Overview
Have you ever seen a cat wearing a crown? Or noticed a group of cats hunting a dog?Young Peter Black has, but no one believes him! Peter is positive, though, that there's something a little odd about all the cats in town, and he's determined to get to the bottom of it. With vibrant illustrations by Kristin Sorra, Aaron Shepard retells a classic English folktale that will have readers looking twice at their cats! Meow, meow...
A church sexton, known for his wild tales, has three weird encounters with magical cats and can't convince Father Allen that they really happened, until the priest's cat shows an intense interest.
Synopsis
About the Author:
Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of The Princess Mouse, The Sea King's Daughter, The Baker's Dozen, The Legend of Lightning Larry, and many more picture books from major publishers. His stories also appear often in Cricket magazine. Aaron's specialty is retelling folktales and other traditional and classic literature from around the world. His work has been honored by the American Library Association, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Folklore Society. His stories are enjoyed by the entire range of elementary grades-as well as by adults-and are perfect for reading aloud.
Sharon Salluzzo - Children's Literature
Telling wild stories can get a person in a lot of trouble. And so young Peter Black found himself working at the last job he would find in his town. He was the sexton of a church, and Father Allen told him that the wild stories would have to stop. However, one night when Peter couldn't sleep, he saw the lights on in the church. Much to his amazement, the church pews were filled with cats. He watched as a cat in bishop's robes placed a gold crown on a kneeling cat's head. He tried to tell Father Allen the next day, and thought he saw Father Allen's black cat listening intently. Of course, Father thought it was another of his wild stories. But the next night, another amazing sight occurred and this time, Father Allen believed him. Shepard has expanded the traditional British "King o' the Cats" in a retelling that adds marvelous detail and expands the story without losing the flavor or the storyline of the original. Sorra's illustrations, with their slightly off-kilter geometric shapes are perfectly suited. Midnight in a graveyard, black cats and shadows make this a fine choice for Halloween or anytime throughout the year when a good, spooky tale is warranted. 2004, Atheneum Books For Young Readers, Ages 5 to 9.
Editorials
Children's Literature
Telling wild stories can get a person in a lot of trouble. And so young Peter Black found himself working at the last job he would find in his town. He was the sexton of a church, and Father Allen told him that the wild stories would have to stop. However, one night when Peter couldn't sleep, he saw the lights on in the church. Much to his amazement, the church pews were filled with cats. He watched as a cat in bishop's robes placed a gold crown on a kneeling cat's head. He tried to tell Father Allen the next day, and thought he saw Father Allen's black cat listening intently. Of course, Father thought it was another of his wild stories. But the next night, another amazing sight occurred and this time, Father Allen believed him. Shepard has expanded the traditional British "King o' the Cats" in a retelling that adds marvelous detail and expands the story without losing the flavor or the storyline of the original. Sorra's illustrations, with their slightly off-kilter geometric shapes are perfectly suited. Midnight in a graveyard, black cats and shadows make this a fine choice for Halloween or anytime throughout the year when a good, spooky tale is warranted. 2004, Atheneum Books For Young Readers, Ages 5 to 9.—Sharon Salluzzo