The Birthday Cat - Hardcover

Ivory, Lesley Anne

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803716222 ISBN 13: 9780803716223

Publisher: Dial, 1993

Synopsis

Octopussy loses his favorite birthday present, a little stuffed tiger, and spends his birthday desperately searching for it, until it finally reappears, in a colorful picture book in which young readers can find the elusive tiger in every illustration.

About this title

From Booklist:

Ages 4-8. There's little doubt that Ivory's fourth feline yarn in her series of cat books will be a popular addition to children's bookshelves. Kitten Octopussy receives a tiny stuffed tiger for his birthday and hides it so none of the other kittens will find it. After a full day of cat activities, he's upset to discover that he can't remember where he's tucked the toy. When he goes off to the dollhouse to contemplate his dilemma, who should he find hidden beneath the covers of the dolls' bed but his treasured tiger toy. The plot is simple and not especially distinctive, although it will probably appeal to preschoolers. Rather, it's the wonderfully rich, deliciously witty illustrations--perfectly characterizing the feline nature--that set the book apart. Ivory has used a combination of lavish colors and deft details to enhance her story, which is probably best for one-on-one readalouds, where every detail of the illustrations can be absorbed and appreciated; it can also be used successfully for smaller story-hour groups if there's time to let every child look. Emily Melton

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-K-Cat lovers will delight in the photorealistic illustrations in this bright, decorative picture book. Felines of various breeds and colors gambol, arch, stretch, and pose among dolls, toys, and games. The story provides a connecting link between the paintings as a kitten named Octopussy searches through a nursery for his favorite birthday present, a little tiger. From the endpapers, with their shelves full of lively cats and inanimate toys, to the successive scenes set against richly patterned carpets, tiles, quilts and furnishings, young eyes will be caught by every detail. A variety of intricate borders frames and unifies each page. Sharp youngsters will find the tiger half-hidden within every complex picture. A visual feast, offering an impromptu participation game.
Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dial
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0803716222
• ISBN 13: 9780803716223
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32