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What seems transient becomes permanent in this colorful, heartwarming tale of a big fluffy cat that finds a welcoming home with a loving family. As family members think the cat is "just visiting," the cat proves them wrong by constantly showing up in the places the family least expect it to and declaring those places as its own. Just when the family thinks the cat is "theirs" enough to sleep in a lovingly bought bed, the cat proves them wrong again. Instead, the cat chooses the top of the outside trashcan. As the kitty chaos continues, what becomes most apparent is that cats, just like any other creature, cannot be owned, and the sooner humans realize that, the better. As the big fluffy cat continues to surprise the family and claim its place within the family, the cat—without the family members knowing it—more and more brings out the best in them. More significantly, as a band of brilliant peacocks wanders into the family's yard and life, the book reveals the magnetic magic that a few acts of kindness can unleash and how that kindness can become the glue and stronghold of a community, no matter how small the community is.
With its mantra of "Meow = Love You," this book reminds readers, particularly cat owners, of the complexities involved in loving a pet and even in loving one another. What becomes most recognizable as readers journey through this book is something that humans often forget: that animals have their own unique quirks, tendencies, and personalities. The colorful artwork brightening this book's pages playfully depicts the big fluffy cat's quirky individualism and the inspiration that this brings to the family. The illustrations, combined with the book's storyline, also portray one simple truth regarding the power and nature of home: often, home is not where one comes from but where one finds a place among those who accept them. The book also holds many lessons about community, including how communities are stronger when they are more diverse and how each community member contributes to the community's strength and identity.
Whether readers are seeking a loving story about the powerful role animals play in everyday lives or looking for an affectionate tale about the magnetism acceptance offers to the most misunderstood, this book is sure to become a family favorite. This story is a great tool for teaching young children to respect nature and others. The tale also cleverly opens conversations that introduce young readers to the concepts of tolerance and cooperation. Its splendid artwork makes it a fantastic tabletop piece, sure to attract guests of all ages. With its subtle focus on community, this book is a great asset for counselors and teachers seeking to provide classroom lessons about diversity and inclusion. Like Harry the Dirty Dog and Can I Be Your Dog?, the author's work focuses on pets as the center of family and makes the perfect gift for pet owners. A fantastic book all around, this is a must-own and must-read for young readers and adults alike.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review