The quirky ways of cats are exquisitely captured in more than thirty original visual poems. From acrobat-flipping to toilet-bowl-sipping, couch-scr...
read full description
reviews
Mar 04, 2009
Elizabeth
rated it: 
I say to you, “Cats and poetry.” Now stop! Don’t think! What’s the first thing that just popped into your head? I would bet that a fair amount of you thought of T.S. Eliot and his improbable impossible felines (a certain generation of you could probably sing such poems as songs too). I suppose that this is an unfair reaction when you consider all the other cool cat-related sestinas, haikus, and limericks that exist out there. Surely the time has come for a book of cat-related poems that up
More...
0 comments
like
(3 people liked it)
Sep 02, 2009
Abigail
rated it: 
Thirty-four concrete poems about our feline friends are paired with colorful, attention-grabbing illustrations in A Curious Collection of Cats. From landing on their feet (in balancing act) to defending their territory (Prickles vs. the Golden Retriever and a tomcat's yard is his kingdom), the cats in Franco's book are true to form, affectionate and destructive by turn. My favorite of the lot is probably A Tree for Samantha:
"Some cats can sense the way you feel - my Sam was one More...
"Some cats can sense the way you feel - my Sam was one More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jun 28, 2011
Heidi
rated it: 
I really liked that!! Which, yes, I'm surprised about because I've been very hesistant to read all of this Children's poetry. But this book was fun, creative, humorous, and really, really, um....neat. I apologize for lack of a better word. Perhaps I should say nifty?
I don't often see concrete poems. Probably because I don't read much poetry. But I remember liking them when I learned about them. And this was a very fun collection which, surprisingly, was not hard for me to figure out More...
I don't often see concrete poems. Probably because I don't read much poetry. But I remember liking them when I learned about them. And this was a very fun collection which, surprisingly, was not hard for me to figure out More...
Nov 04, 2011
Marilyn
rated it:
I struggle with poetry. I want to like it, but I'm not naturally drawn to it. This collection is up for the Utah Beehive Book Award. It is so clever and funny and the illustrations are great. Several poems we read over again because it told such a great story. None of these poems are printed with a typical font in typical poem-type placement on the page. You're turning the book every which way to read the poems and wondering if you're starting in the right place.
Dec 01, 2009
Cheryl
rated it:
This collection of visual poems, all focused on cats, is delightful. This collection is worth reading over and over again. There is so much going on with both the words and the pictures that you can find something new and intriguing with each re-reading. All aspects of the feline are topics for Franco's poems including hair balls, scratching, and toilet bowl sipping. This would be a great gift for a young cat lover.
Published 2009; poetry
Published 2009; poetry
Oct 10, 2010
Lisa
rated it:
I would have enjoyed this a lot when I was a child, especially once I was an independent reader. As an adult I found myself getting irritated turning the pages and my eyes every which way in order to read the poems. But, the illustrations of the cats were mostly spot on, as was the content of most of the poetry. My favorite poem was probably the saddest one; it was about planting a tree in memory of a deceased cat. The mood of the poetry ranges from sad to sweet to funny. The illustrator and aut
More...
2 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Oct 25, 2011
Robin
rated it:
Betsy Franco and Michael Wertz have created a fun, colorful, lovely book of poetry. The illustrations and text work together in such a clever way that kids and adults will surely enjoy this one. I read a few selections to my second grade classes, and they were rushing to check out the book next! As a cat lover I was excited about the subject matter, but even dog-people will appreciate the humor here.
Aug 12, 2009
Megan
rated it:
Words and pictures work together in this collection of concrete poems about cats. Even non-poetry-people will appreciate these poems, although a few of the layouts made it difficult to figure out what words to read first. Most of these poems, however, would be good examples to show students learning to write concrete poetry.
Dec 22, 2009
Inge
rated it:
Completely innovative and unlike anything I've seen in a long time. Very reminiscent of "The Mouse's Tale" chapter from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The text is truly part of the art, not just a well-chosen font.
The poetry is clever, cute, and funny.
If this doesn't win the Caldecott, everyone is stupid.
The poetry is clever, cute, and funny.
If this doesn't win the Caldecott, everyone is stupid.
May 21, 2010
Katharine
rated it:
Fun! Bright, colorful, creative illustrations, with the poem text mixed in. What a pick-me-up book. I got it from the library, but I wish I owned this book! A couple great haiku poems, a limerick- short, long- it's all great fun. Cat personality at its best!
Jun 12, 2009
Danielle
rated it:
Well chosen words wrap and weave in this fun book that show the multiple personalities of cats. You will find many cats that you know in this book. Poems help create the picture. And as my sister pointed out, author Betsey Franco is mother cat to hip cat James.
Feb 24, 2010
Maicie
rated it:
Easy Reader.
A collection of cat poems. I especially liked the poem about the cat who got mad when left alone and peed on his owner's hat.
HS ideas:
ENGLISH: poetry, haiku
MATH: count the cats, mice, etc
SCIENCE: pet care, maybe? Animal behavior.
A collection of cat poems. I especially liked the poem about the cat who got mad when left alone and peed on his owner's hat.
HS ideas:
ENGLISH: poetry, haiku
MATH: count the cats, mice, etc
SCIENCE: pet care, maybe? Animal behavior.
Dec 30, 2010
Patricia
rated it:
On the contrary, I loved this title, and this sort of "concrete" poetry (poems in the shape of the subject matter) is always popular with kids, and often inspires them to try their own versions. I thought this was very cleverly done.
Sep 25, 2009
Jane
rated it:
This is a visual fiesta and even though I'm not a cat person (they make me sneeze and wheeze something awful) I love how this captures Things About Cats. Funny, visual, quirky. And not a single wheeze or sneeze to be had.
Jul 06, 2009
Kris
rated it:
Cool concrete poems - good to use along with "Technically, It's Not My Fault" by John Grandits for concrete poems, or to use in "Paws for Poetry" along with "Once I Ate a Pie" by Patricia and Emily MacLachlan and Katy Schneider.
Jun 14, 2009
Shannon
rated it:
A this point in the year, this is my pick for the Caldecott award. Concrete poems made from bright retro drawings -- what's not to love? Unless you're a dog person, I suppose.
Apr 21, 2011
Becky
rated it:
Concrete poems are a new fave. Z actually enjoyed this volume more than the dog companion, which was a surprise. The art is great.
Dec 12, 2011
Maryann
rated it: 
I had a hard time reading this book. The poems and the visual appearance of the poems are creative, but very difficult to read.
Jun 16, 2009
What a fun collection! My favorites are "Veronica Goes Wide" (reminds me of Ella) and "Gonzo's Snack" (reminds me of Benny).
Jun 26, 2009
Becky
rated it:
Cats. Concrete poems. Bright colors. Word art. All reasons to love this book.
Jun 04, 2010
Bridget R.
rated it:
Concrete poems are not my favorite form, but I liked these. Franco was very innovative in her interpretation of concrete. The illustrations were great. So colorful and no lines.
This collection has the charm of Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The illustrations are great—so colorful. I find it intriguing that there are no lines only color. My favorite poems are:
“Veronica Goes Wild”
“Fluff is Polydactyl”
“Ear Decorations”
“Binky’s Kittens”
This collection has the charm of Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The illustrations are great—so colorful. I find it intriguing that there are no lines only color. My favorite poems are:
“Veronica Goes Wild”
“Fluff is Polydactyl”
“Ear Decorations”
“Binky’s Kittens”
Dec 14, 2011
Loretta
rated it:
Published in 2009.
This is an adorable book of poems about all of the silly and unusual behaviors of cats. The poems cover the good and the bad traits of our feline friends and do so in a visually appealing way. The poetry is presented in a variety of fonts and appear to take the form of whatever the particular poem is describing. My daughter adores cats so she was an easy sell on this one. However, I think my students will love it as well!
This is an adorable book of poems about all of the silly and unusual behaviors of cats. The poems cover the good and the bad traits of our feline friends and do so in a visually appealing way. The poetry is presented in a variety of fonts and appear to take the form of whatever the particular poem is describing. My daughter adores cats so she was an easy sell on this one. However, I think my students will love it as well!
Mar 16, 2011
Katie
rated it:
I think this book is a great one for introducing concrete poetry to elementary school kids, and also just a creative and humorous celebration of cats. Recommended to cat lovers and poetry fans.
A detailed review can be found on my blog: http://sharingsoda.blogspot.com/2011/02/...
A detailed review can be found on my blog: http://sharingsoda.blogspot.com/2011/02/...
May 22, 2009
Boni
rated it:
I would probably have to give this five stars if I were a cat lover. Or even a cat liker. But I'm totally not.
The book is a very fun read (our favorite poem was That Cat Peed On My Hat), though I'll reserve my five stars for if Franco ever does A Delightful Digest of Dogs :)
The book is a very fun read (our favorite poem was That Cat Peed On My Hat), though I'll reserve my five stars for if Franco ever does A Delightful Digest of Dogs :)
Sep 09, 2009
Natalie
rated it:
Each clever concrete poem is like a fantastic bold graphic poster.
And I don't even like cats.
And I don't even like cats.
Jan 28, 2012
Jan 24, 2012
Jan 13, 2012
