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Homer the Library Cat
When a quietloving cat takes an unexpected tour of the neighborhood, he's in for some rude surprises—until he discovers the purrfect solution.
Homer is a very quiet cat. He lives in a very quiet house with a very quiet lady. But one day, while the lady is away, Homer hears a very loud sound, and out the window he goes! Poor Homer just wants to find a spot where he can curl up and be quiet, but his hometown is a surprisingly loud place. Will Homer find a bit of calm in all the noise? And will he ever find his quiet lady? Reeve Lindbergh’s cheerful, rhyming text pairs with Anne Wilsdorf’s charming illustrations for a story-lover’s ode to everyone’s favorite quiet place.
Homer is a very quiet cat. He lives in a very quiet house with a very quiet lady. But one day, while the lady is away, Homer hears a very loud sound, and out the window he goes! Poor Homer just wants to find a spot where he can curl up and be quiet, but his hometown is a surprisingly loud place. Will Homer find a bit of calm in all the noise? And will he ever find his quiet lady? Reeve Lindbergh’s cheerful, rhyming text pairs with Anne Wilsdorf’s charming illustrations for a story-lover’s ode to everyone’s favorite quiet place.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Reeve Lindbergh
64 books60 followersChildren's author, novelist, and poet Reeve Lindbergh is the daughter of world-renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh and his wife, the talented writer Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 10, 2017
A standalone adventure as Homer finds his new home-away-from-home.
My Take
A sweet story using a third-person objective point-of-view, Lindbergh introduces us to Homer and the town all while using an a-b-c-b rhyme scheme that’s so smooth I almost didn’t notice it.
I’m loving the line ink drawings filled in with watercolors. There’s a lightness in all that detail that hums. Do check out the titles on the last page…see if you can figure out what they mean??
Theme-wise, I’m thinking it’s that your quiet space is your home. A good topic of conversation to have with the kids about what they see as their quiet space. Maybe even what is a quiet space to them, considering what the quiet Homer ends up liking!
The Story
It’s a terrible fright that sets Homer on the run from his lovely quiet home. Even more frights send him fleeing from every single refuge until he finds the quietest place in town.
The Characters
Homer is an orange-and-black tiger-striped kitty who belongs to a quiet librarian.
In the town
Hope and Noah are allergic to cats. Other children.
The Cover and Title
The cover is warm in its yellow speckled wall and the orange, black, and white tiger-striped kitty lying on the bookshelf, one eye closed and the other eye glancing up. The book spines add lots more colors from blues to greens, to reds and more. The title is a fancy scriptish serif in a deep, dark orange just above Homer while the author’s and illustrator’s names are in black, running along the front edge of the library shelf.
The title is what the quiet lady’s kitty becomes: Homer the Library Cat.
My Take
A sweet story using a third-person objective point-of-view, Lindbergh introduces us to Homer and the town all while using an a-b-c-b rhyme scheme that’s so smooth I almost didn’t notice it.
I’m loving the line ink drawings filled in with watercolors. There’s a lightness in all that detail that hums. Do check out the titles on the last page…see if you can figure out what they mean??
Theme-wise, I’m thinking it’s that your quiet space is your home. A good topic of conversation to have with the kids about what they see as their quiet space. Maybe even what is a quiet space to them, considering what the quiet Homer ends up liking!
The Story
It’s a terrible fright that sets Homer on the run from his lovely quiet home. Even more frights send him fleeing from every single refuge until he finds the quietest place in town.
The Characters
Homer is an orange-and-black tiger-striped kitty who belongs to a quiet librarian.
In the town
Hope and Noah are allergic to cats. Other children.
The Cover and Title
The cover is warm in its yellow speckled wall and the orange, black, and white tiger-striped kitty lying on the bookshelf, one eye closed and the other eye glancing up. The book spines add lots more colors from blues to greens, to reds and more. The title is a fancy scriptish serif in a deep, dark orange just above Homer while the author’s and illustrator’s names are in black, running along the front edge of the library shelf.
The title is what the quiet lady’s kitty becomes: Homer the Library Cat.
January 12, 2012
Sweet story of a cat who gets out of his house and ends up in the one quiet place he can find---the public library---where his owner ("the quiet lady") is a librarian! The pictures are a little too small and detailed for large story times, but would work for smaller ones. Each page has a four-line rhyme that while not great poetry will be fun to read aloud. This will be a nice companion to the picture book "Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library!" by Vicki Myron.
***I was just re-reading this before story time and noticed that in the picture where the librarian is reading a book (presumably to the little kids in front of her), the book is Der Struwwelpeter by Heinrich Hoffmann. Originally written in 1845, and full of stories of what happens to naughty children, I can't think of a more inappropriate book for modern day story times! I'm not sure if the illustrator did this on purpose to be funny? I still like this book but now I have to wonder, is the nice librarian reading them the charming verse about the little girl who played with matches and burnt to death? Or maybe the little boy who would not stop sucking his thumbs and had them cut off? If you haven't read the book, it's definitely worth checking out for its exceedingly grim little moral tales.***
***I was just re-reading this before story time and noticed that in the picture where the librarian is reading a book (presumably to the little kids in front of her), the book is Der Struwwelpeter by Heinrich Hoffmann. Originally written in 1845, and full of stories of what happens to naughty children, I can't think of a more inappropriate book for modern day story times! I'm not sure if the illustrator did this on purpose to be funny? I still like this book but now I have to wonder, is the nice librarian reading them the charming verse about the little girl who played with matches and burnt to death? Or maybe the little boy who would not stop sucking his thumbs and had them cut off? If you haven't read the book, it's definitely worth checking out for its exceedingly grim little moral tales.***
July 3, 2012
What a great book! It has everything a person could want in a children's book. It has a good word-to-picture ratio for each page, not leaving the reader lingering on pages so the listener can take in the picture, but not so many the listener gets ready for a new picture before the words are all read. The rhythm is flawless (there is one bit on the final page when you have to sort of swallow on of the r's in "library", but that's inoffensive enough, and the slight inconsistency makes the near-immaculateness even more noticeable. And it rhymes! But not only does it rhyme, it rhymes well. So many kids books don't pull that off, as if they're written by programs that make incorrect assumptions about the sound of the language. But this one is written, I feel confident in speculating, by an actual person with skill and good sense, at that. Also the story is great. A lady and a cat who lead quiet lives, until some ruckus startles the cat into adventure.
Okay okay, two things did bother me. Homer the cat finds a "cat-size space" under a fire truck ladder. Surely that should be "cat-sized". And then there's a line about "fit firemen" which strikes my ear as inappropriately cutesy for this book.
Oh right, and pictures. I liked them.
Okay okay, two things did bother me. Homer the cat finds a "cat-size space" under a fire truck ladder. Surely that should be "cat-sized". And then there's a line about "fit firemen" which strikes my ear as inappropriately cutesy for this book.
Oh right, and pictures. I liked them.
December 13, 2011
When his quiet daily routine is disrupted, Homer--a very quiet cat--leaps from the window in his house and begins a day filled with adventure and lots of noise. As soon as Homer finds a place to settle, like a fire engine or a railroad boxcar, something noisy happens, and he has to leave. Eventually, he enters a quiet place where he finds the woman with whom he lives. Homer has a great time, sleeping during storytime and enjoying the snacks and the attention of all the children who have come to the library. Fans of cats and libraries will enjoy this sweetly appealing story told in rhyming text with its playful illustrations created in collage and watercolor. Although I wish all libraries and bookstores had their own cats to watch over the books and patrons, I also wonder just how quiet libraries today actually are.
March 9, 2012
3.5 STARS
Well, Homer is a sweetie, that's for sure! He is so sweet and gentle and loves his quiet house and the quiet lady with whom he lives. But, one day he finds himself outside in the big, noisy world. Aaahhh! Will he ever find quiet again? The title gives you a big hint about that ;-)
I wanted to love this book, but it ended up being just "pretty good" for me. I had expected something more about a cat actually living in the library, and this is more about his adventure in the outside world before he gets to the library. It's cute enough, but I couldn't help feel sorry for poor Homer out there frightened on his own, though the ending is happy. I'm not sure the style of illustrations was really my cup of tea (though the cover and Homer are adorable!). Still, this book will probably appeal to many cat-lovers and library fans.
Well, Homer is a sweetie, that's for sure! He is so sweet and gentle and loves his quiet house and the quiet lady with whom he lives. But, one day he finds himself outside in the big, noisy world. Aaahhh! Will he ever find quiet again? The title gives you a big hint about that ;-)
I wanted to love this book, but it ended up being just "pretty good" for me. I had expected something more about a cat actually living in the library, and this is more about his adventure in the outside world before he gets to the library. It's cute enough, but I couldn't help feel sorry for poor Homer out there frightened on his own, though the ending is happy. I'm not sure the style of illustrations was really my cup of tea (though the cover and Homer are adorable!). Still, this book will probably appeal to many cat-lovers and library fans.
February 2, 2012
Homer loves his quiet routine, but one day everything changes when he hears a crash and jumps out the window. He spends his day searching for respite from the cacophony of the town, and finds a quiet spot in the library. Consider pairing this book with The Quiet Book and The Loud Book or The Great Gracie Chase by Cynthia Rylant.
February 23, 2022
Not to be confused withHomer's Odyssey
February 15, 2017
I simply adored this book: the illustrations were fabulous and the text was really great, too. :)
I loved that the text rhymed. (I love children's stories that rhyme, lol.) The illustrations were great fun, too. The story was really neat:
Given that I love libraries and books, it shouldn't come as a surprise that I just had to check this book out when I saw it on the shelf in my library. I am so happy I did. I loved this story and hope that when my nieces are old enough to read it, that they'll love it, too. :)
I loved that the text rhymed. (I love children's stories that rhyme, lol.) The illustrations were great fun, too. The story was really neat:
Given that I love libraries and books, it shouldn't come as a surprise that I just had to check this book out when I saw it on the shelf in my library. I am so happy I did. I loved this story and hope that when my nieces are old enough to read it, that they'll love it, too. :)
May 28, 2015
I began doing GoodReads as a digital version of my own book journals. I thought this would be a fun way to keep track of my reading. I enjoy writing up my thoughts as I finish each book. As a teacher and a bookworm, I read so many books. My reviews help me keep track of what I want to use again in my classroom as well as creating a very bookish personal history. I also use it to create my annual Best Books post on my blog, too. (www.comesitbymyfire.blogspot.com)
Some time ago I discovered the GoodReads app. I began scanning books and telling myself I would enter them later. Uh oh. I never did. Tonight is my attempt to catch up. Unless I absolutely remember the book in real detail, I am going to just repost this little blurb and move on. Not helpful to other readers, perhaps, but it will allow me to keep track of how many books I read each year as well as what I read. I promise, I will keep up with my reviews in 2015.
Some time ago I discovered the GoodReads app. I began scanning books and telling myself I would enter them later. Uh oh. I never did. Tonight is my attempt to catch up. Unless I absolutely remember the book in real detail, I am going to just repost this little blurb and move on. Not helpful to other readers, perhaps, but it will allow me to keep track of how many books I read each year as well as what I read. I promise, I will keep up with my reviews in 2015.
August 29, 2016
Homer is a quiet cat. His life is peaceful and routine until one day he hears a crash and jumps out the window. He tries to find quiet spots all over town but is unsuccessful...that is until he stumbles into the library! There his quiet owner, the librarian, reads stories to children. Homer sleeps "right through the stories, but [wakes] up for the snack." Now he goes to the library daily and enjoys the quiet there.
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This cute book is written in rhyme. At first I was confused because the story had nothing to do with a library, but after the noisy day around town Homer finds the quiet library, and it all made sense. (Although I don't think the children's section would be all that quiet.) A fun book for cat lovers and those who enjoy visiting the library.
•
This cute book is written in rhyme. At first I was confused because the story had nothing to do with a library, but after the noisy day around town Homer finds the quiet library, and it all made sense. (Although I don't think the children's section would be all that quiet.) A fun book for cat lovers and those who enjoy visiting the library.
October 23, 2024
Who doesn't love a good library cat story? Very easy rhyme scheme - very readable. Would pull out for storytimes on libraries (National Library Week, maybe?) and cats, and maybe on opposites - loud and quiet places. Would pair nicely with Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library! for a real-world counterpart, or stories like Otto the Book Bear for other animals finding a home at the library.
August 7, 2012
Homer loves peace and quiet and living his while-away days at home with the quiet lady. After she leaves one day, the window is broken and Homer leaps out. He finds all sorts of noises outside...clanging fire engines, chugga-chugging railroad cars, and noisy garbage cans.
Just then, Homer stumbles into a quiet building and finds the quiet lady! She's in her rocking chair reading stories to children! They love him and Homer has found a new home.
Homer the Library Cat is a delightfully illustrated picture book that sneakingly surprises us with a story about those special people who have fun at storytimes :-)
Just then, Homer stumbles into a quiet building and finds the quiet lady! She's in her rocking chair reading stories to children! They love him and Homer has found a new home.
Homer the Library Cat is a delightfully illustrated picture book that sneakingly surprises us with a story about those special people who have fun at storytimes :-)
September 15, 2018
Homer the cat is quietly living 'The life of Riley' in a quiet house with a quiet lady, until a chaotic event catapults (no pun intended) our young feline friend out of the quiet house with the quiet lady and out into the loud and rambunctious world! Will Homer ever find his way back to the quiet house with the quiet lady? (hint: there is a clue in the title)
It is a fun book with clever illustrations and humorous happenings. I did see something rather interesting, take a close look at the... Did anyone else think the same thing?
It is a fun book with clever illustrations and humorous happenings. I did see something rather interesting, take a close look at the... Did anyone else think the same thing?
September 17, 2012
A sweet story about a quiet-loving cat in a quest to find some peace and quiet. Reeve Lindbergh has a great touch writing stories in rhyme that have a ton of both kid and adult appeal.
Candlewick has created a fabulous PDF resource with extension activities and printables.
In my library class (for 1st and 2nd graders), I'm pairing this book with The Library Lion. Children will design and describe a pet or animal that could live in our library.
Candlewick has created a fabulous PDF resource with extension activities and printables.
In my library class (for 1st and 2nd graders), I'm pairing this book with The Library Lion. Children will design and describe a pet or animal that could live in our library.
Read
November 15, 2013Homer is living a quiet life with a very nice lady. One day, when his lady is not home, he falls out a window and his quiet lifestyle is lost. He travels around town trying to find a peaceful spot but he always ends up at noisy places like the fire station or the train station. Then his luck changes and he finds a place that seems quiet; there are lots of books and children's voices and then the voice of someone familiar. Can it be his very nice lady? This is the perfect story for kids who enjoy both cats and visiting the library.
November 6, 2012
Homer leaves home when his peace is disrupted and tries to find another quiet place to stay. Surprise! He finds his owner in the public library and finds that he likes that environment. This story in rhyme details Homer's search for quiet and the various places he didn't find it. And while I was contemplating why there weren't more books about a dog in a library my dog's yapping reminded me why. But maybe a hamster or a goldfish or a chameleon....
February 25, 2016
A sweet picture book about what happens to cat who is used to the quiet life, and suddenly finds himself in a very loud and noisy world. When a sudden noise chases Homer from his home, he scurries from one clamorous scene to another until he finds his owner, a children's librarian, at work. With detailed and bright artwork and gentle rhymes, this is a hit for one-on-one story times and larger groups. Highly recommended.
May 21, 2015
A story in verse, this account of a cat frightened from his posh home by loud noises one day takes the reader on a city-wide adventure in search of a quiet place to rest. It ends happily, with the cat reuniting with his owner in a new location, the library. Nicely done. Amusing illustrations throughout.
December 12, 2011
Having met a real library cat, I think the author and illustrator did a great job. A library cat has to have a calm personality, but be adventurous and friendly enough to want to hang out with relative strangers. Homer is a really good example of the right kind of cat.
Kids who like cats will really enjoy this story.
Kids who like cats will really enjoy this story.
August 7, 2017
This is a fun and fascinating story of a cat who is temporarily lost, but finds his owner and a new place to hang out in the library. I love cats and libraries, so this was a story I was sure that I would like.
The illustrations are very colorful and humorous and the narrative is short and entertaining. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
The illustrations are very colorful and humorous and the narrative is short and entertaining. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
March 25, 2013
What a delightful children story book. It has all you need for the perfect childrens book. A good proportion of pictures to words. Just as exciting to read as a whole class and one to one. Comprising of rhyming couplets, which all pupils love. Interesting story about a colourful cat called Homer embarks on a wonderful journey.
March 3, 2016
Anne Wilsdorf's illustrations are pretty great. There's a lot going on in every picture. The story is good too. The word selection for the rhyme scheme that Lindbergh employs keeps it from being monotonous or overbearing. She left out the part where the kids in the library have to help clean Homer's litter box though.
January 6, 2018
I'm a sucker for cat books. This one is scary as the cat escapes from it's home and encounters all sorts of not-so-friendly cat places in search of his human parent. I promise it's not too hard for little ones to take, the story does have a happy ending, or I would have began with a much sterner warning!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2013
Rhyming story about a cat who likes quiet places. Homer goes around town trying to find a quiet place after a loud noise scares him out of his home. Ends up in the library, a perfect place for quiet time, stories and snacks!
Recommended for:
* Storytime for ages 2 - 5
Recommended for:
* Storytime for ages 2 - 5
May 4, 2013
Homer loves his quiet life till on day he falls out the window of his house. Scared he runs to find a quiet place, yet every time he falls asleep another loud noise wakes him. He finally finds the right door of the library and enjoys the stories.
November 6, 2013
A book my 5 yr old as well as my twin 3 yr olds loved. A solid reading level 1 book, this cute story keeps all ages engaged with the bright colorful pictures and cute story. A great addition to any children's library.
February 6, 2016
Like Homer, I also have a cat that does not like loud sounds. It scares her to death so much she runs and hides. Homer was a very interesting cat to read about. I was glad to see he finally found a safe place that was not as loud. The library is the perfect place for a cat! It was a perfect fit!
May 28, 2015
Booklist October 1, 2011 (Vol. 108, No. 3)
Preschool-Grade 1. Homer, a striped kitty, is as quiet as the lady he lives with. After he accidently falls out of a window and into the trash, he rebounds to take a tour around town that has him stopping at the post office, the fire house, and the train station. Oh, he finds quiet spots, but inevitably there’s a clanging, banging, or sneezing to move him on. Then, he wanders into an impressive building, and who should he find but the quiet lady, the children’s librarian. Most librarians will think we should perhaps be past the quiet sobriquet by now, but they’ll be pleased that the library is jumping with kids, books, and toys. Lindbergh’s simple rhyming text makes a good match with Wilsdorf’s exuberant ink-and-watercolor artwork, which captures all the fun of a cat on the loose. The final spread, which features Homer, now a library cat, stretched out on a shelf surrounded by books, is worth the price of admission.
Horn Book Guide Spring 2012
Accustomed to peace and quiet, house cat Homer suddenly finds himself out on the street, bounding from post office to firehouse to train station until he discovers his owner reading aloud to children at the library. Watercolor and collage illustrations, alongside satisfying rhymed text, picture the feline's erratic journey and his "purr-fect" new daytime haunt.
Kirkus Reviews October 1, 2011
Like many of his predecessors, the striped feline star of this story finds a happy home at his local library. The twist, this time around, is that Homer already has a home in a "quiet house" with a "quiet lady" when a loud noise startles him into jumping out the window. The action moves quickly, as Homer tries out the post office (too sneezy), the fire house (too busy) and a boxcar at the train station (too loud) as alternatives. He next dashes into the local library, where he's pleased and surprised to recognize his owner--and vice versa. A big hit with the kids, Homer winds up spending his days at the library, napping in the stacks. The simple rhyming text follows an abcb pattern and conveys the action clearly. The sing-song rhythm gives the story an old-fashioned feel that's complemented by Wilsdorf's appealing watercolor-and-collage illustrations of a small-town Main Street. Curious listeners may wonder about the noise that started Homer's adventure, as it is explained in neither text nor illustration. Touches of visual humor brighten the low-key tale and provide plenty of details to pore over. Homer is especially engaging, particularly on the endpapers, where he's shown in a variety of poses, almost always smiling widely. Pleasantly predictable, this quiet adventure breaks no new ground but offers a charming diversion for cat (and library) lovers. (Picture book. 4-7)
Library Media Connection January/February 2012
Homer, a quiet cat, living with a quiet lady in a quiet house, loves the life he lives. When his mistress leaves each day, Homer finds quiet things to occupy his time. However, one day a crash scares him and he runs away looking for peace and quiet. The post office, the fire station, nor the railroad station provide relief from noise. It is when Homer finds the lady in a quiet library that he is contented again. The author's rhyming narrative will delight young listeners or readers. This selection would be a good introduction to simple rhyming books, leading to a lesson on poetry. The illustrations are bright watercolors, and the expressions on Homer's face give the reader insight into Homer's search for the "purrfect" life. Jo Drudge, Educational Reviewer, Rome City, Indiana. RECOMMENDED
Publishers Weekly October 10, 2011
A loud noise sets in motion an unexpected adventure for Homer, a quiet cat accustomed to living in a quiet house with a quiet lady. When the woman leaves the house (as she does each day), Homer's typically peaceful routine is interrupted by a startling crash that sends him leaping out of the window. He wanders through town searching for a cozy spot; it proves a challenge, resulting in funny scenes in which Homer tries to find a measure of peace at the fire station and train yard. At last, he finds an open door and a quiet building-the library-where he recognizes a familiar voice. Lindbergh's (My Little Grandmother Often Forgets) rhyming text is upbeat and rhythmic without being too bouncy, a quality that matches the personality of the title character. Wilsdorf's (Thelonious Mouse) tiger-striped Homer has a sweet smile, expressive eyes, and a penchant for lounging that make him the perfect companion and a welcome guest at his owner's place of employ. Scenes of a quaint, Victorian-looking village rendered in watercolor, ink, and collage keep Homer's outing entertaining rather than harrowing. Ages 4-8. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
School Library Journal December 1, 2011
PreS-Gr 1-Homer enjoyed a quiet life, with his quiet lady, in his quiet house. It takes a noisy chain of events to lead him to the library. Once there, however, he is happy to give up his peaceful, solitary days for the hubbub of the children's room, which also happens to be where his quiet lady works. While the story lacks fluidity, it has a comedic energy that should appeal to children. Once Homer leaves the safety of his home, every new hiding spot seems to guarantee peace and security, but children will quickly realize that some new ruckus is waiting for both Homer and them with the turn of each page. Even though the library initially promises serenity, the fact that the children's room itself is not a quiet place is made clear by the activity in the watercolor and collage illustrations. Children are reaching for books, playing with toys-even the shelf on which Homer contentedly sleeps at the end is a jumble of ransacked books. But the presence of the quiet lady, reading to the children, provides a sense of calm that nicely counterbalances the children's energy and enthusiasm.-Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Preschool-Grade 1. Homer, a striped kitty, is as quiet as the lady he lives with. After he accidently falls out of a window and into the trash, he rebounds to take a tour around town that has him stopping at the post office, the fire house, and the train station. Oh, he finds quiet spots, but inevitably there’s a clanging, banging, or sneezing to move him on. Then, he wanders into an impressive building, and who should he find but the quiet lady, the children’s librarian. Most librarians will think we should perhaps be past the quiet sobriquet by now, but they’ll be pleased that the library is jumping with kids, books, and toys. Lindbergh’s simple rhyming text makes a good match with Wilsdorf’s exuberant ink-and-watercolor artwork, which captures all the fun of a cat on the loose. The final spread, which features Homer, now a library cat, stretched out on a shelf surrounded by books, is worth the price of admission.
Horn Book Guide Spring 2012
Accustomed to peace and quiet, house cat Homer suddenly finds himself out on the street, bounding from post office to firehouse to train station until he discovers his owner reading aloud to children at the library. Watercolor and collage illustrations, alongside satisfying rhymed text, picture the feline's erratic journey and his "purr-fect" new daytime haunt.
Kirkus Reviews October 1, 2011
Like many of his predecessors, the striped feline star of this story finds a happy home at his local library. The twist, this time around, is that Homer already has a home in a "quiet house" with a "quiet lady" when a loud noise startles him into jumping out the window. The action moves quickly, as Homer tries out the post office (too sneezy), the fire house (too busy) and a boxcar at the train station (too loud) as alternatives. He next dashes into the local library, where he's pleased and surprised to recognize his owner--and vice versa. A big hit with the kids, Homer winds up spending his days at the library, napping in the stacks. The simple rhyming text follows an abcb pattern and conveys the action clearly. The sing-song rhythm gives the story an old-fashioned feel that's complemented by Wilsdorf's appealing watercolor-and-collage illustrations of a small-town Main Street. Curious listeners may wonder about the noise that started Homer's adventure, as it is explained in neither text nor illustration. Touches of visual humor brighten the low-key tale and provide plenty of details to pore over. Homer is especially engaging, particularly on the endpapers, where he's shown in a variety of poses, almost always smiling widely. Pleasantly predictable, this quiet adventure breaks no new ground but offers a charming diversion for cat (and library) lovers. (Picture book. 4-7)
Library Media Connection January/February 2012
Homer, a quiet cat, living with a quiet lady in a quiet house, loves the life he lives. When his mistress leaves each day, Homer finds quiet things to occupy his time. However, one day a crash scares him and he runs away looking for peace and quiet. The post office, the fire station, nor the railroad station provide relief from noise. It is when Homer finds the lady in a quiet library that he is contented again. The author's rhyming narrative will delight young listeners or readers. This selection would be a good introduction to simple rhyming books, leading to a lesson on poetry. The illustrations are bright watercolors, and the expressions on Homer's face give the reader insight into Homer's search for the "purrfect" life. Jo Drudge, Educational Reviewer, Rome City, Indiana. RECOMMENDED
Publishers Weekly October 10, 2011
A loud noise sets in motion an unexpected adventure for Homer, a quiet cat accustomed to living in a quiet house with a quiet lady. When the woman leaves the house (as she does each day), Homer's typically peaceful routine is interrupted by a startling crash that sends him leaping out of the window. He wanders through town searching for a cozy spot; it proves a challenge, resulting in funny scenes in which Homer tries to find a measure of peace at the fire station and train yard. At last, he finds an open door and a quiet building-the library-where he recognizes a familiar voice. Lindbergh's (My Little Grandmother Often Forgets) rhyming text is upbeat and rhythmic without being too bouncy, a quality that matches the personality of the title character. Wilsdorf's (Thelonious Mouse) tiger-striped Homer has a sweet smile, expressive eyes, and a penchant for lounging that make him the perfect companion and a welcome guest at his owner's place of employ. Scenes of a quaint, Victorian-looking village rendered in watercolor, ink, and collage keep Homer's outing entertaining rather than harrowing. Ages 4-8. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
School Library Journal December 1, 2011
PreS-Gr 1-Homer enjoyed a quiet life, with his quiet lady, in his quiet house. It takes a noisy chain of events to lead him to the library. Once there, however, he is happy to give up his peaceful, solitary days for the hubbub of the children's room, which also happens to be where his quiet lady works. While the story lacks fluidity, it has a comedic energy that should appeal to children. Once Homer leaves the safety of his home, every new hiding spot seems to guarantee peace and security, but children will quickly realize that some new ruckus is waiting for both Homer and them with the turn of each page. Even though the library initially promises serenity, the fact that the children's room itself is not a quiet place is made clear by the activity in the watercolor and collage illustrations. Children are reaching for books, playing with toys-even the shelf on which Homer contentedly sleeps at the end is a jumble of ransacked books. But the presence of the quiet lady, reading to the children, provides a sense of calm that nicely counterbalances the children's energy and enthusiasm.-Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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April 30, 2017
In most of this story, poor Homer, who escaped from his home and then got scared by all the noise, was just trying to find a quiet spot. He doesn't reach the library until the very end, so entitling the book Homer the Library Cat gives the whole ending away. The drawings of the cat were cute, and it was nice to discover that his owner is a librarian, but it should have had a less revealing title. Cute, but a tad disappointing.
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July 6, 2016
This was a very sweet book about the bond between a librarian and her pet cat. The lengths this poor kitty goes to to find a quiet place only to ultimately find his forever home yet again is comical and cute.
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