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The Owl and the Pussycat (Board Book)
by
Edward Lear,
Jan Brett
Edward Lear's nonsense poem about two unlikely sweethearts--an elegant owl and a beautiful cat--has found a perfect match in artist Jan Brett. She traveled to the Caribbean (the land where the Bong-tree grows, perhaps?) to research her illustrations as well as the settings, costume details, plants, and fish native to the area. Readers can follow an illustrated subplot o...more
Board Books, 18 pages
Published
August 4th 1997
by Putnam Publishing Group
(first published June 1960)
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‘The Owl and the Pussy Cat’ is the much loved children’s classic written by Edward Lear and the version I found in my library contains updated illustrations by Louise Voce. It follows the whimsical journey of the eponymous duo as they set to sea, get engaged and search for a ring.
The nonsense poetry has some lovely lines although some of the language has certainly dated and could be considered a tad risqué these days (“Oh lovely pussy” etc) however its main audience is unlikely to be...more
The nonsense poetry has some lovely lines although some of the language has certainly dated and could be considered a tad risqué these days (“Oh lovely pussy” etc) however its main audience is unlikely to be...more
**Reviewing edition selected and illustrated by Michael Hague.
This book looked appealing for two reasons. First, I'm a big fan of Hague's illustrations elsewhere (Kate Culhane, The Reluctant Dragon). Second, I fell utterly in love with The Owl and the Pussy Cat via Hilary Knight's the Owl and the Pussy-Cat. And so I thought it would be a nice idea to explore Lear's other poems along with some nice artwork.
Well, the artwork IS nice! No disputing that. But, I'm afraid ...more
This book looked appealing for two reasons. First, I'm a big fan of Hague's illustrations elsewhere (Kate Culhane, The Reluctant Dragon). Second, I fell utterly in love with The Owl and the Pussy Cat via Hilary Knight's the Owl and the Pussy-Cat. And so I thought it would be a nice idea to explore Lear's other poems along with some nice artwork.
Well, the artwork IS nice! No disputing that. But, I'm afraid ...more
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Edward Lear's classic rhyme comes to sparking life in Jan Brett's lively and original interpretation. It opens with a charming scene with Pussycat's parents looking on fondly, while Owl kneels before her, she regarding him with an enigmatic look. The courtship proceeds over glassy seas with idyllic views above and below water, and even children who are romantic nature of the story will wish they could visit "the place where the bong-tree grows."
Brett's illustrations are lus...more
Brett's illustrations are lus...more
There are 15 nonsense rhymes altogether by Edward Lear from the 'Owl & the Pussycat' to 'The Two Old Bachelors' (my favourite). This was originally released on casstte in 1987. I am so glad that they've re-released it on CD. There's just one cd - 40 minutes long.
'Edward Lear is famous for his linguistic genius & peculiar brand of humour.' Alan Bennett just enhances this fab colaboration.
For everyone I think from babies to adults, I say babies too because the dulcet tones of ...more
I had never read this book before we read it to my son. It is an odd book.
Owls and pussycats together, in love and taking to water in a boat. Then there is this stanza:
"O lovely Pussy, O Pussy, my love,
What a beautiful Pussy you are,
You are,
You are!
What a beautiful Pussy you are!"
And then,
"They sailed away, for a year and a day,
To the land where the bong-tree grows..."
where one expects they may me...more
Owls and pussycats together, in love and taking to water in a boat. Then there is this stanza:
"O lovely Pussy, O Pussy, my love,
What a beautiful Pussy you are,
You are,
You are!
What a beautiful Pussy you are!"
And then,
"They sailed away, for a year and a day,
To the land where the bong-tree grows..."
where one expects they may me...more
The Owl and The Pussy Cat
Grade K-3
The illustrations done by Jan Bret are both animated and realistic in appearance. Bret uses lots of color, particularly lots of aqua blues and greens. The illustrations are large and detailed and the text is minimal. Lear’s use of rhythm and rhyme to tell this humorous romantic story between the owl and the pussycat will appeal to children’s sense of imagination. Children will like the colorful illustrations, the sound of the poem and the...more
Grade K-3
The illustrations done by Jan Bret are both animated and realistic in appearance. Bret uses lots of color, particularly lots of aqua blues and greens. The illustrations are large and detailed and the text is minimal. Lear’s use of rhythm and rhyme to tell this humorous romantic story between the owl and the pussycat will appeal to children’s sense of imagination. Children will like the colorful illustrations, the sound of the poem and the...more
Not an award winning book, however I chose this book as my "Poetry/ Verse" book. The illustrations are beautiful! Children in the early childhood ranges would love this book. The poem/verses are witty and cute. The owl and the pussycat take off to sea, and the pussycat falls in love with the owl. They sail on the sea till they find land and get married. Its a cute story, this is a stretch, however it could be symbolic as culture, everyone is different but it doesn't matter if you're bl...more
I should probably start a shelf called Children's Books That Are Not Good for Children. This is one of those books I would ut on that shelf. I find Lear's rhymes to be very strange. These have a very nice sound to them but I think they are inaccessible. I remember feeling the same way about Alice In Wonderland as a child. But I suppose different children feel differently so it would be better to expose them to things and let them make their own decisions. As an adult I enjoy the oddity. Da...more
Becky
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
kids age 2 and up, owl-n-pussycat lovers
Shelves:
children-and-ya,
poetry
Jan Brett's Caribbean-inspired illustrations for the classic Edward Lear poem are teeming with life, and the effect is stunning. The colors, textures, and shapes are a visual treat. Each page also has a different pattern of "straw" border, adorned with a different tropical flower.
The pictures overflow with detail, to the point where there's even a sub-story (pardon the pun) involving two yellow fish.
I didn't give it the full 5 stars because the way the text is b...more
The pictures overflow with detail, to the point where there's even a sub-story (pardon the pun) involving two yellow fish.
I didn't give it the full 5 stars because the way the text is b...more
Not enough can be said about this book. I know I asked my mother and father to read it to me a hundred times as a child, and read it that many more. A timeless poem of nonesense verse set to beautiful pictures.
A lulling and sweet tale of love rolls off the tongue with ease - no trips or stumbles so you and your little one can relax into the evening.
Boys and girls will love the story, moms and dads will appreciate it's brevity and the easy cadence.
A lulling and sweet tale of love rolls off the tongue with ease - no trips or stumbles so you and your little one can relax into the evening.
Boys and girls will love the story, moms and dads will appreciate it's brevity and the easy cadence.
The Owl and the Pussycat is a funny book. I really liked this book because it was creative. I liked how the Owl ends up marrying the cat. Although the storyline is kind of pointless it is entertaining. The pictures are a little busy for me but some people may like that because it can give them a lot to look at. This book would make children laugh and have a good time.
I can't stop reading this picture book to LE. I love it so much. Its the tiny Lear poem of The Owl and Pussycat who went to sea in a beautiful pea green boat. It's Lewis Carroll-esque, it sways and rolls beautiful nonsense. The illustrations that accompany are detailed and vivrant, inspired by the beauty of 19th century Carribean. It's such a rare and unusual book.
Lear's poem remains - as ever - a masterpiece, a true represenative of all that can be wonderful in so-called "nonsense" verse. What is especially exciting about this edition are the beautifully irreverent, charmingly affected illustrations of Stephane Jorisch. Together, narrative and pictures form an excellent retelling of the original.
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There are four linked poems to consider as a unit here: The Owl & the Pussycat, The Pobble Who Has No Toes, The Jumblies, and The Dong with the Luminous Nose. Reading each brings you back to the others: it's about sailing away, islands and sea, and loss. Rich melancholy - rightfully poked fun at.
My copy of this book was in French, a gift to me when I was a very young girl. Even after translation it was hard to make sense of it as a child. I totally loved the sounds of the words and the improbability of it all. I still do. I reminds me of a recent trip to Hawaii.
An old tale by one of my favorite ilustrators. The picture of Owl and Pussycat dancing by the light of the moon is exactly how I imagine spending eternity with my favorite Owl. This was the last book James Marshall illustrated before he died. Available at HCLIB.
The owl gives the pig one shilling for his nose ring, which becomes a wedding band that is used for their ceremony led by the turkey.
Lots of nature can be seen from the boat, Promise. A sentence of two per page is accompanied by colorful pictures.
Lots of nature can be seen from the boat, Promise. A sentence of two per page is accompanied by colorful pictures.
C really likes pointing at things in the pictures. He also loves to say "owl" and "maow." I'm going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars - C loves to look at the book, isn't as patient about letting me actually read it to him. (23 months old).
I've been steadily reading this to my young babe every night for the past few weeks and each time I read it I love it more. The illustrations and verse are both wonderful.
I find myself reciting the poem from memory I enjoy it so much.
I find myself reciting the poem from memory I enjoy it so much.
Okay dumb. I have a hard time imagining an owl and a pussycat getting married by a turkey...wierd....I'm sure I'm reading way more into it. Yes, I know it's all "nonsense" but some nonsense I struggle with.
Good illustrations though...
Good illustrations though...
I memorized this poem as a child and have never forgotten it. Jan Brett's wonderful illustrations make this book well worth a look. It's fun to see her illustrating in a tropical setting for a change.
I love this kind of illustration, the poem is classically nonsensical, and I thought that 'the land where the bong-tree grows' looked pleasingly like Australia. So this was a hit (for both of us).
This book seems like one of a kind. It sounds old yet still a good read. Good to talk about how the English language has evolved over time. Sweet illustrations to go with a good story.
Cole brought this book home to show me. This version has the most amazing illustrations. I forgot how thought provoking a children's book can be. We were trying to figure out why the owl and the pussycat wear masks when they are in public and why the other animals in the book wear masks when they are around others of their species. Alone, the owl and the pussycat remove their masks. I want to know if there's a deeper meaning beyond the obvious.
You also have to love the fact that...more
You also have to love the fact that...more
I read this for my baby program on Valentine's Day. It was a hit, especially with the mom's who loved the illustrations.
One of my favorites when I was little. I had it memorized so there was no skipping pages or lines when reading it to me!
After a courtship voyage of a year and a day, Owl and Pussy finally buy a ring from Piggy and are blissfully married.
Lower Grades K-3
Topic - Subtopic: Animals-Cats; Animals-Owls; Award Winners-American Bookseller Pick of the List; Award Winners-Boston Globe/Horn Book Award/Honors; Award Winners-Parent's Choice Award/Honor Book; Award Winners-SLJ Best Book; Award Winners-Booklist Editors' Choice; Canadian Content-Canadian Content (All); Family Life-Marriage; Poetry/Rhymes-...more
Lower Grades K-3
Topic - Subtopic: Animals-Cats; Animals-Owls; Award Winners-American Bookseller Pick of the List; Award Winners-Boston Globe/Horn Book Award/Honors; Award Winners-Parent's Choice Award/Honor Book; Award Winners-SLJ Best Book; Award Winners-Booklist Editors' Choice; Canadian Content-Canadian Content (All); Family Life-Marriage; Poetry/Rhymes-...more
It was sort of weird that it was a poem but I like it. I had to memorize all the way to where he sung to her.
This is one of my favorites because my grandmother gave me a book which included this delightful tale.
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Edward Lear was an English artist, illustrator and writer known for his literary nonsense, in poetry and prose, and especially his limericks, a form which he popularized.
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More about Edward Lear...
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3 trivia questions
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“They dined on mince, and slices of quince
Which they ate with a runcible spoon;
And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon.”
—
21 people liked it
More quotes…
Which they ate with a runcible spoon;
And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon.”
