CATS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Simon, S. (2004). CATS. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 0-06-173043-2

PLOT SUMMARY

Cats are cute and furry, but how much do you really know about these feline friends?  CATS explores the history, physical characteristics, and behaviors of domesticated cats.  Seymour Simon explains how cats can move their bodies in amazing ways and one reason why people say cats have nine lives.  A cat's sense of sight, smell, and hearing are very good.  They can see with very little light and hear sounds and smell things that humans can't.   Simon explains that cats use their own sounds and body language to communicate with each other and humans.  A mother knows exactly what to do to raise a helpless kitten into an independent cat.  The author talks about several breeds of cats and also the questions someone should ask themselves to determine if they should get a cat for a pet.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

CATS is written in photo essay format with beautiful, full color photographs that accompany the text.  These photographs are not only beautiful, they complement the author's words perfectly.  They demonstrate the behaviors and showcase the features that are talked about in the text.  For example, on the page that is describing the way cats are physically built and how their bodies move, there is one picture of a cat jumping through the air and another series of action shots that show how a cat can turn their body in mid air and land on their feet.  These photographs will peak the young reader's interest and have them reading the text for further explanation.  

Unlike some nonfiction books, there are no headings and no index or table of contents.  This organization of CATS makes it easy to read from cover to cover because of the logical progression.  Simon starts by telling a short history of domesticated cats followed by their physical characteristics and then their various behaviors.  He follows up with kitten and breed specific information and ends with questions to ask oneself if you are interested in becoming a cat owner.  

The information is accurate without being too detailed or complicated for a young reader.  Simon does a great job of presenting the facts to children without making it too simplistic.  Because of the straight forward language used and complementary photographs, this book could be enjoyed by a wide variety of reading levels.  

AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

"Joining over 200 science books by Simon, this vibrantly illustrated informational book includes charming and unique photographs plus text, which informs and delights."  Children's Literature

"The "awww" factor is high in this book, but the winsome pictures are backed by plenty of good information." Children's Literature

"Simon succeeds in addressing his topic in clear, easily understood vocabulary without writing down to children." - School Library Journal

CONNECTIONS

BIG CATS by Seymour Simon. ISBN: 9780060216467

DOGS by Seymour Simon. ISBN: 9780064462556

FUN FACTS ABOUT PETS. by Seymour Simon.  ISBN:  0000920576 

-Use this book to help kids understand how the pictures can help us to comprehend what the text is saying.

-Have students write a persuasive letter to their parents asking them if they can adopt a cat

-Have students research a certain breed of cat.