and has a wise expression on her face, especially when she is relating her experiences in Poland with Larnel. I also loved the appearance of Tush as he is a gray and black stripped cat that has no tail, but he still looks beautiful in my eyes!
Overall, “Mrs. Katz and Tush” is a lovely tale about true friendship that every child who love reading about multicultural friendships will enjoy for many years! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the length of this tale might be too much for smaller children and some of the Jewish phrases such as “bubeleh” and “kugel” might be too difficult for smaller children to understand.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
Patricia Polacco has done it again in creating a book where multicultural friendships are shown in a positive light. What I really loved about Patricia Polacco’s writing is how she truly shows Mrs. Katz’s pain when she lost her husband and I truly felt sad for her since I have lost many loved ones during my lifetime and I felt the pain that Mrs. Katz felt. I also loved the connection that Mrs. Katz has towards both Tush and Larnel as with Tush the cat, Mrs. Katz did not care how odd Tush looked without its tail, she still loved Tush for just being her true companion. I really loved the relationship that Mrs. Katz has with Larnel and what I loved about their relationship is that they both extremely different from each other (Mrs. Katz is Jewish and Larnel is African-American) but they formed such a strong friendship with each other and that made me feel all warm inside! My favorite part of Larnel and Mrs. Katz’s relationship is when they started relating to each other about their family history and it was a truly powerful moment in the book when Mrs. Katz told Larnel that they are alike from each other since both their ancestors were faced with racism and prejudice during their times and it was that moment that brought Larnel and Mrs. Katz much closer towards each other. I also enjoyed seeing Mrs. Katz show Larnel the Jewish traditions that she enjoyed doing such as celebrating Passover which truly shows how much she trusts Larnel. Patricia Polacco’s illustrations are just as beautiful as ever as the images of both Mrs. Katz and Larnel are truly brilliant and memorable! I especially loved the appearance of Mrs. Katz herself as she has white hair, is always wearing a colorful dress, and has a wise expression on her face, especially when she is relating her experiences in Poland with Larnel. I also loved the appearance of Tush as he is a gray and black stripped cat that has no tail, but he still looks beautiful in my eyes!
Overall, “Mrs. Katz and Tush” is a lovely tale about true friendship that every child who love reading about multicultural friendships will enjoy for many years! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the length of this tale might be too much for smaller children and some of the Jewish phrases such as “bubeleh” and “kugel” might be too difficult for smaller children to understand.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
January 22, 2012
In Mrs. Katz and Tush, an old Jewish widow becomes friends with a young African American boy. The author does a wonderful job of bonding two characters through friendship,weaves the similarities between the two cultures and shows the similar struggles of slavery that the people have endured. Patricia Pollaco continues to impress readers with well developed characters that leave the reader thinking about the bond and kindness of Mrs. Katz and Larnel long after reading the story.
Mrs. Katz is a lonely widow who is looking for companionship. She finds a friend in a little boy, Larnel. This kind young boy notices that Mrs. Katz is lonely and brings her a cat to keep her company. The strong bond of friendship has begun and continues for the rest of Mrs. Katz's life. Mrs. Katz shares some of her most treasured Jewish traditions with Larnel as she begins to heal from the loss of her husband with Larnel's help.
This well written story can be used in the Primary Grades to teach the bonds of friendship as well as to give background knowledge about the Jewish culture. Children will enjoy the reality that friendships can occur between young and old, across cultures and for a lifetime.
Mrs. Katz is a lonely widow who is looking for companionship. She finds a friend in a little boy, Larnel. This kind young boy notices that Mrs. Katz is lonely and brings her a cat to keep her company. The strong bond of friendship has begun and continues for the rest of Mrs. Katz's life. Mrs. Katz shares some of her most treasured Jewish traditions with Larnel as she begins to heal from the loss of her husband with Larnel's help.
This well written story can be used in the Primary Grades to teach the bonds of friendship as well as to give background knowledge about the Jewish culture. Children will enjoy the reality that friendships can occur between young and old, across cultures and for a lifetime.
February 10, 2020
Dragged along on a condolence call to his widowed upstairs neighbor, Mrs. Katz, young Larnel is struck by the older woman's loneliness, and offers her the runt of a litter of kittens. Mrs. Katz accepts, on the condition that he help with the care of little Tush. And so begins a long-lasting friendship between the young African-American boy and the Jewish widow - a friendship that will effect the course of both of their lives...
A tale of friendship across religious, racial, cultural, and age lines, Mrs. Katz and Tush is Patricia Polacco at her best! Every character is well drawn - in both prose and picture - feeling natural and true to life. Tush herself is as adorable a literary cat as any I've met. The reality of difference, and our ability to transcend it through love, is explored in an immensely moving way, as are the similarities between the Jewish and African-American experience. I confess that I have to blink away tears, every time I read the conclusion. Highly, highly recommended!
A tale of friendship across religious, racial, cultural, and age lines, Mrs. Katz and Tush is Patricia Polacco at her best! Every character is well drawn - in both prose and picture - feeling natural and true to life. Tush herself is as adorable a literary cat as any I've met. The reality of difference, and our ability to transcend it through love, is explored in an immensely moving way, as are the similarities between the Jewish and African-American experience. I confess that I have to blink away tears, every time I read the conclusion. Highly, highly recommended!
October 25, 2009
This is an amazing story about friendship, compassion and love that transcends race, religion, ethnicity, gender and age. The tale is so sincere and heartfelt; the emotion just pours through and it's a tearjerker in more than one part. I loved this story!
June 1, 2019
This book brought back some memories. I used to love reading Patricia Polacco as a kid.
October 1, 2009
In Patricia Polacco’s book, Mrs. Katz and Tush, an unlikely friendship unfolds. Mrs. Katz is a lonely widow who is comforted when a young African-American neighbor, Larnel brings her a kitten. He then continues to visit her after school each day. Larnel learns how Mrs. Katz came to the US from Poland, how she met her husband, and he even joins her in celebrating each Jewish holiday. Over the years, Larnel and Mrs. Katz experience life’s ups and downs together from a lost cat to new life (Larnel’s child). In the end, Larnel visits his friend, Mrs. Katz’s grave with his family.
This story shows how two people from seemingly opposite backgrounds can develop a meaningful friendship. Larnel and Mrs. Katz developed a connection through their mutual love of Tush (the cat). They realized that despite how different they may look, they both come from cultures that have faced hardships. This book truly portrays multidimensional characters- Larnel is young and Mrs. Katz is old. Larnel is African American and Mrs. Katz is Polish/Jewish. Students reading this book would benefit from seeing characters from diverse cultures interacting in such a positive way. Not only do they become friends, but Larnel learns all about the Jewish traditions from Mrs. Katz. Readers who are unfamiliar with the Jewish culture could learn right along with Larnel. Patricia Polacco authentically depicts Mrs. Katz’s culture through her detailed artwork and accurate vocabulary. This is a wonderful multicultural book to learn from and enjoy!
This story shows how two people from seemingly opposite backgrounds can develop a meaningful friendship. Larnel and Mrs. Katz developed a connection through their mutual love of Tush (the cat). They realized that despite how different they may look, they both come from cultures that have faced hardships. This book truly portrays multidimensional characters- Larnel is young and Mrs. Katz is old. Larnel is African American and Mrs. Katz is Polish/Jewish. Students reading this book would benefit from seeing characters from diverse cultures interacting in such a positive way. Not only do they become friends, but Larnel learns all about the Jewish traditions from Mrs. Katz. Readers who are unfamiliar with the Jewish culture could learn right along with Larnel. Patricia Polacco authentically depicts Mrs. Katz’s culture through her detailed artwork and accurate vocabulary. This is a wonderful multicultural book to learn from and enjoy!
September 28, 2010
Mrs. Katz and Tush by Patricia Polacco
Publisher and Date: Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 1992
Grade:2-3 (but can be used for 4th- 5th grade because of the content)
Summary: Larnel is a young African-American boy who lives next door to Mrs. Katz, an elderly Jewish lady. Larner goes to Mrs. Katz's house to giver her a cat for her loneliness, but Mrs. Katz end up giving him lessons about Jewish traditions and cultures. Although the two main characters have a lot of differences and come from different backgrounds, they learn from each other. Throughout the story Larnel's and Mrs. Katz's relationship blossom and one day even think of each other as family.
Response: This is a beautiful story! I loved how Larnel's good deed of bringing his lonely neighbor a cat, turned into the start of a wonderful friendship! I would read this book during a unit on World War II and take the opportunity to discuss Mrs. Katz's stories about coming from Warsaw. Patricia Polacco uses these characters to describe how these cultures are different yet alike through explaining how Jewish people did not have certain freedoms even when the war was over.
Publisher and Date: Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 1992
Grade:2-3 (but can be used for 4th- 5th grade because of the content)
Summary: Larnel is a young African-American boy who lives next door to Mrs. Katz, an elderly Jewish lady. Larner goes to Mrs. Katz's house to giver her a cat for her loneliness, but Mrs. Katz end up giving him lessons about Jewish traditions and cultures. Although the two main characters have a lot of differences and come from different backgrounds, they learn from each other. Throughout the story Larnel's and Mrs. Katz's relationship blossom and one day even think of each other as family.
Response: This is a beautiful story! I loved how Larnel's good deed of bringing his lonely neighbor a cat, turned into the start of a wonderful friendship! I would read this book during a unit on World War II and take the opportunity to discuss Mrs. Katz's stories about coming from Warsaw. Patricia Polacco uses these characters to describe how these cultures are different yet alike through explaining how Jewish people did not have certain freedoms even when the war was over.
November 22, 2011
This is an interesting story, a connection story between a Jewish Polish old woman and a young African American boy. I enjoy reading it, but I think the title should be Mrs. Katz and Larnel. This story book portrays two cultures and it makes connections between them across time. Patricia Polacco is skillful in the way she crafts her stories.
The illustrations transmit emotions and mannerisms. All the illustrations are double-spread water color. She uses language and particularly an expression that by the end of the book it becomes part of the readers vocabulary and that is "...such a person"
It is a good story for elementary grade levels. Readers can draw connections easily and at the same time learn a few words in Yiddish. The book is dedicated to Madeline Roth Weinstein and her husband and I wonder if she was the inspiration for Mrs. Polacco for the writing of the story. At this point, I am probably more interested to know who she is and learn why the book is dedicated to her and her husband.
The illustrations transmit emotions and mannerisms. All the illustrations are double-spread water color. She uses language and particularly an expression that by the end of the book it becomes part of the readers vocabulary and that is "...such a person"
It is a good story for elementary grade levels. Readers can draw connections easily and at the same time learn a few words in Yiddish. The book is dedicated to Madeline Roth Weinstein and her husband and I wonder if she was the inspiration for Mrs. Polacco for the writing of the story. At this point, I am probably more interested to know who she is and learn why the book is dedicated to her and her husband.
May 21, 2018
Larnel doesn't know Mrs. Katz, his lonely neighbor, very well until they share the duty of caring for an abandoned kitten that Mrs. Katz names Tush. Soon a friendship between Larnel and Mrs. Katz grows. He helps her find Tush when the kitten runs away; she tells him stories of coming to America and teaches him the rituals of Jewish holidays. They share a Passover dinner together, and they come to think of each other as family.
Polacco is a master. Her deft touch, weaving a genuine story with a depth of two heritages--crossing multicultural boundaries in the process...I am always left in awe. Polacco is a masterclass storyteller.
Polacco is a master. Her deft touch, weaving a genuine story with a depth of two heritages--crossing multicultural boundaries in the process...I am always left in awe. Polacco is a masterclass storyteller.
April 8, 2012
Patricia Polacco does a great job developing the characters of Mrs. Katz and Larnel. As their friendship develops and grows, we learn about the similarities between the suffering and triumph of black history and Jewish heritage. Mrs. Katz and Tush was both written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco. The illustrations are full bleed and are double page spreads. The type face is normal and located at the top of most pages. This story could be used to teach about Jewish heritage because Mrs Katz shares stories and traditions of her Jewish roots with Larnel.
January 8, 2009
Great kids picture book.
Heart warming story of a young African-American boy and an Elderly Jewish widow. Mrs. Katz does not have any family so Larnel gives her a runt of a kitten. Mrs. Katz agrees to take care of the kitten as long as Larnel will come visit. During Larnel's visits he learns about Mrs Katz's family history and Jewish traditions. Larnel and the kitten, Tush, become Mrs. Katz's extended family. I loved the illustrations and the story. Have a tissue if you have leaky eyes.
Heart warming story of a young African-American boy and an Elderly Jewish widow. Mrs. Katz does not have any family so Larnel gives her a runt of a kitten. Mrs. Katz agrees to take care of the kitten as long as Larnel will come visit. During Larnel's visits he learns about Mrs Katz's family history and Jewish traditions. Larnel and the kitten, Tush, become Mrs. Katz's extended family. I loved the illustrations and the story. Have a tissue if you have leaky eyes.
October 9, 2016
The first time I read this story I was immediately impressed by all of the different examples of kindness illustrated in so few pages. When one of my nieces liked the story, we read it again, and looked for examples of kindness. She even got a pencil and paper so she could tally how many kind things each character did. (Budding scientist, right?) I really appreciated the opportunity to think about how 'kindness in action' looks.
November 20, 2021
So sweet.
April 15, 2021
- A story of how a stranger can turn into a friend, and that friend may turn into family. Mrs. Katz was a older one who stayed in the building with Larnel and his parents. Everyday Larnel mother would visit Mrs. Katz and make him tag along. When he found a kitten in their basement, he was sure Mrs. Katz would be able to take care of it. She did just that along with his help, and from then on, their bond blossomed. Two unique people coming together and learning that they are not so different after all.
January 21, 2023
The theme for one of my book clubs this month is "childhood favorites," so I gathered an assortment of some of the books I remember loving as a wee bean. This one hits hard to this day because I have long felt the sting of never having had close relationships with grandparents, as two died before I was born and the other two by middle school, so this sort of adoptive grandmother situation Larnel has with Mrs. Katz is something I have deeply wished for. Also, cats, of course. 🫠
October 13, 2020
This book was such a fanastic, informative read. seeing the beautiful relationship formed between the widowed Jewish woman and an African American little boy was enlightening. The colorful pictures added to my ingrigue while reading the book. I learned much about the Jewish beliefs as Mrs. Katz taught them to Darnell. I loved seeing the growth of the characters thorughout the story and found it very much worth the read!
March 31, 2018
I loved this one -- perfect for this time of year with Passover too!
May 30, 2018
"Such a person"-I always say this to my own furry family. :)
October 15, 2018
I really like this book. A cute book about a lonely Jewish lady and African American boy. These two create a bond as Mrs. Kratz remembers her earlier life.
July 6, 2020
Wow. I just read this in a couple of minutes while cleaning out some old boxes. I am BAWLING. Hit me at just the right moment.
March 16, 2009
Summary: Larnel befriends his elderly neighbor, Mrs. Katz, by bringing her a kitten and helping her to care for the pet. He learns about her husband and celebrates Passover with her, and they come to feel like part of each other's families.
Response: I love Patricia Polacco, and the more I read of her books, the more respect I have for the stories she tells and the way she is trying to bring people together. I read this minutes after having finished Deborah Ellis' "Three Wishes, " and the two books stand in powerful contrast to each other, figuring into my response. First of all, one is a picture book for young children, and the other is information, reflecting the voices of children. "Mrs. Katz" is about people coming together, people whose outward differences might have kept them apart. "Three Wishes" is sadly about people whose differences, both superficial and substantial, have kept them more divided than most people, and many of the children express no desire to get to know anyone on the other side. The sadness I felt while reading "Three Wishes" was somewhat cheered by reading about the relationship that develops between Mrs. Katz and Larnel.
As with "Mr. Lincoln's Way" and other Patricia Polacco books, the story ends with a note on how lasting this friendship became - Larnel and Mrs. Katz remain connected to each other throughout their lives, and Larnel brings his wife and children to visit their "bubee" and honor her life. Polacco reminds us that momentary connections can change our lives for the better, that a shared experience between two people can be more powerful than the stereotypes that divide us. I wish that many of the children in "Three Wishes" would have the chance to meet each other and have the shared experience that Mrs. Katz and Larnel did.
CONTEMPORARY REALISTIC FICTION
Response: I love Patricia Polacco, and the more I read of her books, the more respect I have for the stories she tells and the way she is trying to bring people together. I read this minutes after having finished Deborah Ellis' "Three Wishes, " and the two books stand in powerful contrast to each other, figuring into my response. First of all, one is a picture book for young children, and the other is information, reflecting the voices of children. "Mrs. Katz" is about people coming together, people whose outward differences might have kept them apart. "Three Wishes" is sadly about people whose differences, both superficial and substantial, have kept them more divided than most people, and many of the children express no desire to get to know anyone on the other side. The sadness I felt while reading "Three Wishes" was somewhat cheered by reading about the relationship that develops between Mrs. Katz and Larnel.
As with "Mr. Lincoln's Way" and other Patricia Polacco books, the story ends with a note on how lasting this friendship became - Larnel and Mrs. Katz remain connected to each other throughout their lives, and Larnel brings his wife and children to visit their "bubee" and honor her life. Polacco reminds us that momentary connections can change our lives for the better, that a shared experience between two people can be more powerful than the stereotypes that divide us. I wish that many of the children in "Three Wishes" would have the chance to meet each other and have the shared experience that Mrs. Katz and Larnel did.
CONTEMPORARY REALISTIC FICTION
November 2, 2014
Mrs. Katz is alone because her husband has passed away. Larnel and his mama visit Mrs. Katz so she has some company during the day when Larnel notices that Mrs. Katz is awfully lonely. Larnel decides to bring Mrs. Katz a cat that is a runt and Mrs. Katz happily takes the kitten in after some thought. This is the start of a beautiful friendship between our main characters and Tush. Mrs. Katz teaches Larnel about her Polish background and traditions and shows Larnel that they are not so different from Larnel’s African American history of prosecution resembling her Polish one.
This book can teach children that everyone has a similar background that can connect us all into one human race. It will help children look past religion and race and extend a hand in friendship to everyone they meet. Everyone is human but everyone is also unique in how they live their lives as shown by Mrs. Katz and Larnel. I found this book to be very educational and entertaining with its artwork being very realistic which went perfectly with the story being told. The colors were lots of white and brown to show they difference in the characters even as they spoke of all the similarities that they had with one another. This is why it is a great book for teaching kids to not judge a book by its cover. You could see Larnel making himself at home at Mrs. Katz and we could see that Mrs. Katz came to love Larnel as if he were her own grandson. The relationship between the characters can inspire a feeling of friendship in people of all ages. I, personally, feel like going over and talking to a neighbor I have never talked to before after reading this book. It gives me hope that everyone can get along no matter their past. I think that this message is a real and genuine one that needs to be told to people often as a reminder to be kind to everyone, no matter what.
This book can teach children that everyone has a similar background that can connect us all into one human race. It will help children look past religion and race and extend a hand in friendship to everyone they meet. Everyone is human but everyone is also unique in how they live their lives as shown by Mrs. Katz and Larnel. I found this book to be very educational and entertaining with its artwork being very realistic which went perfectly with the story being told. The colors were lots of white and brown to show they difference in the characters even as they spoke of all the similarities that they had with one another. This is why it is a great book for teaching kids to not judge a book by its cover. You could see Larnel making himself at home at Mrs. Katz and we could see that Mrs. Katz came to love Larnel as if he were her own grandson. The relationship between the characters can inspire a feeling of friendship in people of all ages. I, personally, feel like going over and talking to a neighbor I have never talked to before after reading this book. It gives me hope that everyone can get along no matter their past. I think that this message is a real and genuine one that needs to be told to people often as a reminder to be kind to everyone, no matter what.
December 5, 2014
The lesson of learning about the different types of families that are amongst us is the theme of this book presented by Patricia Polacco in "Mrs. Katz and Tush" An elderly Jewish woman in an apartment building is befriended by the Young Larnel. Larnel is kind enough to give Mrs. Katz a cat by the name of Tush and becomes more than friends throughout the book. It is a true heartwarming story of an elderly woman who seems to have been forgotten and only wishes to be loved.
This book addresses several critical issues in society in a way that children can understand or begin to understand. It first begins to deal with the concept of death. Mrs. Katz lost her husband years ago and has been all alone for years. It also discusses religious values and cultural differences. Mrs. Katz is a Jewish woman and she teaches Larnel the ways of her people. Similarly, this book confronts discrimination. Larnel is a young African-American boy and Mrs. Katz is a Jew. They both faced their own form of discrimination and Mrs. Katz claims that their people are alike. Finally, this book places a heavy emphasis on loneliness. Mrs. Katz and Tush have one thing in common: they have no one to love them, that is until Larnel comes along and introduces them. This book shows how a family doesn't have to be made of relatives, but of people who care.
The illustrations of this book are somewhat realistic, allowing readers to connect to the story and imagine what the characters may look like in real life. The colors in the illustrations are darker in the beginning, depicting the gloomy side of Mrs. Katz's life, but they progress to brighter colors once Mrs. Katz has her new family with Tush and Larnel. I would probably recommend this story to children with religious values to encourage them to be open to the different types of religions that there are.
This book addresses several critical issues in society in a way that children can understand or begin to understand. It first begins to deal with the concept of death. Mrs. Katz lost her husband years ago and has been all alone for years. It also discusses religious values and cultural differences. Mrs. Katz is a Jewish woman and she teaches Larnel the ways of her people. Similarly, this book confronts discrimination. Larnel is a young African-American boy and Mrs. Katz is a Jew. They both faced their own form of discrimination and Mrs. Katz claims that their people are alike. Finally, this book places a heavy emphasis on loneliness. Mrs. Katz and Tush have one thing in common: they have no one to love them, that is until Larnel comes along and introduces them. This book shows how a family doesn't have to be made of relatives, but of people who care.
The illustrations of this book are somewhat realistic, allowing readers to connect to the story and imagine what the characters may look like in real life. The colors in the illustrations are darker in the beginning, depicting the gloomy side of Mrs. Katz's life, but they progress to brighter colors once Mrs. Katz has her new family with Tush and Larnel. I would probably recommend this story to children with religious values to encourage them to be open to the different types of religions that there are.
October 29, 2014
Learn about different types of families in Patricia Polacco's Mrs. Katz and Tush. Young Larnel befriends an elderly Jewish woman from his apartment building and gives her a family. First, he gives her a cat, Tush, and later becomes family himself. This is a heartwarming tale of a woman who wants nothing more than to have people to love.
This book addresses several critical issues in society. First, it deals with death. Mrs. Katz lost her husband years ago and is all alone. It also discusses religious values and cultural differences. Mrs. Katz is a Jewish woman and she teaches Larnel the ways of her people. Similarly, this book confronts discrimination. Larnel is a young African-American boy and Mrs. Katz is a Jew. They both faced their own form of discrimination and Mrs. Katz claims that their people are alike. Finally, this book places a heavy emphasis on loneliness. Mrs. Katz and Tush have one thing in common: they have no one to love them, that is until Larnel comes along and introduces them. This book shows how a family doesn't have to be made of relatives, but of people who care.
The sketch illustrations of this book are somewhat realistic, allowing readers to connect to the story. The colors in the illustrations are darker in the beginning, showing the sadness of Mrs. Katz's life, but they progress to bright colors once Mrs. Katz has her new family. The illustrations and words have a symmetrical interaction, portraying the same story in different media. Readers will have a feeling of satisfaction when they finish this book. This book is great to teach children about the Jewish religion and also the importance of family.
This book addresses several critical issues in society. First, it deals with death. Mrs. Katz lost her husband years ago and is all alone. It also discusses religious values and cultural differences. Mrs. Katz is a Jewish woman and she teaches Larnel the ways of her people. Similarly, this book confronts discrimination. Larnel is a young African-American boy and Mrs. Katz is a Jew. They both faced their own form of discrimination and Mrs. Katz claims that their people are alike. Finally, this book places a heavy emphasis on loneliness. Mrs. Katz and Tush have one thing in common: they have no one to love them, that is until Larnel comes along and introduces them. This book shows how a family doesn't have to be made of relatives, but of people who care.
The sketch illustrations of this book are somewhat realistic, allowing readers to connect to the story. The colors in the illustrations are darker in the beginning, showing the sadness of Mrs. Katz's life, but they progress to bright colors once Mrs. Katz has her new family. The illustrations and words have a symmetrical interaction, portraying the same story in different media. Readers will have a feeling of satisfaction when they finish this book. This book is great to teach children about the Jewish religion and also the importance of family.
July 23, 2009
Polacco, P. (1992). Mrs. Katz and Tush. New York: Dell Dragonfly Books.
Summary:
Larnel and his family live near Mrs Katz, a lonely widow who lives alone. When a cat has a litter of kittens in the basement of his building, Larnel brings Mrs. Katz the runt that no one wanted. Mrs. Katz falls in love with the kitten, whom she names Tush because he has no tail. When Tush goes missing and is rediscovered one day, Mrs. Katz and Larnel learn that she is pregnant. Finally, Mrs. Katz is a grandmother! Mrs. Katz and Larnel share their family’s traditions with each other: Mrs. Katz’s Jewish culture and Larnel’s African-American heritage.
Reviews/Awards:
Publisher's Weekly 4/11/1994
Horn Book Guide 9/1/1992
School Library Journal 7/1/1992
Booklist 4/15/1992
Kirkus Review 3/15/1992
Publisher's Weekly 2/10/1992
Reading Rainbow's 101 Best Children's Books- 1993
Honor Picture Book: Jane Addam's Children's Book Award- 1993
Curriculum Connection:
Kindergarten Writing: Students discuss how each of the characters in the book were different, yet special and unique. Children then draw a self-portrait of themselves and write three ways in which they are special and unique (like Mrs. Katz, Tush, and Larnel from the story): http://www.localschooldirectory.com/l...
Grades: K-3
Summary:
Larnel and his family live near Mrs Katz, a lonely widow who lives alone. When a cat has a litter of kittens in the basement of his building, Larnel brings Mrs. Katz the runt that no one wanted. Mrs. Katz falls in love with the kitten, whom she names Tush because he has no tail. When Tush goes missing and is rediscovered one day, Mrs. Katz and Larnel learn that she is pregnant. Finally, Mrs. Katz is a grandmother! Mrs. Katz and Larnel share their family’s traditions with each other: Mrs. Katz’s Jewish culture and Larnel’s African-American heritage.
Reviews/Awards:
Publisher's Weekly 4/11/1994
Horn Book Guide 9/1/1992
School Library Journal 7/1/1992
Booklist 4/15/1992
Kirkus Review 3/15/1992
Publisher's Weekly 2/10/1992
Reading Rainbow's 101 Best Children's Books- 1993
Honor Picture Book: Jane Addam's Children's Book Award- 1993
Curriculum Connection:
Kindergarten Writing: Students discuss how each of the characters in the book were different, yet special and unique. Children then draw a self-portrait of themselves and write three ways in which they are special and unique (like Mrs. Katz, Tush, and Larnel from the story): http://www.localschooldirectory.com/l...
Grades: K-3
October 7, 2008
Larnel, a young African-American boy, and his neighbor,Mrs.Katz, an elderly Jewish widow, begin to forge an unlikely friendship when he asks her to adopt a stray cat. The cat, fondly named Tush, is a wonderful antitdote for Mrs.Katz's loneliness. As they spend more and more time together, they become more than acquaintances , but develop a deep and familial friendship. As Mrs.Katz acquaints Larnel with the Passover traditions, they discover similarities in their respective heritages, as they commiserate on the prejudices that they have both experienced.
This is one of my favorite Patricia Pollaco books. It is a wonderful read aloud to which the audience can respond on several levels. Some children see it as a humorous story about an old woman and her loving relationship with her pet kitten. For older children who may be aware of the civil rights struggles of African Americans as well as the prejudices suffered by Jewish Americans, they may be able to infer why Mrs.Katz and Larnel feel so closely connected.This charming book would be appropriate in any elementary classroom, and can be a wonderful enhancement to units on intergenerational relationships,the civil rights movement, or just an eloquent tribute to the power of friendship, however unlikely it may be.
This is one of my favorite Patricia Pollaco books. It is a wonderful read aloud to which the audience can respond on several levels. Some children see it as a humorous story about an old woman and her loving relationship with her pet kitten. For older children who may be aware of the civil rights struggles of African Americans as well as the prejudices suffered by Jewish Americans, they may be able to infer why Mrs.Katz and Larnel feel so closely connected.This charming book would be appropriate in any elementary classroom, and can be a wonderful enhancement to units on intergenerational relationships,the civil rights movement, or just an eloquent tribute to the power of friendship, however unlikely it may be.
August 12, 2013
An African American boy visits Mrs. Katz daily, a recently widowed Jewish immigrant, who shares stories, and experiences with her young friend. The boy fills a loneliness that Mrs. Katz has since her husband passed and Mrs. Katz teaches the boy how his and her ancestors have had similar struggles with oppression and violence. It is a story that celebrates how friendships and learning experiences can blossom between two seemingly very different people. It is a great picture book. Patricia Polacco isn’t Jewish; in fact, I’m not sure what religion she is. Many of her stories are based on multicultural subjects. I haven’t read those books, but I feel like she described both characters in this book in a positive light. Unfortunately, I don’t know much about the Jewish culture. I am familiar with the stereotype portrayed on TV, and in a sense, I see that in Mrs. Katz. Readers can assume that she and her husband immigrated to America years ago. It is obvious that she loved her husband dearly and seems lost without him. I understand this is the case for many couples who have spent a lifetime together, but she seems a bit dependent and helpless. I may be reading into it too much, but I feel she should have a little more back bone.
September 30, 2014
Mrs. Katz and Tush is the story of the relationship between an elderly Jewish woman and a young African American boy. The boy, Larnel, visits Mrs. Katz with his mother one day, and he learns that she is all alone. So the following day he returns with a kitten for her. Each day afterwards, Larnel visits Mrs. Katz and the kitten, Tush. Throughout the years their relationship grows and she becomes like a grandmother, or bubbe, to him. During their many visits, she teaches him about her Jewish history and culture. Through these discussions and celebrations, he discovers that his own Black history and Mrs. Katz's Jewish heritage are very similar.
I personally am Jewish as well, and I found this story to be culturally accurate. The information is correct, and Polacco perfectly captures the voice of Mrs. Katz. Throughout the book she sprinkles Yiddish words and phrases within the dialogue, so much that I felt I could hear my own grandmother speaking!
The relationship between the two characters is very sweet, and I enjoyed the message the author expresses on the positive influence children and the elderly can each have on one another. This is a heartwarming story that children of all ages can appreciate.
I personally am Jewish as well, and I found this story to be culturally accurate. The information is correct, and Polacco perfectly captures the voice of Mrs. Katz. Throughout the book she sprinkles Yiddish words and phrases within the dialogue, so much that I felt I could hear my own grandmother speaking!
The relationship between the two characters is very sweet, and I enjoyed the message the author expresses on the positive influence children and the elderly can each have on one another. This is a heartwarming story that children of all ages can appreciate.
October 24, 2017
Summary
Mrs. Katz has a funny looking kitten with a short fluffy tail. One day when her beloved Tush gets lost, her young neighbor Larnel helps her find Tush. Mrs. Katz and Larnel become very close friends after this. Through their friendship, Mrs. Katz teaches Larnel about her Jewish heritage and her journey to America.
Mrs. Katz has a funny looking kitten with a short fluffy tail. One day when her beloved Tush gets lost, her young neighbor Larnel helps her find Tush. Mrs. Katz and Larnel become very close friends after this. Through their friendship, Mrs. Katz teaches Larnel about her Jewish heritage and her journey to America.
Evaluation
I absolutely love this book. I have the digital version from Amazon. The story is so sweet and it has an amazing message at the end. This book incorporates the Jewish-American culture and it explains some of the struggles that immigrants have when they leave their homeland.
Teaching Tip
Mrs. Katz and Tush is a model story for the theme of accepting others. I would read this book aloud to any grade level. I would then ask my students to interpret what they thought the theme of the text was and what the story meant to them. This book could also be used to talk about the history of Jewish immigration to America and the Jewish culture. There are many common Hebrew words used throughout the text, students could research what those words mean before reading the text.
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