BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Scrawny Cat by Phyllis Root

TITLE: Scrawny Cat

AUTHOR: Phyllis Root

ILLUSTRATOR: Allison Friend

PUBLISHER: Candlewick Press, 2011

SYNOPSIS:

The scrawny cat used to belong to someone, someone who scratched his ears and let him lick her chin and knew his name. Now the only thing anyone ever calls him is “get out of here!” But when a snarling dog and a blowing rain turn the scrawny cat into a sailor cat, he learns that even a scared and shivery stray can find a kindred soul at the end of a storm-tossed night.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : My own two rescue cats snuggled next to me as I read SCRAWNY CAT by Phyllis Root this past weekend. Ms. Root introduces us to one homeless cat and invites us to follow it’s search for a forever home. This scrawny cat has to deal with hunger, cold, and the constant “name-calling” of Get Out Of Here! But it is an encounter with one vicious dog that forces Scrawny Cat to make a life changing decision which ultimately leads to the possibility he might finally find a forever home! Lovely illustrations by Alison Friend combines with a strong storyline to create a fun addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars ****

RATING SYSTEM:

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like, but could elements have been stronger.

3 stars…this story will appeal to some readers but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

*************************

Jack is afraid of the THING in the closet. Monty is afraid of the LUMP in the bed. One day boy and monster both decide they no longer want to fear what hides in the dark. Both have a plan, but will be surprised by what they discover after A BUMP IN THE NIGHT.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is donna-photo-2.jpg

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.