Cats Books

The Cats in Krasinski Square is about a Jewish girl who is plays with cats outside a ghetto where people are starving. Her family and friends are determined to smuggle food into the ghetto. How will they do it? How are the cats involved in the story? Very moving, very beautiful!

This is a childrens' book for children and adults about resistance and caring in Warsaw by an intelligent and brave Jewish girl, her friends both human and feline. It is sad but also encouraging. It is a difficult topic written with great sensitivity.

This is a real story that happened a long time ago during WWII. It is a great book because the little girl thought of a good plan to distract the police. The illustrations were great. It was a beautiful story because they were helping Jewish people.

The story takes place during WWII and is based on a true event. We liked the story because they helped people who were trapped get food. The story was interesting. The girl had two great ideas to help others. The girl was brave by helping smuggle food into the Warsaw Ghetto.

Once upon a time in a far away place, there lived a bad man, a very bad man. In fact this man was so good at being bad that he convinced the people of his country that he was a good man. Not only that, he convinced them he was the man for the job, the job of leading their government. So he did. Then he convinced his people that there were enemies living right there in their country and they should remove them. But inside his government where there were dark secrets, this bad man decided to create a Final Solution for dealing with these enemies within.

Years later and still unto this day, many writers and historians and journalists have tried to explain how this bad man gained such power to do the awful things he did. Karen Hesse and Wendy Watson combined talents to create "The Cats in Krasinski Square," in their effort to show one tiny moment in this ugly episode of history, the Holocaust of Jews, first in Germany, then rapidly spreading to other Germanic countries and conquered ones in World War II.

In Poland in Warsaw in the Jewish community, walls were built to keep in Jews and keep out non-Jews. Simply an early phase of the Final Solution. Separate the Jews into ghettos, then collect them in cattle cars to take them to the concentration camps, then eliminate their existence through crematoriums--the Final Solution. Notice the massing together at each phase, attempting to make negligible their humanity.

The cats in Krasinski Square are homeless because of the rounding up and crowding together of the Jews. The cats thrive on mice, but they miss their former masters. People outside the ghettos, both non-Jews and Jews able to escape and pass as Polish, keep the cats socialized by the attention they give them (see cover for an example).

A nameless girl, a Polish Jew, who escaped the ghetto, is the narrator of this simple, but heroic act to get food inside the ghetto. There are many holes in the walls, the escape hatch for the cats who come and go, seeking mice. It also is the entryway for food. For this particular episode, friends will arrive on trains with satchels of food to bestow in the holes of the walls. Unfortunately, the Gestapo knows and waits with hungry dogs. The cats are used as lures for the dogs, who go after them instead of the food. Food disappears into the walls and starvation is staved again for a while longer.

That is the essence of the story. A great story. The other half of this wonderful story is the illustrations. They are done in pencil, ink, and watercolors on Strathmore drawing paper. Watercolors tend to give a transparency to the subject, providing a dreamy cast. Watson also uses dark colors, possibly pencil, to provide a ominous overcast to every scene, then offsetting each with an orange glow, perhaps suggestive of hope and action. This is such a perfect pairing, words and illustrations to convey a message of action through hope and hope leading to action. A must-read book for every public, school, and home library.

My two daughters have loved this story ever since they were old enough to tell me so. Preschool and Kindergarten love when I read this story to their class. It is simple, sweet and teaches the days of the week.

We've read this so many times together that my 2 year old daughter 'reads' herself to sleep every night with this book. The illustrations are lovely and Cookie is totally adorable.

Cookie's Week is an all time favorite! Every year, every kid loves Cookie's Week. The kids love to ego read with me . . . "it went everywhere". It's a great gift for kids!

This tale about a kitten's misadventures delightfully brings one through the days of the week with simple text that preschool age children will quickly identify with. dePaoloa's pictures are an excellent match to the text. Those of us raised in a culture where the Genesis creation story is prevalent will quickly recognize the humor of Cookie's lack of a rest day.
The only thing that disappointed me was the size of the book, believe it or not. It measures approximately 7 x 7 inches which makes it slightly smaller than I would wish for when reading to a large group of preschoolers. For snugglier situations such as a bedtime story this would not be an issue.

Sorry to be the naysayer here, but this book -- while chock full of cute kitty watercolors (which is the sole strength of the book), has an extremely threadbare story. So, it teaches the days of the week? Whoop-de-do! Stop the presses, because an author came up with the novel idea of teaching the days of the week via a children's story!

While Cookie the Kitty is mischievous, and honors the shabbos, he is not very creative in how he wrecks the house. One gets the idea that the author never owned a cat before. No shredding toilet paper, no kitty litter and turds all over the laundry room floor, no hairballs under the dining room table, no clawed up la-z-boy upholstery.

What a POLITE kitty!

By Sofia Steryo-Bartmus, Author, Paws of Wisdom-Valuable Lessons We can Learn From Our Pets

"God moves through all of our lives with wondrous and transforming love", is the theme throughout this beautifully written book. When David and his wife move into a new house, he discovers that there is a stray cat in the 'overgrown' backyard. At the time he calls himself a "Cat Hater". He doesn't want to have anything to do with cats. However, little by little he starts to develop a relationship with Mehitabel, the cat. They become inseparable and the cat shows him how we can all learn to "love our enemies" (having had a similar experience with a cat myself, I can totally relate to David's story!)..Mehitable comes into his life for a reason...She is a Gift from God.

"Does God Ever Speak Through Cats", is a great read and a spiritual book. As I read the book, I felt that I personally knew the author. He shares openly about his life and about all his ups and downs, which we can all relate to. He shares his spiritual journey without holding back. You will enjoy reading it, especially if you have ever owned a cat, or any other pet. The stories he shares will touch your heart and they will entertain you and make you laugh out loud, but at the same time they will make you think about God and what His presence means in our lives. David discovers that God moves in our lives, and it is never the way we expect it. God will always surprise us. I can't wait to have some of my friends read it!

David's book is very enjoyable and thought provoking. I love the cover photo. As a cat owner myself, I could totally relate to the story and David's experiences of God through his cat. His honesty and openess in expressing himself shines through.

This is a beautiful little book for any age. It was recommended to me by a friend, and I highly recommend it to all.

The title of David Evans' book intrigued me to want to know what such a book could be about. But it was Mr. Evan's storytelling ability and humor that kept me turning the pages once I started to read it. The book is about a lot more than just a man and his cats. David describes the ups and downs of a life that's a lot like mine, and probably a lot like yours: it's a life filled with happiness and heartache, easy times and tough times, and above all, a desire for a greater understanding of God. As a Christian, I took away some profound spiritual insights that I will ponder for some time to come. David Evans is an entertaining writer who has an inspirational message for us all in the pages of his book. I highly recommend it!

This book is a real treat! But what kind of book is it, anyway? A book about hearing the voice of God? A book about God speaking out through the mouths of animals?

Actually, it's a book depicting the gradual spiritual growth of a man. It's a spiritual biography of David Evans, with a particular focus on how God spoke to his heart by means of a stray cat.

As I read the book, I came to really like the author. He seemed like my kind of guy. He's had his ups: he's been a freelance writer for some famous TV shows. And he's had his downs: he's been fired from jobs--more than once, actually.

But one thing kept him going: he recognized that God was at work in his life.

It's a well-written book, easy to read, filled with stories. At a bit under 100 pages, it's just long enough to finish in a couple of reads. It left me smiling, happy, and peaceful.

If you're looking for a book to lift your spirits and encourage you in life, you've got it right here.

This is a fascinating book, and this from a reader more into fiction than historical biography - but the best fiction writer would be hard pressed to come up with a character like Ernie Pyle.

A page turning look into World War II from someone who could have been your neighbor but was far more than what you would have expected.

I have no idea why a modern rendition of this story has not hit the big screen - it seems a natural, captivating story that would educate as well as entertain.

this must be THE book to read on war - what it's really like in all of its aspects - his description of the beach, after D-Day was gripping and haunting and it has stayed with me many years later -

and how he relates the everyday and ordinary in war -

and how, in any group or organization, it's often a small percentage of the people who are carrying the load - that's just one example of the many insights and truths in this book that relate to all of life, not just life in a war zone -

and it is a great book for anyone to read - a stunning life achievement for ernie pyle -

James Toban has written a stunning book in "Ernie Pyle's War: America's Eyewitness to World War II". Toban has succeeded in giving readers the rare opportunity to see the human frailties concealed within one of America's greatest and most valuable World War II correspondents.

James Toban present a picture of the complex Ernie Pyle; a man that entered the World War II carrying only a broken Remington typewriter and a deep desire to describe the life and hardships of the horrific world of the infantrymen to the American public. The reader will learn of the contradictory Ernie Pyle. The Ernie Pyle who despised war, but who could not stay away from the physical and emotional anguish of battle. The Ernie Pyle who loved his wife, but who continually left her behind to travel to the front lines. Ernie Pyle, the seemingly frail and terrified journalist who demonstrated his bravery by traveling to the front lines to be with and write about "his boys". Ernie Pyle, a genius for writing about the common soldier, but who needed constant reminding that he was the best at what he did. His articles became legendary and the hope and news link for Americans with loved ones in the front lines.

James Toban's "Ernie Pyle's War: America's Eyewitness to World War II " is a must read for World War II readers and all readers who wish to know about the human spirit and about a plain old fashion brave American.

"Ernie Pyle's War" by James Tobin was a thorough read. Tobin described Pyle down to the very last detail, uncovering almost every aspect of his life. After reading this book, the reader had a clear view into Pyle's mind and was able to recognize the feelings he possessed about his professional and private life. The way Tobin intertwined Pyle's messages home with biographical details along with interviews of acquaintances, made this story an easy read. "Ernie Pyle's War" earned five "stars."
Tobin's style of writing was one reason this book was so effective. He used partial quotes from Pyle to title his chapters, which brought an immediate sense of intimacy to the story. Tobin began the book with a chronological introduction to Pyle. This style of writing, although typical for biographies, was well suited for this story and not at all cliché. Readers were able to become acquainted with Pyle as a young man and then mature along with him as he grew into an established adult. By describing Pyle as a young man, readers were able to understand more clearly why he was the way he was as an adult.
Tobin used vivid descriptions to paint a picture of Pyle in the minds of the readers. This was an important aspect because Pyle's physical demeanor was one of the main problems and/or benefits in his life. As a child and young adult, his size hindered his relationships. But, as a war correspondent, the people saw Pyle as more of a hometown boy rather than a studious journalist. This added to his success as a war correspondent.
After transitioning into Pyle's career as a war correspondent, the story line became more tedious. Pyle was in and out of combat and the surface facts of his life were boring. Tobin, understanding the paleness of biographical data, used Pyle's messages home to spice up the story. Like most people, Pyle's life was not what it seemed to be. Besides leading a "glorified" life as a war correspondent, he had major problems at home. Tobin showed the audience this by weaving together Pyle's biographical information with the messages he sent home. This gave the reader a sense of what Pyle was actually feeling. Using these messages instead of his columns allowed reader's to see the "real" Pyle.
Tobin uncovered personal feelings about his professional and personal life, which gave the reader a feeling of empathy toward Pyle. Showing that he did not feel like an outstanding reporter, let readers see Pyle was human. Tobin successfully showed the man behind the pen by opening up Pyle's mind to the audience. He did this by using Pyle's own letters and messages home that contained intimate details of his life. Without the added touch of Pyle's actual writing, the story would have failed to be as successful.

"Ernie Pyle's War" by James Tobin was a thorough read. Tobin described Pyle down to the very last detail, uncovering almost every aspect of his life. After reading this book, the reader had a clear view into Pyle's mind and was able to recognize the feelings he possessed about his professional and private life. The way Tobin intertwined Pyle's messages home with biographical details along with interviews of acquaintances, made this story an easy read. "Ernie Pyle's War" earned five "stars."
Tobin's style of writing was one reason this book was so effective. He used partial quotes from Pyle to title his chapters, which brought an immediate sense of intimacy to the story. Tobin began the book with a chronological introduction to Pyle. This style of writing, although typical for biographies, was well suited for this story and not at all cliché. Readers were able to become acquainted with Pyle as a young man and then mature along with him as he grew into an established adult. By describing Pyle as a young man, readers were able to understand more clearly why he was the way he was as an adult.
Tobin used vivid descriptions to paint a picture of Pyle in the minds of the readers. This was an important aspect because Pyle's physical demeanor was one of the main problems and/or benefits in his life. As a child and young adult, his size hindered his relationships. But, as a war correspondent, the people saw Pyle as more of a hometown boy rather than a studious journalist. This added to his success as a war correspondent.
After transitioning into Pyle's career as a war correspondent, the story line became more tedious. Pyle was in and out of combat and the surface facts of his life were boring. Tobin, understanding the paleness of biographical data, used Pyle's messages home to spice up the story. Like most people, Pyle's life was not what it seemed to be. Besides leading a "glorified" life as a war correspondent, he had major problems at home. Tobin showed the audience this by weaving together Pyle's biographical information with the messages he sent home. This gave the reader a sense of what Pyle was actually feeling. Using these messages instead of his columns allowed reader's to see the "real" Pyle.
Tobin uncovered personal feelings about his professional and personal life, which gave the reader a feeling of empathy toward Pyle. Showing that he did not feel like an outstanding reporter, let readers see Pyle was human. Tobin successfully showed the man behind the pen by opening up Pyle's mind to the audience. He did this by using Pyle's own letters and messages home that contained intimate details of his life. Without the added touch of Pyle's actual writing, the story would have failed to be as successful.

I love Get Fuzzy cartoons and I absolutely can't live without the 365 days a year calendar. Each day depicts another glimpse into the lives of Satchel and Bucky which in some small way always reminds me of my 3 Girls (Suzie, Trixie and Gracie). We can't help but relate to the lives of Bucky and Satchel since they always seem to hit upon something that happens in our own lives.

Keep up the good work.

Thank you, Pattie K

Get Fuzzy is something that can always be counted on to make me laugh. Sometimes out loud. Other times it just makes me grin. No matter what it always lifts my mood. Getting a new strip everyday is even better so the day to day calender is great. It is also nice that the strips are run in order so the small stories in the strip do not get messed up and are all the more funny when they are linked together the right way.

I am a tremendous lover of Bucky Katt. It is wonderful to have a Get Fuzzy comic to wake up to every day. I highly recommend buying this page-a-day calendar so that you can get that humorous lift to start your day.

A constant - as time itself ... every day Rob, Sachel and Bucky cat deliver something that helps the days beginnings.... its addictive as coffee and a donut ... but more healthy...

Darby Conley must be an animal lover, or has grown up with cats & dogs all his life. His 'animal' wit is astounding. Satchel is simply lovable Bucky Cat is, well, as sarcastic as a cat can be. If you want to have a LOL day, every day, this is a must for any desk top.

I got this book because someone who reviewed my book HALLELUJAH, A CAT COMES BACK, said they liked it so much. I couldn't agree more. I almost like it as much as my own book. My grandchildren had to side with me of course, but they loved Jasper too. Not preachy, just perfect. A. B. Curtiss, author of HALLELUJAH, A CAT COMES BACK.

I agree with everyone here.. I now look at my cats twinkling eyes & know they are sending me eyes kisses.. This is up there with my favorite dog book Timbuktu : A Novel (Paperback)
-- a book from the dog's perspective

This is a good book for a young reader that loves cats. The story is entertaining and not violent but has a good storyline that holds the attention. It is not long so would be good reading for age group 8-12 and a good story for parents to read to young ones.

Jasper was a good book, but it was sort of sad. Me being a tad sensitive, I, er, bawled my eyes out(i like using that expression). I would have givin it 4 stars if it wasn't so sad. I still think it should have a sequel, but Michelle Groce, please don't make it so sad. It was a quick read, being 174 pages, but filled with emotions: sadness, fear, happiness, and surprise. I would recommend this book to people who are not sensitive, and have never cried reading any book.

P.S. I liked the warriors(READ THEM!!! They're about cats by erin hunter) better, but this was a good book to read while i waited for the new book to come out.

I have read all of the 10 reviews above and agree with every one of them! So, I just want to add my 5 stars to a beautiful, inciteful book which would be a wonderful gift to all animal lovers from 10 to 100 and beyond.

The cover made me look at the story and I had to get it for my daughter. The expression of Mr. Pusskins alone makes the story funny. He is an aloof cat that is pampered and adored by Emily. He can't stand it and decides to go have fun!

He lives the high life and makes friends with the Pesky Cat Gang. Eventually, the weather turns, things get boring and the pesky cat gang turns out to not be very nice. He finds a lost animal poster of himself and realizes he had it good with Emily. What my daughter found funny was the fact Mr. Pusskins calls Emily on the telephone and she drives the car to find him.

The artwork makes the story really fun. The expressions alone will bring a smile especially if you ever had such a cat.

We can't wait for the new story Mr. Pusskins and Little Whiskers: Another Love story.

I bought this book because my daughter loves cats and because I grew up with a cat that looked and acted like Mr. Pusskins. It quickly became a favorite book and it is never far from my daughter's bedside. She memorized each and every word and reads it to us now. It is a simple story of love lost and found and any child with a favorite "pet" can quickly grasp both Emily and Mr. Pusskins' feelings. We can't wait for the next book to come out!

This is a great book. I saw it in my daughter's classroom and was so taken by the cover that I had to buy it. It is beautifully illustrated and the story is so nice.

Mr. Pusskins is your typical aloof cat. He's like most people if you think of it...doesn't realize how good he has it and takes for granted the ones that love him. He does learn what happens when he gets too big for his britches, and falls in with the wrong crowd. He finally comes to the realization of how much he was loved and how great he had it. He lucks outs in that his owner, Emily, is determined to find him and does.
My granddaughter LOVED this books and so do I. It teaches a very valuable and age-old lesson: Appreciate what you have and be good to those who love you, not take them for granted. This is a lesson that alot of people still need to learn! This book does a wonderful job doing just that.

My family loved the tale of Mr Pusskins. The interesting illustrations held the attention of the 5 year old. The 3 year old thought the story was too long. Mr. Pusskin's appearance and attitude is similar to that of our persian cat; therefore, we could relate to the story. The theme is classic: the grass is always greener on the other side, but you'd be better off to appreciate what you have.

The premise of this book is cute, and the drawings make the story even better. Good for kids and parents to share with kids.

I was lucky enough to meet the author at a book signing where I purchased this as a gift for my son. He's 7 and this is by far his favorite book. He never gets tired of reading it, or having it read to him. I agree with the gentleman who said it's a great book for kids and cat lovers alike!! The relationship between the cat and the young owner is obviously one of great love, and how can you go wrong with that, no matter what the story is about!!??

When I actually read the book, I was amazed. Being a 20 year old male, I don't typically read this type of book nor do I know much about them, but this one really was fun to read. The story is very easy to read, but never loses its fun. I would recommend this book to any person with kids or to any cat lover (like myself). Great book, great author, you just can't go wrong. 5 stars.

I loved this book! I read this during my night class and I couldn't help but laugh. It is very funny yet simple. I am not an animal lover but I liked this cat. Children will love the idea of a cat making their lunch. The illustrations are great and really go with the story. Great book!

This book is wonderful! Easy reading, light, fun, and humorous. After receiving the book, I took it home and read it to my cat. I laughed and re-read it again. I plan on reading this book to my Grandchildren at Christmas time, ages: 2 years, 5 years, and 5 months. Granted the 5 month old will not understand, but in the future she will. The illustrations are great, too. Easy for children to identify with. I hope this author continues to write.

A book is a book, and appeals to individuals based on their preferences. I happen to enjoy the humor of Patrick McManus. The real reason for the review, however, is to acknowledge the seller, who was very curteous and quick to ship. If the opportunity presents itself again, I shall certainly look to do business with them.

I have been a closet Pat McManus fan since the 80's. His short stories always make me laugh out loud, no matter what mood that I am in before I start reading them. These stories are for everyone. You don't even have to fish or hunt and you'll still get it. Anyone who has ever spent any time outdoors will be able to relate to his adventures.

The names of the stories in this book are:
Sequences
The Dumbest Antelope
Out of Sync
Kid Brothers and Their Practical Application
The Fried Flies, Please, and Easy on the Garlic
At Loose Ends
Getting It in the Ear
Garage-Sale Hype
How to get Started in Bass Fishing
As the Worm Squirms
Scoring
A Road Less Traveled By
Gunkholing
Blips
The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw
Water Spirits
Letter to the Boss
Scritch's Creek
The Tin Horn
Cupidity, Draw Thy Bow
Whitewater Fever
Never Cry "Arp!"
Visions of Fish and Game
A Brief History of Boats and Marriage
Boating Disorders
Try Not to Annoy Me

First let me say I found the Patrick McManus stories funny each month as I got that magazine. Maybe it was Outdoor Life,,,,,
Then I read there that I could get books full of his stories.
WOW, I bought all of them.
I must say though that I like this one best.

BTW, If you ever read a story by Pat about being lost in the woods by all means believe him. I am way up here in NW lower Michigan.
A man I know who is a regular fisherman was fishing a local river. He was away from any road when he happened to find a man that had been fishing, but was asking how to get out of there back to a road. After he had told the guy to just follow the river that way for about two more miles the guy introduced himself,,, Guess who? Patrick McManus of course. 8>))

Now, I'm actually from Idaho where this book is actually based off of. Despite all of the Sarcasm, you got Idaho. HAHA LOL. I know this is bad but I hate to read. I had to read this book for an english assignment. But I really like this book. It is non-stop laughter. I think I am going to read all of his books now. I hope that is enough for you to be convinced that this book really is good and should be read by anyone who loves humorous books. HAPPY READING! :)

This book is hilarious. We like to read it to the middle and high school kids. You can hear them laughing about the fur coat, etc. outside the building. It has sparked many a boy into getting Partick's other books and reading for themselves. As a library director I know how hard it is to get middle and high school kids to read for pleasure. Patrick McManus is sure a pleasure. When I read the Goombaw story, and I have numerous times I still can not get through it without tears running down my face.

I've said it in other reviews and I'll say it again--I love everything by Mary Ann Hoberman that I've read. This book is great for reading aloud, is fun and engaging, and has a great message for children (and adults, for that matter)!

My daughter is 14 yr. and this is still her all time favorite book from her childhood. It is beautifully written. When read aloud, the rhymes are truly lyrical. I also love the underlying message re. the life enriching qualities of friendship and sharing. Illustrations are gorgeous, unique and really hold a child's attention. I just ordered three copies to give to friends with younger children.

I got this book from the library for my 2 year old and he absolutely adores it. He asks me to read it all of the time! I have to force him to pick a different book to read (for my sanity). The illustrations are very colorful and just grab his attention. There is a nice rhyme to the story that makes is pleasant to read aloud. This is one that we will definitely be purchasing!

The illustrations are what really sold me on this book and the story is wonderful too. It is one of those rare kids books (much like Maria Kalmans) that combines beautiful art with a sweet story. It is quirky and dear.

This is a great book for children. It teaches sharing and how to make friends. I like this book becuase Oliver learns about how to treat others. He doesn't know what life is like, becuase he has always lived by himself and never talks to any of the people in his town. He has one of everything in his house. He doesn't know that his house was only made for one person until he makes a friend and invites her to his home. Peggoty Small tells Oliver that his home was made for one person and she couldn't live with him.
My favorite character was Peggoty Small. I like her becuase she told Oliver Toliver what she tought. She wasn't afriad to tell him about her feelings, she just told him flat out what she thought. Even though she hurt Oliver's feelings, she old him anyways because she thought he should know the truth. This book teaches kids how to make friends, and how to share what you have with others.