So, What's It Like To Be A Cat?

Bibliography-
Kuskin, Karla. 2005. SO WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE A CAT?. Ill. By Betsy Lewin. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689847335

Plot Summary-
A boy sits down to interview a cat and asks questions such as where and how the cat sleeps, what are the cat's morning routines, and whether the cat likes living with people. As well discovering the answers to his questions the boy finds out about the nature and behavior of cats.

Critical Analysis-
Karla Kuskin's writing is playful and fun, capturing the very essence and nature of a cat: “Cats have moods/like many creatures:/mothers, fathers, tigers, teachers./ So when I feel the need to prance/ I run and whisk my tail/ and dance." So, What's It Like To Be A Cat? is a simple story featuring only two characters, the cat and a young boy as the interviewer. While a grand theme or lesson can not be drawn from this story it is a amusing tale that shares authors experiences with her own cat and reveals the nature and behaviors of felines in general.

Betsy Lewin's illustration join perfectly with Karla Kuskin's writing. The watercolor illustrations are vivid and bright. The eye-catching blues, red, purples, and yellows set against a brilliant white background leap off the page. The yellow wide open eyes of the cat suggest its curiosity and interest in everything from the food bowl to pouncing and running from unseen predators. Also, the haughty expressions of the cat imply a carefree and sometimes arrogant manner. Lewin's depiction of the cat slinking away from a toddler, curled up on a couch, or rubbing against the boy all serve to represent the very nature of a cat.

Everyone who has a cat or even those who don't like cats will relate to this story. The playful rhyme scheme and lyrical feel of the story will delight listeners. Also, the brilliantly vibrant colors will capture the attention of readers of all ages.

Review Excerpts-
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Within strong black lines, the loosely composed watercolor cartoons perfectly capture the range of expressions, postures, and mischievous ways of cats. The illustrations are set against crisp white backgrounds and each page offers a diverse layout that enhances the cadence of the poem. This inextricable interplay of art and text works harmoniously to provide a delightful portrait of the capricious nature of felines”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Children will easily recognize the pet's wildly joyful leaps and bounds and his wary backward gaze as he slinks away from a grasping toddler.”

Connections-
This book is great to be read out loud or at a story-time event because of it's rhythmical nature and eye-catching illustrations.
Read other books by Karla Kuskin such as Roar and More and Moon, Have You Met My Mother?
Also, read books illustrated by Betsy Lewin such as the Caldecott Honor Book Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type and Cat Count.