My pick this week for Perfect Picture Book Fridays is a book one of my favorite author/illustrators, Ezra Jack Keats
Title: Hi, Cat!
Author: Ezra Jack Keats
Publisher: Macmillan Company (1970) Viking Juvenile (1999)
Ages: 3 and up
Themes: Appreciation/Gratitude, Animals, Accidents, Conflict/Resolution
Synopsis: Archie goes to meet his friend Peter (Remember The Snowy Day?)so they can put on a street show for the neighborhood. On his way, he meets a stray cat. The cat ends up following Archie to the show. It proceeds to mess up all of Archie’s plans. But Archie doesn’t get mad. He accepts what happens and sees that the cat just really likes him.
Opening: On his way to meet Peter, Archie saw someone new on the block:
“Hi, cat,” he said as he walked by.
From the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation:
Archie is walking down the street eating an ice cream cone. It’s a beautiful day, and he is on his way to meet his best friend Peter. Suddenly stopped by a newcomer to his neighborhood, Archie says, “Hi, cat!” The cat sits, looks him up and down, and purrs. It turns out to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Keats’s vibrant palette brings this humorous, fast-paced story to life.
Activities:
Make your own backyard theater – Here’s some free kids scripts
The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation has a wonderful list of resources for educators
PBS Kids has a lists of plays for kids to have fun with
Adopt a kitty of your own! Petfinder.org or locate the nearest Humane Society in your area and visit or foster a pet!
Why I like this book: I love Ezra Jack Keats of simple storytelling. He lets the reader “fill in the blanks”. I also enjoy his style of illustration. Every book of his that I have read I have loved. He knew how to interpret life in an urban environment and make it interesting and engaging for the reader, no matter what age.
Perfect Picture Book Fridays are a weekly blog event where participants review some of their favorite picture books. The posts are compiled on author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website. They are categorized by theme to help parents, educators and readers find the perfect picture book easily. To learn more, please visit Susanna’s site where you will find the complete PPBF’s library.
Catherine Johnson 18/05/2012
That sounds simple and cute, perfect for kids!
Loni Edwards 18/05/2012
Hi Catherine,
Yes, Ezra has a way of making a simple story so much more. Thanks for your comment!
Erik -This Kid Reviews Books 18/05/2012
This book seems like a great story! I the cover illustration! :)I like “fill in the blank” stories too (I reviewed one today also 😉 )
Loni Edwards 18/05/2012
I like the cover illustration too Erik 🙂 I will go check out your review tonight. Thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer Young 18/05/2012
This book sounds lovely. Great resources! love that you added the adoption website. The theater one looks really fun!
Loni Edwards 18/05/2012
Thanks Jennifer 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill 18/05/2012
I love Ezra Jack Keats, but haven’t read this book! I’ll definitely have to find it – sounds like a wonderful story! Great activities too – thanks so much for sharing!
Loni Edwards 18/05/2012
Yes, it is a wonderful story! Thanks Susanna
Beth Stilborn 18/05/2012
A cat, a play, what’s not to love? Thanks, Loni!
Loni Edwards 18/05/2012
Thanks Beth!
Julie Hedlund 18/05/2012
I’m sure most kids would love your suggestion of getting a kitty of their own. 😉 Great choice!
Loni Edwards 18/05/2012
Haha! Yes, I am sure they would 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Julie!
Penny Klostermann 18/05/2012
I love cat books, so I bet I will love this one. The opening lines are so appealing.
Loni Edwards 18/05/2012
You will love this book Penny!
Kirsten Larson 18/05/2012
The Snowy Day is one of our favorites, but I’ve never heard of this follow up. Thanks so much for the introduction, Loni!
Loni Edwards 19/05/2012
You’re welcome Kirsten!
Patricia Tilton 18/05/2012
I’m sure parents would love your suggestion of getting a kitty. Love Keats. Haven’t read this one, but will.
Loni Edwards 19/05/2012
Thanks for your comment Patricia!
Eric Van Raepenbusch 18/05/2012
This is a good one! It is in our home library!
Loni Edwards 19/05/2012
Thanks for your comment Eric!
Vivian Kirkfield 18/05/2012
Wonderful review! Thanks so much, Loni, for a great book by one of my favorite authors! I didn’t know this one existed…but as soon as I saw the cover, I knew it was Ezra Jack Keats. 🙂
60 years ago, a little black cat followed me home during a summer visit to my grandmother…perhaps I should write a story about it…my grandmother ended up with 2 less singing canaries…oops!
Loni Edwards 19/05/2012
Haha! Oops! Yes sounds like a good tale to tell 🙂 Thanks for the comment Vivian 🙂
Stacy S. Jensen 19/05/2012
I haven’t read this one, but am putting it on my list. I love the title and the lines you shared.
Loni Edwards 19/05/2012
You will love it Stacy!
Julie Rowan-Zoch 19/05/2012
Ahhh, Ezra…
Loni Edwards 20/05/2012
Yup. He’s one of the best.
Heather 19/05/2012
Excellent choice, Loni! I love this book and you have great activities 🙂
Loni Edwards 20/05/2012
Thank you Heather!