Gianferrari, Maria. Being a Cat: A Tail of Curiosity. Pete Oswald, Illus. Harper, 04/2023. 40pp. Picture
Book. GRADES Preschool – 2. $19.99. 978-0-06-306792-9. ADDITIONAL.
Although this is a cute book with
vibrant illustrations, the text is confusing and flat. The bulk of the text is unconnected and without a
clear purpose beyond giving Oswald the opportunity to create some very cute cat illustrations. In the
final pages the book presents ways that a child can play like a cat, encouraging them to “stick out your
tongue” or “pretend you have whiskers,” but this interaction is too little, too late. Ultimately, the book
doesn’t offer text that is special or unique, and it was hard to imagine using this book in a class or library
setting.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District