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Annie and the Wild Animals
A charming friendship story that celebrates animals, spring, and kittens!
When Annie's cat disappears one winter morning, the lonely little girl tries to befriend the woodland animals behind her home. But instead of finding companionship, a giant moose, a grumpy bear and others show up to eat her corn cakes until they are all gone.
Then they leave, and to Annie's surprise, out of the woods comes Taffy—with three new kittens! Now she has more soft and cuddly friends than she'd ever imagined.
A lively tale sure to be loved by fans of The Mitten .
When Annie's cat disappears one winter morning, the lonely little girl tries to befriend the woodland animals behind her home. But instead of finding companionship, a giant moose, a grumpy bear and others show up to eat her corn cakes until they are all gone.
Then they leave, and to Annie's surprise, out of the woods comes Taffy—with three new kittens! Now she has more soft and cuddly friends than she'd ever imagined.
A lively tale sure to be loved by fans of The Mitten .
32 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 1985
14 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Jan Brett
127 books1,035 followersWith over thirty three million books in print, Jan Brett is one of the nation's foremost author illustrators of children's books. Jan lives in a seacoast town in Massachusetts, close to where she grew up. During the summer her family moves to a home in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
February 17, 2020
A rather odd story and yet I do like it. Annie has been through a long winter and everything is covered in snow. She plays with her cat and one day the fat lazy cat runs away. Annie misses someone to play with so she begins making corn cakes and leaving them by the edge of the wood trying to lure something to play with. In the borders, we see Annie’s cat living in a tree about to give birth. Annie, before long, has a herd of unruly beasts eating her corn cakes and wanting more.
Jan’s artwork is amazing here. I love the moose and the bobcat. The artwork is so beautiful as you would expect from Jan. She has such an eye for those tiny details. I just love her artwork. Never fear, Annie gets her cat back.
The nephew thought the story was pretty good. He likes seeing all the interesting animals and he wants some snow like Annie had. He’s ready to build a snowman. He gave this 2 stars. He said it would be cool if he could leave food and get a moose in his yard.
Jan’s artwork is amazing here. I love the moose and the bobcat. The artwork is so beautiful as you would expect from Jan. She has such an eye for those tiny details. I just love her artwork. Never fear, Annie gets her cat back.
The nephew thought the story was pretty good. He likes seeing all the interesting animals and he wants some snow like Annie had. He’s ready to build a snowman. He gave this 2 stars. He said it would be cool if he could leave food and get a moose in his yard.
February 24, 2009
Well... This time I actually thought Brett did a good job with illustrating cute little Annie. And, of course, the animals are great. I just thought the story was really boring and just really unbelievable. The mother cat leaves her warm home to go outside (in the snow! In a hollow tree!) to have her kittens? Bears and wolves and moose and bobcats all congregate together to eat corn cakes, with no thought of eating one another, even though the winter is harsh and food scarce? I know, I am being an annoying "grown-up" about this, but it was a really cute idea for a story it just had trouble in the execution!
August 10, 2023
A sweet end-of-winter story about a little girl who wants a fuzzy companion. Would be fun to read when learning about wild animals or cats having kittens.
April 3, 2020
Ok. Story doesn't make a lot of sense, and, again, the art is self-indulgent & just so so much. But I can see why she's popular, so I'll just let myself enjoy the cute bits and not worry about the flaws.
Second read; this time I found it rather darling... Annie is younger than most Brett characters, and the text is shorter, with a simpler plot. Almost a 'my first Brett' book. And I figured out one thing that I must've missed the first time - spring came, so the wild animals (fortunately, just in time) went back to their normal territories and foods.
Second read; this time I found it rather darling... Annie is younger than most Brett characters, and the text is shorter, with a simpler plot. Almost a 'my first Brett' book. And I figured out one thing that I must've missed the first time - spring came, so the wild animals (fortunately, just in time) went back to their normal territories and foods.
April 16, 2015
My daughter's favorite; she loved moving through the winter with Annie, the wild animals, the cats, and the forest. Beautifully detailed illustrations.
July 11, 2019
2.5 stars -- Beautiful illustrations, as always from Brett, but a bit of a problematic storyline.
As others have noted, Annie's reaction to her cat running away was "I'll just get another pet." So she sets about trying to trap and tame a variety of forest animals, albeit in a very gentle and fantastical way.
The story ends with a surprise litter of kittens from the missing cat, which, for a decent part of history before the advent of spay/neuter, was indeed something one could expect from the family pet. However, the intended audience of small children normally struggles with seeing things in a historical context, so this content could be seen as irresponsible.
As long as everything is kept strictly in the realm of fairy tale, however, the book definitely has its charm.
As others have noted, Annie's reaction to her cat running away was "I'll just get another pet." So she sets about trying to trap and tame a variety of forest animals, albeit in a very gentle and fantastical way.
The story ends with a surprise litter of kittens from the missing cat, which, for a decent part of history before the advent of spay/neuter, was indeed something one could expect from the family pet. However, the intended audience of small children normally struggles with seeing things in a historical context, so this content could be seen as irresponsible.
As long as everything is kept strictly in the realm of fairy tale, however, the book definitely has its charm.
March 26, 2019
I appreciate Jan Brett's busy borders, and I liked the woodland creature vibe of this book. To be honest, books where cats mysteriously have kittens sort of bother me. I understand that once upon a time this was not necessarily considered very irresponsible pet ownership, but now it certainly is very irresponsible pet ownership. It's also very irresponsible and cruel of Annie to plan to trap a wild animal for a pet. Let them be, Annie. And it's also a bit odd the way Annie just hangs around by herself. Where are her parents?!
December 12, 2019
Annie needs to learn how to show a little gratitude. Regardless, Huzzah! 4 stars for the cutie animals!
January 13, 2024
Annie's cat has disappeared. She thinks that if she puts out food for the wild animals in the woods behind her house, she will be able to find a new pet. But all the wild animals that come each day are too big to be a pet. A surprise ending brings Annie the perfect pets.
Easy read for young readers that has beautifully drawn colored pictures that bring each of the wild animals that visits to life.
Easy read for young readers that has beautifully drawn colored pictures that bring each of the wild animals that visits to life.
January 21, 2025
I love this story so much!
October 12, 2008
Synopsis
: When Annie's cat disappears, she attempts to find her by putting out corncakes which attract a variety of different animals. Friendships with a variety of woodland animals results.
Review : Board book format does this story and it's wonderful illustrations a bit of a disservice. When Annie's cat is no where to be found, Annie sets out to find a new friend. Thus begins the introduction of a parade of forest creatures (moose, bear, wildcat,etc)which children are sure to enjoy. Annie has high hopes that corn cakes are going to lead to a wild animal becoming a furry pet and quickly learns that while some may be soft and fluffy, a house pet they do not make. The humor of having all the woodland animals descending upon Annie's house is very clever. A good lesson for little children that wild animals are wild and that feeding them is not proper. The collection of illustrations are beautiful and better served in a larger format. Observant children will see clues in the borders of this story that literally illustrate Taffy's own adventures. A great story book reflecting natural animal behavior.
Critical Reviews : Children's Literature agrees with my observation that board book format does this story and it's illustrations a bit of a disservice. "When a real story is being told—as is the case here—this reduction process makes for very small print and also minimalizes the border marginalia, a very important part of Brett's storytelling."
Review : Board book format does this story and it's wonderful illustrations a bit of a disservice. When Annie's cat is no where to be found, Annie sets out to find a new friend. Thus begins the introduction of a parade of forest creatures (moose, bear, wildcat,etc)which children are sure to enjoy. Annie has high hopes that corn cakes are going to lead to a wild animal becoming a furry pet and quickly learns that while some may be soft and fluffy, a house pet they do not make. The humor of having all the woodland animals descending upon Annie's house is very clever. A good lesson for little children that wild animals are wild and that feeding them is not proper. The collection of illustrations are beautiful and better served in a larger format. Observant children will see clues in the borders of this story that literally illustrate Taffy's own adventures. A great story book reflecting natural animal behavior.
Critical Reviews : Children's Literature agrees with my observation that board book format does this story and it's illustrations a bit of a disservice. "When a real story is being told—as is the case here—this reduction process makes for very small print and also minimalizes the border marginalia, a very important part of Brett's storytelling."
November 27, 2011
Jan Brett's books are exquisite! You could look at each page for hours taking in the colorful and detailed main illustration as well as the clever border illustrations. This story itself is rather simple. On a cold winter's day Annie's cat, Taffy, runs away and Annie is lonely. She places a corn cake at the edge of the woods to see if a small, furry animal will come and she can tame it for a pet. But despite several attempts, all that her corn cakes attract are wild animals. The border pictures show what wild animal will eat the corn cakes next, and also what is going on with Taffy. As winter melts into spring, changes will come to the wild animals and to Annie's life.
May 3, 2016
I just love Jan Brett! Her frames are my absolute favorite parts of all of her stories. This one is especially sweet! B really liked it.
November 14, 2018
Great book that exemplifies the power of kindness.
April 20, 2025
Annie’s cat goes missing so she puts out corn cakes at the edge of the woods hoping her cat will eat them and come back. The corn cakes do get eaten but all of the animals that come and eat them are declared by Annie to be unsuitable as pets. Wi tee goes by and Spring comes and Annie’s cat comes back with kittens!
Read
April 9, 2025Jan Brett's works are worth studying; with their rich detail, and her knack for showing parallel storylines in the borders, I'm willing to bet it's highly effective at teaching kids to understand context clues and foreshadowing.
February 19, 2022
So cute! I love Annie and her corn cakes haha. I also love how Brett highlights what’s to come next in her intricate borders. There’s always something to look at!
October 19, 2022
incredible book!!!!
January 31, 2017
Summary:
Annie’s cat Taffy has run away, leaving Annie lonely in the snowy woods. To get Taffy to return, Annie leaves snacks at the edge of the wood, but ends up attracting all sorts of wild woodland creatures- none of which measure up to the cuddly Taffy. But when will her beloved kitty return? This book is filled with simple drawings of only a few figures at a time, emphasizing the loneliness of the cabin in the snow, and accented with illustrated frames depicting, if you look closely, what might just happen on the next page.
Response:
The book’s illustrations are what make this story such a standout. Jan Brett is known for her intricate page-frame designs that engage young readers and even serve as foreshadowing for later pages in the book. The illustrations deserve 5 stars all on their own; they fully enhance the reader’s experience of the story through both realistic line work and complex details. The storyline on it’s own is simplistic enough for young children to understand, although it does not ultimately hold any deeper meaning or profound insight. It is simply a short, sweet story, made magnificent by the artwork.
This book could be used in a classroom setting possibly to help children with context clues or simple reading exercises.
Annie’s cat Taffy has run away, leaving Annie lonely in the snowy woods. To get Taffy to return, Annie leaves snacks at the edge of the wood, but ends up attracting all sorts of wild woodland creatures- none of which measure up to the cuddly Taffy. But when will her beloved kitty return? This book is filled with simple drawings of only a few figures at a time, emphasizing the loneliness of the cabin in the snow, and accented with illustrated frames depicting, if you look closely, what might just happen on the next page.
Response:
The book’s illustrations are what make this story such a standout. Jan Brett is known for her intricate page-frame designs that engage young readers and even serve as foreshadowing for later pages in the book. The illustrations deserve 5 stars all on their own; they fully enhance the reader’s experience of the story through both realistic line work and complex details. The storyline on it’s own is simplistic enough for young children to understand, although it does not ultimately hold any deeper meaning or profound insight. It is simply a short, sweet story, made magnificent by the artwork.
This book could be used in a classroom setting possibly to help children with context clues or simple reading exercises.
December 4, 2018
Annie adored her pet cat, Taffy. Taffy liked to curl up in strange places, and one morning Annie could not find Taffy. Day-by-day, Annie would leave corn cakes by the woods. Each day a new wild animal would show up, but no Taffy. Will her beloved cat ever return? Why did she run away? Read this adorable picture book to find out.
This story is about a girl who is missing her dear pet. I feel children will connect with this story because of his or her love for animals. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and I got captivated by Annie and her love for her friend.
This story reminds me of "The Mitten" by Jan Brett. How the mitten was lost, and all the animals tried to fit into it. Then the mitten returns to the little child. Well that's what happened to Annie. Taffy went missing and all the other wild animals went to Annie. When they finally went away, and winter was over, Taffy came back!
"All that night a warm breeze blew from the south. The snow melted and new buds could be seen in the plants and trees. The wood was coming alive again. By the next morning the wild animals had gone back to the wood. They would find door there, now that spring had finally come."
This story is about a girl who is missing her dear pet. I feel children will connect with this story because of his or her love for animals. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and I got captivated by Annie and her love for her friend.
This story reminds me of "The Mitten" by Jan Brett. How the mitten was lost, and all the animals tried to fit into it. Then the mitten returns to the little child. Well that's what happened to Annie. Taffy went missing and all the other wild animals went to Annie. When they finally went away, and winter was over, Taffy came back!
"All that night a warm breeze blew from the south. The snow melted and new buds could be seen in the plants and trees. The wood was coming alive again. By the next morning the wild animals had gone back to the wood. They would find door there, now that spring had finally come."
January 30, 2024
A cute winter story ideal for Jan Brett's fans.
Annie was lonely because her cat had disappeared. She baked corn cakes and placed them outside in an attempt to attract a small animal she would tame for a pet. The next morning the corn cake was gone, but Annie got a big surprise when she saw which animal ate it. It was a moose! The following morning a wildcat showed up as well... , followed by many other wild animals.
While the plot is a little far fetched and not realistic (a cat leaving a warm home to go and have puppies in the forest and so many wild animals coming so close to the house), it is cute and funny. The illustrations are in typical Jan Brett's style and allow kids to make predictions as well as follow a story within a story.
Annie was lonely because her cat had disappeared. She baked corn cakes and placed them outside in an attempt to attract a small animal she would tame for a pet. The next morning the corn cake was gone, but Annie got a big surprise when she saw which animal ate it. It was a moose! The following morning a wildcat showed up as well... , followed by many other wild animals.
While the plot is a little far fetched and not realistic (a cat leaving a warm home to go and have puppies in the forest and so many wild animals coming so close to the house), it is cute and funny. The illustrations are in typical Jan Brett's style and allow kids to make predictions as well as follow a story within a story.
April 23, 2019
Illustrations are, of course, top notch as they are in all Jan Brett's books, but the story is fun, too.
The little girl's cat wanders off one day (as the adult reader you see the signs that she is about to be a mama cat) and Annie leaves corn cakes at the edge of the wood to find a new friend. After a parade of wild animals that, for one reason or another, are not well-suited for the job present themselves she eventually runs out of corn meal for making the cakes. Spring comes on all of a sudden and so does the cat (followed by her new kittens) and all is well again.
I'm not in love with the text, but it's a fun storyline and there's lots to see on each page...and it's about a cat which always gets points in my book.
The little girl's cat wanders off one day (as the adult reader you see the signs that she is about to be a mama cat) and Annie leaves corn cakes at the edge of the wood to find a new friend. After a parade of wild animals that, for one reason or another, are not well-suited for the job present themselves she eventually runs out of corn meal for making the cakes. Spring comes on all of a sudden and so does the cat (followed by her new kittens) and all is well again.
I'm not in love with the text, but it's a fun storyline and there's lots to see on each page...and it's about a cat which always gets points in my book.
December 6, 2013
This delightful story book is incredibly illustrated. This is the tale of young Annie who lost her beloved cat Taffy. In the hope of finding a new pet, she places a corn cake at the edge of the woods.
The animals drawn to the corn cake are all wild and large. As the corn is empty, spring arrives. As the wild animals leave to find food that nature provides each spring, joyfully Taffy returns with three kittens.
While this is a simple story, the lovely illustrations carry the tale quite well.
The animals drawn to the corn cake are all wild and large. As the corn is empty, spring arrives. As the wild animals leave to find food that nature provides each spring, joyfully Taffy returns with three kittens.
While this is a simple story, the lovely illustrations carry the tale quite well.
December 5, 2020
Another beautifully illustrated Jan Brett book. I would say this is a beginning readers book.
November 13, 2010
A girl's cat goes missing. So the girl decides to try and get another pet by putting out corn cakes and attracting wild animals.
I thought the major flaw in this book was that she didn't seem very bothered at first when her cat got lost. Her attitude was: "I'll get another pet."
I thought the major flaw in this book was that she didn't seem very bothered at first when her cat got lost. Her attitude was: "I'll get another pet."
July 29, 2018
This one was my favorite of the Bretts so far. A little girl's cat "runs away" and so she wants to get a new animal friend. She leaves food out and various wild animals come to eat it. It gets out of hand quickly, but her cat returns in the end with some surprises.
December 29, 2018
Jan Brett writes a beautiful story but the true star of the show are her gorgeous illustrations. I love how the stunning art in the central picture is augmented by the secondary story being told in the images in the side bar. She is a tee master of her craft.
May 22, 2015
Lovely art.
March 4, 2017
Cute story the kids liked. Brett's illustrations are always the best part. They liked to find the hidden animals in the border drawings.
July 13, 2017
Such a sweet story with Brett's amazing intricate illustrations
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews