Catawampus: The Story of a Crooked Cat by Lori Hoffman Penna

 Hey, cat-lovers! Today's read should be right down your alley. This is a picture book, which follows the small adventures of a cat. I'm expecting a few silly situations and, maybe, others that touch the heart. The antics should probably be fun. Think this book does all of that?

Let's find out!

CATAWAMPUS

The Story of a Crooked Cat

by Lori Hoffman Penna

Winterspring Books

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

An endearing, resourceful cat’s adventures teach young children the value of kindness, compassion, and loving who you truly are.

“Catawampus was a crooked cat. It so happens he was born like that.”

Catawampus is a friendly stray cat with hopes of finding a family to love him. But he worries that his crooked, bent front legs will prevent him from ever being adopted. At the animal shelter, he is scared, overlooked, and bullied by the other cats. He is so sad that he hides away from everyone. But one day he comes up with a bold plan to make others like him...and it just might work, if he's brave enough to face his fears.

Can Catawampus find the courage to follow his dream of a home and family?

And will people be able to look past his disability, and see all the love he has to share?

Young readers will cheer on Catawampus as he learns how the power of friendship can make a dream come true when you least expect it. With a rhyming text and bright watercolor illustrations, Catawampus's story encourages children to celebrate differences, accept one another, and show compassion for people and animals alike.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Catawampus is a cat to love and will have readers wishing they could have him as their own pet, too.

Catawampus was born with a crooked paw, which makes life difficult, especially since he's a street cat. When he gets caught and taken to the animal shelter, things seem even worse. The other cats avoid him, and the people, who are in search of a pet, aren't sure what to think of him. But maybe, things will turn around.

This book brings across two main themes. First, it hits upon the important purpose of animal shelters and reminds readers of the amazing animals awaiting adoption. Second, it raises the awareness of animals with disabilities, in this case, a birth defect surrounding the front legs of cats. Both of these themes come across with finesse, are clear in their messaging, and do their job nicely. As to the disability, the last page presents information and facts surrounding the problem to round everything off with knowledge goodness. But that's not all these pages hold.

Catawampus is a cat to adore. He might have some difficulties, but he's very friendly and radiates 'good cat' vibes. While the first scene has him on the streets and there are moments of light bullying, it never weighs down too much...not more than is necessary to make the situation clear and draw just enough sympathy to make readers want to hug him. Instead, the hope of finding a place to belong stays strong to keep a positive atmosphere despite the difficult moments. This creates a lovely read aloud for the intended age group. Plus, the story is interesting, and the rhymes flow very well.

This is a nice read for group settings, especially in combination with a theme surrounding shelters and strays.