Cats galore, and always more, if Molly the cat doesn't get to the vet!
When Jim and his mom return home from the vet with Molly the cat after her surgery, Jim asks, “Why did we keep Molly from having kittens? I like kittens!” In this delightfully illustrated imagined journey into the future, Jim’s mom shows the many ways that Molly’s (and her kittens’) potential for multiplying would change their lives—and not for the better!
It’s Raining Cats—and Cats! will appeal to kids and adults with its delightful, detailed art that encourages looking through the book many times. This is the first children’s picture book to show, vividly and humorously, the importance of neutering. Animal groups and vets will praise it, since spaying and neutering are at the top of their agenda, not only to keep animal populations in check, but to avoid killing millions of unwanted, homeless animals every year.
Resources
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Awards & Recognition
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Winner of the ASPCA Henry Bergh Award for Best Children’s Picture Book, Fiction, Companion Animals |
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Honor Book, The Humane Society of the US Youth KIND Award, children’s picture books |
Editorial Reviews
School Library Journal
(Gr 1-3) After Jim’s cat gingerly steps from her carrying crate, revealing a shaved belly and big black stitches, Jim’s mother tries to explain to him the necessity of having Molly spayed. In the accompanying illustrations, cats and kittens begin to appear in every crack and crevice as Jim asks his mother, “Why are there cats on the roof and cats in my room?” “Molly and Molly’s kittens had kittens,” his mother replies. Five or six generations later, the house is completely overrun and Jim and his mother are discovering how difficult it is to find homes for all of the animals. The artwork is probably the most appealing aspect of the book. Hansen’s familiarity with cats is evident in her humorous illustrations. The felines’ expressions and body language are beguiling, and their whimsical antics lighten the tone of the book considerably. The text, however, does not always flow well. Readers are directed to several Web sites (no URLs given), but no sources are provided. An additional purchase for most libraries.
— Neala Arnold, St. Francis Elementary School, MN
