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The Doll Shop #2
The Cats in the Doll Shop
When Anna spots a cat in the yard behind her parents' doll shop, she is excited. Then she realizes the cat is about to have kittens--even better! And Anna has something else to look forward her cousin Tania is coming from Russia to stay with Anna's family. Anna already has two sisters, but she and Tania are the exact same age--eleven--and she imagines they will get along perfectly. But Tania doesn't respond to Anna's friendly overtures, and her sisters don't seem to like Tania at all. Luckily, Anna finds a creative way to use her love of dolls and cats to bring everyone together.
140 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 2011
6 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Yona Zeldis McDonough
55 books238 followersI live in Park Slope, Brooklyn and many of my novels take place here. But my new novel takes place in New Hampshire, and I have woven into it a historical component: the tragic story of Ruth Blay, who in 1768 was the last woman hanged in the state. When I read about Ruth, I was fascinated and horrified in equal measure, and I knew I had to write about her.
I was educated at Vassar College and Columbia University, where I studied art history. But I started writing fiction in my 20's and never looked back. I am the author of seven novels, 27 books for children and am the editor of two essay collections. I'm also the fiction editor of Lilith Magazine . Please visit my website, http://www.yonazeldismcdonough.com or find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yzmcdonough; I love to connect with readers everywhere.
I was educated at Vassar College and Columbia University, where I studied art history. But I started writing fiction in my 20's and never looked back. I am the author of seven novels, 27 books for children and am the editor of two essay collections. I'm also the fiction editor of Lilith Magazine . Please visit my website, http://www.yonazeldismcdonough.com or find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yzmcdonough; I love to connect with readers everywhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 7, 2013
A thoroughly delightful and worthy sequel to the wonderful The Doll Shop Downstairs. I loved this warm-hearted, thoughtful little book.
World War I continues and Anna's extended family in Russia are feeling the pangs. Mama's sister has to take a job as a maid in a fancy home in Moscow, but there is no room for her daughter so Tania makes "the crossing" to America to stay with Anna and her family. Anna is delighted at Tania's arrival for Tania is exactly Anna's age and won't be too baby-ish (like little sister Trudie can sometimes be) or too bossy (like older sister Sophie can be). But it is challenging to incorporate Tania into the family. She is very shy and doesn't speak any English and she has some peculiar habits like blinking her eyes rapidly or hoarding food. Anna shows her great patience and kindness, as do Mama and Papa, but Sophie and Trudie are distant. (While I think the girls' reasons for being rather unwelcoming were implied--after all, it couldn't be easy adapting to life with such an unusual stranger, let alone sharing a cramped bedroom and such--I do feel this part of the story could have been a bit more developed.) I really loved the thoughtful surprise Anna has for Tania upon her arrival and how that plays out in the story later on.
The subplot involves a mama cat (an adorable ginger cat, I'm happy to say) and her kittens. The girls try to get the stray cat to have her kittens in a cozy box in their yard, but the mama gives birth on the balcony of the mean-hearted Mustached Man who proceeds to sweep mama and kittens off the balcony! I must say that this part is heartbreaking as only one of the kittens survives. (Parents may want to skip over this part with sensitive children--and they may want to skip the book entirely as there are a few other harrowing moments of kitty peril which, while not so violent or deadly, could still hurt sensitive feline fans.) Anna and her sisters must try to convince Papa to let them help the mama and the lame kitten who survives. I felt that their quest was presented with great honesty and sweetness and the resolution is just wonderful and really speaks to the way animals can be so therapeutic for people. Some of the other little subplots are woven dexterously into the story (like thirteen-year-old Sophie sometimes acting very "grown-up" yet sometimes still loving to play dolls with her sisters).
All in all, I loved the book and (with the caveat for sensitive readers) highly recommend it to fans of the first book (or, even if you can't get the first book, you could start here--I think it stands alone well enough though obviously best to start with the first).
World War I continues and Anna's extended family in Russia are feeling the pangs. Mama's sister has to take a job as a maid in a fancy home in Moscow, but there is no room for her daughter so Tania makes "the crossing" to America to stay with Anna and her family. Anna is delighted at Tania's arrival for Tania is exactly Anna's age and won't be too baby-ish (like little sister Trudie can sometimes be) or too bossy (like older sister Sophie can be). But it is challenging to incorporate Tania into the family. She is very shy and doesn't speak any English and she has some peculiar habits like blinking her eyes rapidly or hoarding food. Anna shows her great patience and kindness, as do Mama and Papa, but Sophie and Trudie are distant. (While I think the girls' reasons for being rather unwelcoming were implied--after all, it couldn't be easy adapting to life with such an unusual stranger, let alone sharing a cramped bedroom and such--I do feel this part of the story could have been a bit more developed.) I really loved the thoughtful surprise Anna has for Tania upon her arrival and how that plays out in the story later on.
The subplot involves a mama cat (an adorable ginger cat, I'm happy to say) and her kittens. The girls try to get the stray cat to have her kittens in a cozy box in their yard, but the mama gives birth on the balcony of the mean-hearted Mustached Man who proceeds to sweep mama and kittens off the balcony! I must say that this part is heartbreaking as only one of the kittens survives. (Parents may want to skip over this part with sensitive children--and they may want to skip the book entirely as there are a few other harrowing moments of kitty peril which, while not so violent or deadly, could still hurt sensitive feline fans.) Anna and her sisters must try to convince Papa to let them help the mama and the lame kitten who survives. I felt that their quest was presented with great honesty and sweetness and the resolution is just wonderful and really speaks to the way animals can be so therapeutic for people. Some of the other little subplots are woven dexterously into the story (like thirteen-year-old Sophie sometimes acting very "grown-up" yet sometimes still loving to play dolls with her sisters).
All in all, I loved the book and (with the caveat for sensitive readers) highly recommend it to fans of the first book (or, even if you can't get the first book, you could start here--I think it stands alone well enough though obviously best to start with the first).
March 6, 2012
I loved the first book, The Doll Shop Downstairs, and this is just as charming, and it got me to upgrade the first book from 4 to 5 stars. This book is a wonderful sequel. I’m really glad the story continued. Even though this book could work fine as a standalone book I strongly suggest readers read the first book first.
The wonderful, Anna, the narrator, now 11, and her sisters, her cousin, her parents, her friends, the couple who work for the family’s doll business, and two special cats make for a memorable cast of characters.
I love the warm family relationships, and the emphasis on schooling and creativity.
When I was 7 to 10 this book (and the first book) would have definitely been favorites of mine. Just as I gravitated to Maggy (well and Vicky too, and Suzie after I became a vegetarian/vegan) in Meet the Austins, I felt particularly fond of Tania, the child with a difficult past who’s new to this household.
This is a wonderful story about the healing power of companion animals and family love. While the family’s financial circumstance have improved since the first book, they still face plenty of (manageable) problems.
The illustrations are just perfect, winsome and very engaging, and they contribute to making the book suitable for children who are just beginning to read chapter books. This would be a great read aloud book too, one to one, or as a family read, or a schoolroom read. (12 titled illustrated chapters and an author’s note, glossary, and timeline in 140 pages)
For once I knew every single word in the glossary, but I learned quite a bit reading the historical timeline.
A note for very sensitive children: the author’s note describes a real event that involves atrocities committed against a cat and kittens, although it has a happy ending, and the note is there because the event appears in a slightly different way in this book, also with a happy, different ending. Some children might become highly disturbed when reading it. I would have been and was terribly upset, but I loved the story and its cats so much and was left with a warm fuzzy feeling, so I can recommend it, but parents and other adults might want to read the author’s note and book first if they’re considering the book for children who might feel devastated reading about severe mistreatment of animals. However, thinking of all the children and adults I know, I can recommend it to all of them.
The wonderful, Anna, the narrator, now 11, and her sisters, her cousin, her parents, her friends, the couple who work for the family’s doll business, and two special cats make for a memorable cast of characters.
I love the warm family relationships, and the emphasis on schooling and creativity.
When I was 7 to 10 this book (and the first book) would have definitely been favorites of mine. Just as I gravitated to Maggy (well and Vicky too, and Suzie after I became a vegetarian/vegan) in Meet the Austins, I felt particularly fond of Tania, the child with a difficult past who’s new to this household.
This is a wonderful story about the healing power of companion animals and family love. While the family’s financial circumstance have improved since the first book, they still face plenty of (manageable) problems.
The illustrations are just perfect, winsome and very engaging, and they contribute to making the book suitable for children who are just beginning to read chapter books. This would be a great read aloud book too, one to one, or as a family read, or a schoolroom read. (12 titled illustrated chapters and an author’s note, glossary, and timeline in 140 pages)
For once I knew every single word in the glossary, but I learned quite a bit reading the historical timeline.
A note for very sensitive children: the author’s note describes a real event that involves atrocities committed against a cat and kittens, although it has a happy ending, and the note is there because the event appears in a slightly different way in this book, also with a happy, different ending. Some children might become highly disturbed when reading it. I would have been and was terribly upset, but I loved the story and its cats so much and was left with a warm fuzzy feeling, so I can recommend it, but parents and other adults might want to read the author’s note and book first if they’re considering the book for children who might feel devastated reading about severe mistreatment of animals. However, thinking of all the children and adults I know, I can recommend it to all of them.
January 17, 2012
I have a soft spot for both animal stories and doll stories, so I was eager to read Yona Zeldis McDonough's newest book, The Cats in the Doll Shop. While this book is a sequel to her earlier novel, The Doll Shop Downstairs, it can easily be read without having read the first book.
Set in 1915, a few years after the first story, this book returns to the cozy world of the Breittlemann family, who live upstairs from their small doll factory which supplies to New York's legendary toy store FAO Schwartz. The three sisters, eleven-year old Anna, her more sophisticated now teenaged sister Sophie, and nine-year old Trudie, are about to experience big changes in their lives when their cousin Tania comes to live with them from Russia. Anna is particularly excited because Tania is just her age; she even makes Tania a special doll just for her as a welcoming gift. But when Tania arrives, she is withdrawn and shy, even hoarding food in her bed. As Anna and her sisters struggle to understand their new cousin's behavior, Anna also tries to help a stray cat and her kitten who live around her building, but her father has a firm "no pets" policy. Soon Anna discovers that Tania has a special relationship with the cats--and the cats might just help her adjust successfully to her new home.
Set in a world of Jewish immigrant families highly reminiscent of the classic Sydney Taylor All of a Kind Family series, this is a charming and heartwarming story that is perfect for ages 7-10 and could be enjoyed by younger children as a read-aloud. The story is complemented by black and white drawings by Heather Maione which capture the nostalgia of the period. The book includes a glossary of Yiddish terms and a timeline. You can read an excerpt from the novel on the author's website. The first book in this series, The Doll Shop Downstairs, was honored with a Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of 2009 and was also nominated as one of the New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2009.
Set in 1915, a few years after the first story, this book returns to the cozy world of the Breittlemann family, who live upstairs from their small doll factory which supplies to New York's legendary toy store FAO Schwartz. The three sisters, eleven-year old Anna, her more sophisticated now teenaged sister Sophie, and nine-year old Trudie, are about to experience big changes in their lives when their cousin Tania comes to live with them from Russia. Anna is particularly excited because Tania is just her age; she even makes Tania a special doll just for her as a welcoming gift. But when Tania arrives, she is withdrawn and shy, even hoarding food in her bed. As Anna and her sisters struggle to understand their new cousin's behavior, Anna also tries to help a stray cat and her kitten who live around her building, but her father has a firm "no pets" policy. Soon Anna discovers that Tania has a special relationship with the cats--and the cats might just help her adjust successfully to her new home.
Set in a world of Jewish immigrant families highly reminiscent of the classic Sydney Taylor All of a Kind Family series, this is a charming and heartwarming story that is perfect for ages 7-10 and could be enjoyed by younger children as a read-aloud. The story is complemented by black and white drawings by Heather Maione which capture the nostalgia of the period. The book includes a glossary of Yiddish terms and a timeline. You can read an excerpt from the novel on the author's website. The first book in this series, The Doll Shop Downstairs, was honored with a Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book of 2009 and was also nominated as one of the New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2009.
November 16, 2011
I was a big fan of The Doll Shop Downstairs when it came out in 2009. Here in the sequel, Anna is two years older at age 11. She and her family still live above the doll shop, but their work has changed from that of a doll hospital to building their own dolls. Anna finds a pregnant cat behind their house and wants to adopt it, but her father insists that they do not need a cat inside. So Anna and her sisters give the cat food. Anna is also looking forward to the arrival of her cousin from Russia, who is coming to live with them. Anna wants to be best friends with her cousin, but Tania arrives and is very shy and has odd traits. Anna has to figure out how to invite not only a new cousin into her family but maybe some cats too.
Once again, McDonough has captured the lives of a Jewish family at the turn of the century with great detail that brings the time period to life. It is also a captivating picture of a loving family with three sisters who do not get along all the time. The writing is simple and honest, creating a world of safety but also exploring more serious issues too.
In both lines of the story, the issue of acceptance and finding one’s place is a focus. There are the cats who are wild outdoors, cold and even injured. That parallels very clearly with the storyline of Tania, the cousin from Russia, who is also an outsider, stand-offish and needs nurturing to blossom.
A great pick for any fan of the first book, these are books that read like classics. Appropriate for ages 7-10, this book is also gentle enough to work for advanced younger readers looking for appropriate books to read.
Once again, McDonough has captured the lives of a Jewish family at the turn of the century with great detail that brings the time period to life. It is also a captivating picture of a loving family with three sisters who do not get along all the time. The writing is simple and honest, creating a world of safety but also exploring more serious issues too.
In both lines of the story, the issue of acceptance and finding one’s place is a focus. There are the cats who are wild outdoors, cold and even injured. That parallels very clearly with the storyline of Tania, the cousin from Russia, who is also an outsider, stand-offish and needs nurturing to blossom.
A great pick for any fan of the first book, these are books that read like classics. Appropriate for ages 7-10, this book is also gentle enough to work for advanced younger readers looking for appropriate books to read.
January 6, 2012
Eleven-year-old Anna Breittelmann has aspirations of being an author someday. Certainly, she is clever and quite creative and has a big heart. When she and her two sisters learn that Tania, their Russian cousin, is going to live with the family while her mother works in Europe during WWI, Anna decides to create a doll just for Tania in order for her to feel at home. Anna's father runs a doll shop to repair and make dolls, and so the materials she needs are readily available. But when Tania arrives after her ocean voyage, she is introverted and given to hoarding food. She can barely speak English, and two of the cousins ignore her. Anna, however, recognizes that her cousin has artistic talent and loves animals. Despite her father's dictum that there will be no cats inside the house, Tania and Anna just might change his mind. The descriptions of Tania's painful attempts at communicating while Sophie, the oldest sister, expects her to master English immediately are vivid and heart-rending as is the story surrounding the outdoor cats, Ginger Cat and Plucky. I was horrified when Anna's neighbor swept the entire newly-born litter from his terrace three stories above the ground. This is a beautifully told story about a girl with a very big heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2012
Young fans of the American Girl series will be charmed by The Cats in the Doll Shop. The story, set in WWI-era New York, not only introduces youngsters to a potentially unfamiliar historical era, it also imparts humane values and compassion.
The author’s writing is capable enough that she can sustain the attention of child and adult readers alike. I was surprised to find myself not wanting to put this book down after frightened and withdrawn cousin Tania arrives from Russia. Among the humane education ideas presented in this story are: the importance of compassion for those who are different from us, the fact that animals are not always treated well and our ability to change things for the better, the ability of animals to transform life for the better for the humans who care for them, and the fact that old beliefs and traditions can change for a kinder world.
This story does contain a scene of animal cruelty which was inspired by a real-life incident witnessed by the author. The scene is, however, handled carefully, and the overall theme is that although we cannot always control what others do, we can do our part to make things right again.
I purchased this book for my library.
The author’s writing is capable enough that she can sustain the attention of child and adult readers alike. I was surprised to find myself not wanting to put this book down after frightened and withdrawn cousin Tania arrives from Russia. Among the humane education ideas presented in this story are: the importance of compassion for those who are different from us, the fact that animals are not always treated well and our ability to change things for the better, the ability of animals to transform life for the better for the humans who care for them, and the fact that old beliefs and traditions can change for a kinder world.
This story does contain a scene of animal cruelty which was inspired by a real-life incident witnessed by the author. The scene is, however, handled carefully, and the overall theme is that although we cannot always control what others do, we can do our part to make things right again.
I purchased this book for my library.
February 22, 2012
This sequel to The Doll Shop Downstairs was every bit as delightful as the first book. Anna and her family now make dolls for F.A.O. Schwartz rather than repair them. The three sisters are now a year older. What I liked so much about the story, aside from the wonderful setting and characters, were the two story threads--the welfare of a mother cat and her crippled kitten, and the coming of their cousin Tania from Russia. One of the themes in the book is acceptance. Papa must learn to accept the mother cat and her kitten as indoor cats, and sister Sophie must learn to accept shy and troubled cousin Tania. The story is also about healing--healing the crippled kitten, and healing the emotional problems of cousin Tania. I love how both story threads intertwine at the end, leaving the reader feeling satisfied and happy, like the characters. I certainly hope McDonough writes more books in this series, which I highly recommend!
Note to readers: The incident that crippled the kitten is based on a true event, according to the author's note at the end of the book. I shudder to think how anyone could be so cruel to a newborn animal!
Note to readers: The incident that crippled the kitten is based on a true event, according to the author's note at the end of the book. I shudder to think how anyone could be so cruel to a newborn animal!
October 7, 2023
A book like this makes me SO glad I have grandchildren to read to! I might have missed it otherwise. My 7 year old granddaughter loved this one, sequel to "The Doll Shop Downstairs." It gave her (and me) a greater awareness of the challenges facing immigrant families in the early 1900's, and an appreciation for the ways in which even children can help and support their families. In this one, the little immigrant family that owns a struggling doll repair shop in New York welcome a refugee child, a distant cousin fleeing upheaval in her native Russia.
December 21, 2011
I loved dolls and cats as a child. This was a perfect story for me.
May 25, 2017
It's hard for me to get into first person, especially the way this was written, but I'm so glad I read it. Such a sweet story! I love this family. Makes me wish I could jump inside the book and be there with them, and actually I could see myself in both Anna and Tania. I love dolls (and have made them too) and I like cats, which is what made me want to read it. I also love that it's set in the early 1900s and the characters are Jewish. I did not read the first book before and I want to now.
August 25, 2023
Nice sequel to a great book. Brings back even more beautiful memories. Book does a great job of introducing many Hebrew and Yiddish terms.
December 29, 2011
In a family of three girls the news of an addition to the family comes with mixed feelings. When Anna discovers her new cousin Tania is coming from Russia to spend the year with their family she’s thrilled, though their shared age seems to be the only similarity as of yet. Anna’s sisters find Tania’s quietness and the food she hides odd and instantly dislike her, but Anna quickly accepts her by offering her a new doll she created specifically for Tania. With the addition of Tania the last thing the family needs is a pet, but it may be just the thing to bring Tania out of her shell and potentially solve another problem altogether.
Charming. Absolutely charming and beautiful storytelling are found within the pages of The Cats in the Doll Shop by Yona Zeldis McDonough. Generally speaking I’m not incredibly fond of historically based novels & books for one reason or another, but this story was written so well that I couldn’t help but be taken in by the lovely Anna. Her parents are recent immigrants to the US and have found a way to provide for themselves by creating and selling a line of dolls to companies like FAO Schwartz. For a ten or eleven year old girl I can think of no better place to be than in a family that has a never ending supply of dolls to create and play with, making it the perfect setting for the intended audience.
Obviously Anna’s family is frugal though and the story isn’t simply about the dolls and the doll shop, but about their cousin Tania and the cats that accompany her arrival. Anna was so welcoming to her cousin and it was wonderful to read about not only her desire to make her feel at home but her thoughts about her two sister’s feelings about Tania. It’s the perfect message for a young reader, one of welcoming and comforting those who may be in need of a friend. In addition to Tania the compassion Anna shows toward a family of cats is heartwarming and in the end turns out to help not only the cats but Tania as well.
It would be a shame to fail to note the historical and religious aspects of the story in my review because both were handled incredibly well. In both cases they were so well written that they became more a part of the fabric of the story than an over-arching theme making it accessible for all varieties of readers. Anna and her family are of Jewish descent and there is even a short story about the history of Chanukah, but I never felt as though it was a boring history lesson or preachy in any way. Instead the story and the background shared throughout work to enhance Anna’s character and her family making it all the more enjoyable.
The Cats in the Doll Shop by Yona Zeldis McDonough is delightful historically based middle grade fiction novel. Not only would educators benefit from sharing it with their students, but young readers will thoroughly fall in love with Anna and her charm. Though it’s the second in the series it easily stands alone, but those who haven’t read the first will be clamoring to get their hands on Anna’s first story as well. The Cats in the Doll Shop is a story about kindness, acceptance, giving and friendship all told through the eyes of one delightful young girl who welcomes all with open arms.
Originally reviewed and copyrighted at my site, There's A Book.
Charming. Absolutely charming and beautiful storytelling are found within the pages of The Cats in the Doll Shop by Yona Zeldis McDonough. Generally speaking I’m not incredibly fond of historically based novels & books for one reason or another, but this story was written so well that I couldn’t help but be taken in by the lovely Anna. Her parents are recent immigrants to the US and have found a way to provide for themselves by creating and selling a line of dolls to companies like FAO Schwartz. For a ten or eleven year old girl I can think of no better place to be than in a family that has a never ending supply of dolls to create and play with, making it the perfect setting for the intended audience.
Obviously Anna’s family is frugal though and the story isn’t simply about the dolls and the doll shop, but about their cousin Tania and the cats that accompany her arrival. Anna was so welcoming to her cousin and it was wonderful to read about not only her desire to make her feel at home but her thoughts about her two sister’s feelings about Tania. It’s the perfect message for a young reader, one of welcoming and comforting those who may be in need of a friend. In addition to Tania the compassion Anna shows toward a family of cats is heartwarming and in the end turns out to help not only the cats but Tania as well.
It would be a shame to fail to note the historical and religious aspects of the story in my review because both were handled incredibly well. In both cases they were so well written that they became more a part of the fabric of the story than an over-arching theme making it accessible for all varieties of readers. Anna and her family are of Jewish descent and there is even a short story about the history of Chanukah, but I never felt as though it was a boring history lesson or preachy in any way. Instead the story and the background shared throughout work to enhance Anna’s character and her family making it all the more enjoyable.
The Cats in the Doll Shop by Yona Zeldis McDonough is delightful historically based middle grade fiction novel. Not only would educators benefit from sharing it with their students, but young readers will thoroughly fall in love with Anna and her charm. Though it’s the second in the series it easily stands alone, but those who haven’t read the first will be clamoring to get their hands on Anna’s first story as well. The Cats in the Doll Shop is a story about kindness, acceptance, giving and friendship all told through the eyes of one delightful young girl who welcomes all with open arms.
Originally reviewed and copyrighted at my site, There's A Book.
February 26, 2012
This is from my review of 11/5/11 on my website http://generationbsquared.com/the-cat...
Yes, I know. Two children’s books in a row. Not my usual fare. But bear with me a moment. Baby Boomers read children’s books because 1) there are children in our lives and/or 2) good children’s books are always fun. In that vein, let me introduce The Cats in the Doll Shop by Yona Zeldis McDonough (illustrated by Heather Maione, Viking, November 10, 2011), a really good book. I won’t give too many spoilers because you should take my advice and read it aloud to a 8 to 11-year-old. A sequel to the prize-winning The Doll Shop Downstairs, the plot features three young Jewish sisters who live on New York City’s Lower East Side during the first years of World War I. Also in the story: their cousin Tania, who arrives from an increasingly impoverished Russia that is about to explode into civil war and revolution–and two cats. McDonough in no way diminishes “for kids” Tania’s suffering and emotional bruising (from poverty in Russia and a rough passage to the U.S.A.). Neither are Tania’s pathological shyness and strange personality ticks air-brushed. The fate of some newborn stray kittens cruelly broomed off a fire escape by an unfriendly neighbor is handled in a straightforward manner. And yet the tone and plot are mostly playful, always engaging. The Cats in the Doll Shop strongly reminds me, in fact, of the “All of a Kind Family” series by Sydney Taylor I read and loved in elementary school. (Those books were skewed to a slightly older audience.) Again, we have details of Jewish life in America in the second decade of the 20th century. The book is filled with dolls made by the father and the talented young Anna. I loved that! (At this point in my writing I pause and look over at the bookshelf where several Madame Alexander ballerina dolls are posing gracefully.) Oh, no, I’m such a girly girl! So probably this is more of a girls’ book than a boys’ book, a distinction I would prefer didn’t exist, but it does, and so we should own it. If, however, a boy happens to be listening in–the cats’ stories will certainly catch his attention, as will the plot and characters. Moreover, though doll lovers, the three sisters are strong, imaginative, and resourceful, traits we want to nourish in our sons and grandsons as well as our daughters and granddaughters. McDonough includes a glossary that defines some of the Yiddish and Jewish terms used in the story (good for the non-Jewish audience she’s bound to attract, useful even for Jewish kids) along with a helpful timeline. Years cycle by and today’s youngsters are disconnected an era that while we were growing up still seemed to be the fairly recent past. Thanks to Ms. McDonough, 100 years ago seems quite in step with “now.”
Yes, I know. Two children’s books in a row. Not my usual fare. But bear with me a moment. Baby Boomers read children’s books because 1) there are children in our lives and/or 2) good children’s books are always fun. In that vein, let me introduce The Cats in the Doll Shop by Yona Zeldis McDonough (illustrated by Heather Maione, Viking, November 10, 2011), a really good book. I won’t give too many spoilers because you should take my advice and read it aloud to a 8 to 11-year-old. A sequel to the prize-winning The Doll Shop Downstairs, the plot features three young Jewish sisters who live on New York City’s Lower East Side during the first years of World War I. Also in the story: their cousin Tania, who arrives from an increasingly impoverished Russia that is about to explode into civil war and revolution–and two cats. McDonough in no way diminishes “for kids” Tania’s suffering and emotional bruising (from poverty in Russia and a rough passage to the U.S.A.). Neither are Tania’s pathological shyness and strange personality ticks air-brushed. The fate of some newborn stray kittens cruelly broomed off a fire escape by an unfriendly neighbor is handled in a straightforward manner. And yet the tone and plot are mostly playful, always engaging. The Cats in the Doll Shop strongly reminds me, in fact, of the “All of a Kind Family” series by Sydney Taylor I read and loved in elementary school. (Those books were skewed to a slightly older audience.) Again, we have details of Jewish life in America in the second decade of the 20th century. The book is filled with dolls made by the father and the talented young Anna. I loved that! (At this point in my writing I pause and look over at the bookshelf where several Madame Alexander ballerina dolls are posing gracefully.) Oh, no, I’m such a girly girl! So probably this is more of a girls’ book than a boys’ book, a distinction I would prefer didn’t exist, but it does, and so we should own it. If, however, a boy happens to be listening in–the cats’ stories will certainly catch his attention, as will the plot and characters. Moreover, though doll lovers, the three sisters are strong, imaginative, and resourceful, traits we want to nourish in our sons and grandsons as well as our daughters and granddaughters. McDonough includes a glossary that defines some of the Yiddish and Jewish terms used in the story (good for the non-Jewish audience she’s bound to attract, useful even for Jewish kids) along with a helpful timeline. Years cycle by and today’s youngsters are disconnected an era that while we were growing up still seemed to be the fairly recent past. Thanks to Ms. McDonough, 100 years ago seems quite in step with “now.”
April 26, 2012
The Doll Shop has continued doing a good business. Their Nurse Nora dolls are sold at F.A.O. Schwartz and other toy store too. The war continues and letters from the "old country" come more frequently. Sometimes they seem happy news but not always. It seems that Tania, Anna cousin - born on the exact same day in the exact same year - is making the crossing. She is going to come and live with them. She is leaving her mother and her country behind to stay with Anna's family until her mother can save enough to join her in the new country.
While waiting and planning for Tania's arrival Anna observes the continuing ife and work of the city and shop. She notices a ginger cat, fat with babies. She listens to the lilting voices and whistling of Kathleen and Michael who have joined Papa and Mama in the busier than ever doll shop. Anna also sees the cruelty of the man sweeping the ginger cat and her new babies off his fire escape to fall into the yard below. Only peachy-colored Pluckie survives, though his leg dangles helplessly behind.
Now Anna must wait for Tania and watch to see what can be done for Ginger Cat and Pluckie as the girls now call the strays. While waiting there is much schoolwork to be done and much planning and work for the holiday orders that come to the shop. In a moment of free time Anna designs and makes Tania a new doll. It is a special doll. A school girl, whom Anna calls Shannon. She is designed to be a friend and Anna hopes that is what she will be, a friend while Tania learns what it is like in this new country.
It is hard for poor, starving, frightened Tania when she finally arrives. It is hard for Sophie, Anna and Trudie too. Tania, though their cousin, is quiet, shy and strange. She is challenging to understand, but Anna tries. To Anna, Tania seems as afraid and sad as Pluckie. It is that sameness that brings them together and allows the family to see how change can be good, especially when it happens for the right reasons.
While waiting and planning for Tania's arrival Anna observes the continuing ife and work of the city and shop. She notices a ginger cat, fat with babies. She listens to the lilting voices and whistling of Kathleen and Michael who have joined Papa and Mama in the busier than ever doll shop. Anna also sees the cruelty of the man sweeping the ginger cat and her new babies off his fire escape to fall into the yard below. Only peachy-colored Pluckie survives, though his leg dangles helplessly behind.
Now Anna must wait for Tania and watch to see what can be done for Ginger Cat and Pluckie as the girls now call the strays. While waiting there is much schoolwork to be done and much planning and work for the holiday orders that come to the shop. In a moment of free time Anna designs and makes Tania a new doll. It is a special doll. A school girl, whom Anna calls Shannon. She is designed to be a friend and Anna hopes that is what she will be, a friend while Tania learns what it is like in this new country.
It is hard for poor, starving, frightened Tania when she finally arrives. It is hard for Sophie, Anna and Trudie too. Tania, though their cousin, is quiet, shy and strange. She is challenging to understand, but Anna tries. To Anna, Tania seems as afraid and sad as Pluckie. It is that sameness that brings them together and allows the family to see how change can be good, especially when it happens for the right reasons.
December 6, 2011
The Cats in the Doll Shop by Yona Zeldis McDonough is a fictional children's book aimed at the younger crowd. This book is a sequel to The Doll Shop Downstairs.
Anna, whose family owns a doll shop, discovered a cat in the yard behind the store, what made it even more exciting is that the cat is about to have kittens.
Meanwhile, the whole family is looking towards meeting their cousin, Tania, who is coming from Russia while her mother stays behind to work. Anna is excited because Tania is the same age – but the new cousin doesn’t respond to the warm welcome the way Anna imagined.
The Cats in the Doll Shop by Yona Zeldis McDonough is an interesting book which manages to capture the lives of a Jewish family of immigrants vividly and colorfully which brings them to life. The time period, post World War I, is also captured with the same attention to detail which the story is told.
This is a simple and honest book exploring issues which might seem too grownup, but which fascinate kids and are important to explore together. What better way there is to explore complex subjects with children than fiction?
I liked it but I’m not the target audience so I read it to my daughter (7) to see how she likes it. I’m glad to say that she loved the book (the rating is hers as well as mine). She even agreed to help me out with questions for Ms. McDonough for the Author Q&A for which the author generously answered.
The Cat in the Doll Shop was not only a book that I enjoyed reading, but that my daughter enjoyed listening to – and times like those, my friends, are priceless.
For more reviews and bookish thoughts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
Anna, whose family owns a doll shop, discovered a cat in the yard behind the store, what made it even more exciting is that the cat is about to have kittens.
Meanwhile, the whole family is looking towards meeting their cousin, Tania, who is coming from Russia while her mother stays behind to work. Anna is excited because Tania is the same age – but the new cousin doesn’t respond to the warm welcome the way Anna imagined.
The Cats in the Doll Shop by Yona Zeldis McDonough is an interesting book which manages to capture the lives of a Jewish family of immigrants vividly and colorfully which brings them to life. The time period, post World War I, is also captured with the same attention to detail which the story is told.
This is a simple and honest book exploring issues which might seem too grownup, but which fascinate kids and are important to explore together. What better way there is to explore complex subjects with children than fiction?
I liked it but I’m not the target audience so I read it to my daughter (7) to see how she likes it. I’m glad to say that she loved the book (the rating is hers as well as mine). She even agreed to help me out with questions for Ms. McDonough for the Author Q&A for which the author generously answered.
The Cat in the Doll Shop was not only a book that I enjoyed reading, but that my daughter enjoyed listening to – and times like those, my friends, are priceless.
For more reviews and bookish thoughts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com
January 7, 2013
I would actually give this book a 4.5! I loved this little book. I thought it might be trite, or too girly for some (although I have to say I love girly books) but the message of the book was truly heartwarming. This is the second book in the series, but it could be read on its own.
Anna, Sophie, and Trudie live in the early 1900's in New York. In this second book, we find the three sisters happy in their lives as daughters of two fairly prosperous doll shop owners. However, when Anna (who narrates the story) finds that the neighborhood ginger colored cat is going to have kittens she desperately wants to bring both mother and kittens home. Following along nicely with this plot line is the fact that the family knows someone else who needs a home. Anna's cousin Tania comes from Russia to live with them! Amidst the excitement over a lot of changes to the family come realistic worries about how to welcome a new comer into the family.
Of course there should be something about dolls, and there is so no worries there! Without wanting to give too much away the author, Yona Zeldis McDonough, manages to always walk the fine line between sweetness and conflict with true junior fiction flair. After I read this book I wanted to hug it! It was so good and true! Highly recommended for all girls, but especially as a Chanukah gift (the family in the book is Jewish and celebrates Chanukah in the course of the story) or for those in need of a good tale of the immigrant story that is part of a collective American heritage. It is also beautifully illustrated throughout the book by the talented Heather Maione.
November 22, 2011
This is a lovely little book. Having not read the previous book set in the doll shop the characters were new to me, but I was immediately drawn into the Breittlemann's world. It's a wonderful glimpse into the life a Jewish family during the early twentieth century in New York.
As the book begins, the family is expecting their cousin Tania from Russia. She doesn't speak any English and is being sent to her extended family in New York for a chance at an education and a better life. At the same time, the three Breittlemann sisters discover a stray cat and her kittens. They would like to adopt the new feline family, but their Papa believes cats are only for the outdoors, not as pets.
When Tania finally arrives she is understandably sad and timid. Anna (the middle sister who is the same age as her cousin) is sympathetic and truly tries to make Tania feel at ease. She has a very tender heart and a generous nature, which leads her to be more forgiving and tolerant of her cousin’s unusual behavior than her older and younger sisters.
Anna makes a doll for Tania and Tania clings to this little treasure in a strange new world. But it's the stray ginger cat and her plucky kitten that reveals Tania’s gifts and brings all of the girls together.
I was lucky to receive this book through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much to the author for the chance to get acquainted with this delightful book. I plan to read the first book now too.
As the book begins, the family is expecting their cousin Tania from Russia. She doesn't speak any English and is being sent to her extended family in New York for a chance at an education and a better life. At the same time, the three Breittlemann sisters discover a stray cat and her kittens. They would like to adopt the new feline family, but their Papa believes cats are only for the outdoors, not as pets.
When Tania finally arrives she is understandably sad and timid. Anna (the middle sister who is the same age as her cousin) is sympathetic and truly tries to make Tania feel at ease. She has a very tender heart and a generous nature, which leads her to be more forgiving and tolerant of her cousin’s unusual behavior than her older and younger sisters.
Anna makes a doll for Tania and Tania clings to this little treasure in a strange new world. But it's the stray ginger cat and her plucky kitten that reveals Tania’s gifts and brings all of the girls together.
I was lucky to receive this book through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much to the author for the chance to get acquainted with this delightful book. I plan to read the first book now too.
December 23, 2011
I don't review books for children. Not, that I am saying I don't enjoy it. But the chance never came about, till the publisher of The Cats in the Doll Shop asked. I am glad she did. I enjoyed reading this chapter book.
This is a story about a Jewish, little girl, named Anna, and her two sisters. They live above a doll shop that her parents own. One day, her parents tell her, her cousin from Russia will be coming to live with them.
In the mean time, Anna spies a neighbor, harming a mother cat, and her babies.
These are the two intersecting conflicts in the story. As a adult, I enjoyed reading this story. I could see the story unfolding vividly. I liked the historical background, of the Jewish experience in NYC, immigration life, but also mentioned was the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, and Chanakah,and turn of the century events, with the story of Anna's parents Doll shop made this story very interesting to me.
Also in the story was the doll shop, and how they made dolls I thought that was interesting. The writing was just fluid, and flowed.
There is a glossary for Jewish terms. There is historical references in the back of the book as well to explain the story.
I don't have young children any longer, but a 21 year old son. But, my niece who is 10 years old I would recommend to my sister-in-law. This would be a nice book to give as a gift for Chanakah.
Thank you for allowing me to review.
This is a story about a Jewish, little girl, named Anna, and her two sisters. They live above a doll shop that her parents own. One day, her parents tell her, her cousin from Russia will be coming to live with them.
In the mean time, Anna spies a neighbor, harming a mother cat, and her babies.
These are the two intersecting conflicts in the story. As a adult, I enjoyed reading this story. I could see the story unfolding vividly. I liked the historical background, of the Jewish experience in NYC, immigration life, but also mentioned was the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, and Chanakah,and turn of the century events, with the story of Anna's parents Doll shop made this story very interesting to me.
Also in the story was the doll shop, and how they made dolls I thought that was interesting. The writing was just fluid, and flowed.
There is a glossary for Jewish terms. There is historical references in the back of the book as well to explain the story.
I don't have young children any longer, but a 21 year old son. But, my niece who is 10 years old I would recommend to my sister-in-law. This would be a nice book to give as a gift for Chanakah.
Thank you for allowing me to review.
February 16, 2012
I won this book on goodreads (Thanks Yona!), but that in no way affected my rating or review of this book!
My 7 y/o daughter and I really enjoyed this story, as well as the opportunity to spend time with just the 2 of us! We would read this at night doing a chapter at a time, with us rotating page by page. My daughter sarah would laugh everytime there was a picture on my page and I would have to forefit my right to read next...In turn I would do the same to her! I would probably say this better suited for ages 9 or so, but that did not detract from our enjoyment.
This was such a heartwarming and fun story about young lady named Anna whose family makes dolls. They recieve news that their cousin from russia is coming to States to live with them. I don't want to do any spoilers so i will just say it was fun watching this loving family reach out to another member of their family to welcome them and help them get acclimated to a new country. The journey from the news to the arrival to the conclusion is a fun and uplifting story....My daughter does not like the mustached man at all...she says he is mean...You decide!
My 7 y/o daughter and I really enjoyed this story, as well as the opportunity to spend time with just the 2 of us! We would read this at night doing a chapter at a time, with us rotating page by page. My daughter sarah would laugh everytime there was a picture on my page and I would have to forefit my right to read next...In turn I would do the same to her! I would probably say this better suited for ages 9 or so, but that did not detract from our enjoyment.
This was such a heartwarming and fun story about young lady named Anna whose family makes dolls. They recieve news that their cousin from russia is coming to States to live with them. I don't want to do any spoilers so i will just say it was fun watching this loving family reach out to another member of their family to welcome them and help them get acclimated to a new country. The journey from the news to the arrival to the conclusion is a fun and uplifting story....My daughter does not like the mustached man at all...she says he is mean...You decide!
January 13, 2012
Three young girls whose parents own a doll shop in NYC, befriend a stray mother cat and her kitten. Meanwhile, they try to understand and help their cousin, Tania, who has been sent here from Russia to stay with the family until her mother can earn her own passage to America. Very sweet little story, second in a series.
December 8, 2016
Anna lives with her parents and two sisters. When Anna hears her foreign cousin is coming to stay at their home she gets super excited. Finally her cousin does come but proverbs to disappoint her. Her cousin doesn't talk much and doesn't try to communicate. I believe third through sixth graders will love this beautiful book about family.
July 27, 2012
I bought this for my granddaughter who is turning 7. She has read the first book about the Doll Shop Downstairs. I liked this one even better than the first, so I am anxious to see what she thinks. We both love cats, so I bet she will like this book.
March 27, 2013
This was a book for cat lovers! I love cats I dont want to give away any secrets so I would give this book one million stars!!!!!!!:) I love this book SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 23, 2012
Great story for the recommended age group 8 - 11. Great message about rescuing animals (a subject near to my heart!) and learning about different people and cultures as well.
March 17, 2015
Wonderful! Like a cross between The Cobble Street Cousins and All-of-a-Kind Family
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June 26, 2018
This book is the continuation of the story of the Breittlemann family from "The Doll Shop Downstairs." It is once again warm and cozy - yet like the first book it is not all peaches and cream. Both books deal with some more serious issues, yet still manage to leave the reader with a good feeling.
The idea of 3 sisters living above a doll shop in New York City is wonderful - now add cats into the mix! This story involves a stray cat that the sisters see in the yard behind the shop that appears to be about to give birth. They try to make a place for her in a box so she will be safe, but she does not find it in time due to the high wall that separates the yards of the neighboring houses. The girls witness the mean man across the way do something truly shocking to the mother and her new born kittens! I could not believe it myself -- but that's where this book gives a very real, not-sugar- coated portrayal of times past. Nowadays, I don't think most people would treat animals in such a way, but years ago, I believe they may have.
But the kitten drama is just one part of the story. We also have cousin Tania coming from Russia to live with Anna and her family. Mama's sister Rivka has gotten a job as a maid in a wealthy household. She wants to earn enough money to come to the US, but there is no room for her daughter Tania at the job. So Tania will be staying with Anna and her sisters in their tiny bedroom for about year. Anna and her sisters now share one big bed, but when Tania comes, they will change to bunk beds. Anna is excited to finally have her own bed and not be stuck in the middle of the bed anymore. My mom always talked about sharing a bed with her sister, and quite frankly, I could not imagine that - and they were only two - so sharing three to a bed is quite difficult, I'm sure, but I know that's what often happened years ago.
So Tania arrives and does not speak any English. She can only talk to Mama in Yiddish. But really, Tania doesn't talk much at all and has quite an adjustment to make being in a new place. Anna decides to make Tania a doll to welcome her. Since Tania will be going to school for the first time, she decides to make her a Schoolgirl doll. She feels this is much more relatable than a Russian Princess or some other kind of fantasy doll. She is right. Tania loves her doll and most of the time will not let Shannon go. So even though they can't understand each other's words, Tania and Anna connect through the love of a doll. That is so sweet. The author's passion for dolls comes through clearly again in this book and I enjoyed that very much.
The portrayal of life at the time is also very good. The historical fiction aspect of these books is very real and familiar to me based on what I've heard from parents and grandparents, even though I am Italian-Catholic, not Russian-Jewish. So it shows the common immigrant experience.
The only thing that I don't like about this book is Anna's sometimes rather negative attitude toward her older sister Sophie. Even in the first book, she always referred to her as a know-it-all. It seems to get even worse in this book when Sophie and Anna disagree on how to handle a situation with Tania. They have found that Tania is hiding food under her pillow. Sophie wants to tell Mama but Anna doesn't want Tania to get in trouble. Even when the girls find a mouse in their room, Anna still thinks Sophie is being mean by telling on Tania.
The fact is that Sophie is right. This is a problem that needs adult attention. Anna has a big heart, but she clearly doesn't know what's best in this situation. Older sisters are so often told to look out for younger ones. Then, when they try to do just that to the best of their ability, they are called bossy, know-it-all and mean by the sisters they are trying to look out for. As an oldest sister myself, I am all too familiar with this kind of situation! I realize that this is Anna's point of view, and I guess that's how older sisters often look to younger ones, but it's sad and inaccurate, in my opinion.
Once again, the illustrator, Heather Maione, provides the most adorable detailed illustrations that go perfectly with the story. I especially love the color cover and wish that all the drawings inside could be in color!
Overall, this is another wonderful book and you will definitely want to read it if you have read the first one.
The idea of 3 sisters living above a doll shop in New York City is wonderful - now add cats into the mix! This story involves a stray cat that the sisters see in the yard behind the shop that appears to be about to give birth. They try to make a place for her in a box so she will be safe, but she does not find it in time due to the high wall that separates the yards of the neighboring houses. The girls witness the mean man across the way do something truly shocking to the mother and her new born kittens! I could not believe it myself -- but that's where this book gives a very real, not-sugar- coated portrayal of times past. Nowadays, I don't think most people would treat animals in such a way, but years ago, I believe they may have.
But the kitten drama is just one part of the story. We also have cousin Tania coming from Russia to live with Anna and her family. Mama's sister Rivka has gotten a job as a maid in a wealthy household. She wants to earn enough money to come to the US, but there is no room for her daughter Tania at the job. So Tania will be staying with Anna and her sisters in their tiny bedroom for about year. Anna and her sisters now share one big bed, but when Tania comes, they will change to bunk beds. Anna is excited to finally have her own bed and not be stuck in the middle of the bed anymore. My mom always talked about sharing a bed with her sister, and quite frankly, I could not imagine that - and they were only two - so sharing three to a bed is quite difficult, I'm sure, but I know that's what often happened years ago.
So Tania arrives and does not speak any English. She can only talk to Mama in Yiddish. But really, Tania doesn't talk much at all and has quite an adjustment to make being in a new place. Anna decides to make Tania a doll to welcome her. Since Tania will be going to school for the first time, she decides to make her a Schoolgirl doll. She feels this is much more relatable than a Russian Princess or some other kind of fantasy doll. She is right. Tania loves her doll and most of the time will not let Shannon go. So even though they can't understand each other's words, Tania and Anna connect through the love of a doll. That is so sweet. The author's passion for dolls comes through clearly again in this book and I enjoyed that very much.
The portrayal of life at the time is also very good. The historical fiction aspect of these books is very real and familiar to me based on what I've heard from parents and grandparents, even though I am Italian-Catholic, not Russian-Jewish. So it shows the common immigrant experience.
The only thing that I don't like about this book is Anna's sometimes rather negative attitude toward her older sister Sophie. Even in the first book, she always referred to her as a know-it-all. It seems to get even worse in this book when Sophie and Anna disagree on how to handle a situation with Tania. They have found that Tania is hiding food under her pillow. Sophie wants to tell Mama but Anna doesn't want Tania to get in trouble. Even when the girls find a mouse in their room, Anna still thinks Sophie is being mean by telling on Tania.
The fact is that Sophie is right. This is a problem that needs adult attention. Anna has a big heart, but she clearly doesn't know what's best in this situation. Older sisters are so often told to look out for younger ones. Then, when they try to do just that to the best of their ability, they are called bossy, know-it-all and mean by the sisters they are trying to look out for. As an oldest sister myself, I am all too familiar with this kind of situation! I realize that this is Anna's point of view, and I guess that's how older sisters often look to younger ones, but it's sad and inaccurate, in my opinion.
Once again, the illustrator, Heather Maione, provides the most adorable detailed illustrations that go perfectly with the story. I especially love the color cover and wish that all the drawings inside could be in color!
Overall, this is another wonderful book and you will definitely want to read it if you have read the first one.
March 26, 2019
Anna spots a cat outside and asks her old fashioned Jewish Parents in 1915 New York City if they can have the cat. Having 2 bedrooms and 3 daughters the parents say no.They think cats give humans diseases. Anna has a first cousin Mamas sister's daughter Tania coming to live with the family from Russia and go to school. Tania is 11 born the same date and year as Anna. Anna sews Tania a school girl doll. Anna's parents and tehir employees downstairs make dolls for department stores like FAO Swartz. Tania speaks no English and is always afraid, so Sophie and Trudy, Anna's sisters do not like her. Tania only speaks Yiddish that only mama and mama know. Tania has not had school and knows no English so she must start in first grade. The doll shop downstairs and the upstairs family apartment have mice and Tania has tamed and loves Ginger cat and her baby Plucky Too. So Anna's parents lets the cats become house and doll shop pets which helps Tania be less shy.
March 25, 2025
This was a cute story that held a lot of heavy matters and addressed them with grace.
The only thing that bothered me was the idea that a cats broken leg will just "fall off", which the author mentions was something she witnessed happening in her own neighborhood.
I just don't believe that can actually happen, not without outside interference. Someone might have trapped the cat and had it's leg amputated, or it might have somehow gotten torn off and healed, but they don't just fall off, unless there was something cutting off the circulation to the appendage.
It seems like a little thing, but to me it was too much to overlook. It bothered me so much I tried to look it up. Nothing I read online mentioned that as a possibility. The leg could get infected or atrophy, but nothing said that it would fall off afterward.
The only thing that bothered me was the idea that a cats broken leg will just "fall off", which the author mentions was something she witnessed happening in her own neighborhood.
I just don't believe that can actually happen, not without outside interference. Someone might have trapped the cat and had it's leg amputated, or it might have somehow gotten torn off and healed, but they don't just fall off, unless there was something cutting off the circulation to the appendage.
It seems like a little thing, but to me it was too much to overlook. It bothered me so much I tried to look it up. Nothing I read online mentioned that as a possibility. The leg could get infected or atrophy, but nothing said that it would fall off afterward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2019
Such a sweet story about an immigrant Russian family. I loved being able to teach my kids about how it must feel being an immigrant to a country where you have to learn the language and culture. Also, they were impacted by the way the little girl, Tania, was hoarding food because of her past experience with starvation. Overall, a sweet and educational book great for elementary age kids.
December 5, 2022
Another sweet story of the doll shop girls. This time they are enamored by stray cats and learn the realities of welcoming a refugee cousin into their home. My 7 year old daughter is delighted with this book as well.
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