Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
M is for Meow: A Cat Alphabet
Illustrator: Robert Papp
Nonfiction Picture Book Series
For ages 5 to 10
Sleeping Bear Press, 2006 ISBN: 978-1585363049
Unlike the often total devotion that dogs offer, cats tend to have a very different relationship with their humans. They are more aloof, and they have not completely given up their connection to their wild selves. They are more independent and therefore make better pets for people who cannot manage all the special needs that a dog requires. They became domesticated more recently though there can be no doubt that their services as mouse and rat catchers have been invaluable to humans over the years.
Today cat fanciers cannot seem to get enough of their favorite breeds whether they prefer the shorthaired varieties like the Siamese with their famous intelligence and loud voices, or the long haired breeds like the Maine Coon. Cats have inspired artists, musicians, and painters, and they have been the companions of some the world’s most famous men and women. It is likely that wherever you go, you will find cat images about you.
This beautifully illustrated book not only addresses the impact that cats have on our lives but it also describes cat care, cat adoption, cat behavior and biology, and much more. For each letter of the alphabet some element of cat-ness is described. For example for the letter W the author talks about whiskers. She has a short poem about the topic and then a longer section of text on the subject can be found in a side bar on that page. For the letter G she discusses grooming, something cats do a great deal. Once again she has a short poem on the subject and also a more detailed side bar of text. The poem is suitable for a younger reader and the side bar is sure to engage the interest of older readers who will want to know more.
At the back of the book the author has included two pages of additional pages of “Cat Stats and Feline Facts” for cat fanciers and pet owners.
