The White Cat and the Monk: A Retelling of the Poem “Pangur Bán” - Hardcover

Bogart, Jo Ellen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1554987806 ISBN 13: 9781554987801

Publisher: Groundwood Books, 2016

Synopsis

A monk leads a simple life. He studies his books late into the evening and searches for truth in their pages. His cat, Pangur, leads a simple life, too, chasing prey in the darkness. As night turns to dawn, Pangur leads his companion to the truth he has been seeking.

The White Cat and the Monk is a retelling of the classic Old Irish poem Pangur Bán.” With Jo Ellen Bogart’s simple and elegant narration and Sydney’s Smith’s classically inspired images, this contemplative story pays tribute to the wisdom of animals and the wonders of the natural world.

About this title

About the Author:

Jo Ellen Bogart was born in Houston, Texas, and received degrees in elementary education and psychology from the University of Texas in Austin. Her best-selling children’s books have been nominated for and won many different awards, including the Ruth Schwartz Award, the Mr. Christie’s Book Award, the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award. Her picture book Gifts was selected for the TD Grade One Book Giveaway program, as well as the IBBY Honor List. She lives in Guelph, Ontario.

Sydney Smith was born in rural Nova Scotia, and has been drawing since an early age. Since graduating from NSCAD University, he has illustrated multiple children’s books, including the wordless picture book Sidewalk Flowers, and he has received awards for his illustrations, including the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration. He now lives in Toronto and works in a shared studio space in Chinatown and goes to the library or the Art Gallery of Ontario on his breaks.

Review:

Short-listed for the Governor General's Literary Awards, Young People's Literature Illustrated Books

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book

Brain Pickings' Best Children's Books of 2016

A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year
there is no denying that this a beautiful piece of bookmaking. The watercolor-and-ink artwork has both heft and humor, especially in the joyful depictions of the manuscripts. The shift from the darkness of the early spreads to the bright color of the characters' time together captures the pleasure of the relationship. The final spread of daybreak, meanwhile, is irresistible. Readers who consider the story’s underlying messages about necessities, companionship, and fulfillment will come away enriched.” Booklist, Starred Review

"A stunningly illustrated meditative ode to the simple joys of human-animal companionship and the pursuit of knowledge." School Library Journal, Starred Review.

It’s a sophisticated and subtle story about the pursuit of joy one that will easily resonate with readers young and old.” Publishers Weekly, Starred Review.

"Reminiscent of the succinct storytelling and expressive brushwork of Chris Raschka and Kevin Henkes, this quiet, historical gem will charm children and adults alike." Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review.

"The text’s subtle moral is timeless but also sings with elegiac timeliness what a wonderful counterpoint to modern life’s hamster wheel of achievement and approval, this idea that there is poetry in every pursuit executed with purposefulness and savored with uncompetitive joy." The New York Times

"The adaptation . . . is as unostentatious as the watercolor-and-ink illustrations, which meld a medieval spirit with a modern sense of cartooning, a juxtaposition that is fresh and seems entirely right. " Horn Book

"Smith . . . imbues the text with contemporary visual language through his singular, elegantly minimalist graphic novel aesthetic." Brain Pickings

"Author Jo Ellen Bogart has provided an unembellished, thoughtful text that pays tribute to the value of perseverance and dedication for one's vocation, be it humble or exalted." Canadian Children's Book News

"This is a great book for any group of readers . . . a great book to introduce to kids who may not think they like poetry." The Children's Writer's Guild

"Truly a wonderful book, The White Cat and the Monk expresses the richness of the relationship between the two characters." Canadian Review of Materials

"The stylized artwork captures the timeless beauty of the poem in this simple yet meaningful picturebook, highly recommended." Midwest Book Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Groundwood Books
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1554987806
• ISBN 13: 9781554987801
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 36
• Illustrator: Smith Sydney