Matilda's Cat

by Emily Gravett

This delightful picture book with Emily Gravett’s signature twist ending sweetly depicts the relationship between a child and her beloved pet.

Matilda is desperate to figure out what her cat will enjoy. She tries everything she can think of: climbing trees, playing with wool, even tea parties and dress-up games, but as Matilda gets more and more creative in her entertainment attempts, her cat moves from unimpressed to terrified. Will Matilda ever figure out what her cat likes?

In the style of Dogs and Monkey and Me, this young picture book from Emily Gravett is an insightful, fond, and funny look at the relationship between a little girl and her cat that’s sure to strike a chord with anyone who’s ever loved a pet.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Childrens, Animals, Storytime, Humor, Friendship

26 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2012

About the author

Emily Gravett is twice winner of the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal and the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Bronze Award for WOLVES and LITTLE MOUSE'S BIG BOOK OF FEARS. An author/illustrator of unique talent and tremendous skill, she has a host of critically acclaimed books to her name, including BLUE CHAMELEON, WOLF WON'T BITE! and AGAIN! Emily lives in Brighton with her partner and their daughter.

Reviews

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

June 20, 2014

Matilda's cat doesn't like many things that Matilda would expect it to. But that's okay, because Matilda's cat like her.

The child and the cat are just fabulous. I especially love how Matilda recalls Max in his wolf suit. Brilliant.

Library copy

***

It's weird to me to look at previous dates read and see, for example, that I have only ever read this book in June and July. Why would that be?

[হাঁটুপানির জলদস্যু · Rating 4 out of 5]

কী ভীষণ মজার আর মিষ্টি!

একটা বিলাই এনে পালা শুরু করবো নাকি?

[babyhippoface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda's cat likes playing with wool. (Not really. He's afraid of that ball of fuzz.)
Matilda's cat likes boxes. (Not really. He's afraid of boxes, too.)
Matilda's cat likes riding bikes. (Not really. You guessed it.)

I'll tell you what Matilda's cat does like: Matilda. (Without the costumes and noises and rambunctious play, of course.)

Gravett gives this cat some great expressions (mostly of horror at Matilda's ideas of "fun") and its personality comes through loud and clear. Any little cat lover should like this one.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Matilda's cat likes playing with wool, playing with wool, boxes, playing with wool, boxes and riding bikes!

Premise/plot: In this delightful picture book readers meet Matilda and her cat. Matilda, the heroine, is dressed as a cat. She is trying to play WITH her cat. She's brainstorming constantly. What should we do now? How can we have fun together? How about this? How about that? The truth is most of what Matilda tries to get her cat to do, most of what Matilda says her cat likes...is not really true. But all is not lost. Matilda's cat does love something very much: MATILDA.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. It's very expressive and creative. I loved the spread, "Matilda's cat likes drawing." Readers see Matilda sprawled out on the floor, surrounded by colored pencils, happily drawing. She's drawing a cat of course. But it's the expression on the cat's face that is almost priceless. It's also super-super cute to see all the kid-drawn art. Like there's one of Matilda's drawings that take THREE pieces of paper. The cat is knitting a sweater for Matilda. One of the sleeves covers three pieces of paper. If you look closely, Matilda's art reveals how the earlier activities should have gone. You see Matilda and the cat HAPPILY playing in boxes side by side. You see the cat bravely fighting a dragon. (Just the page before the text reads, "and fighting foes!") The picture of the tea party is adorable. As is the bicycle riding picture. And it is NOT easy to draw a bicycle. I think the book perfectly illustrates that our own interests sometimes dictate a little too much what we like to do with friends. Of course, the more obvious conclusion is that cats will be cats will be cats. And that you can't make a cat do something a cat doesn't want to do.

Another spread I really love is when Matilda tries to read a bedtime story to her cat. Her choice: Emily Gravett's DOGS. The cat REALLY, REALLY, REALLY doesn't want to do that!!!

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I could make this work in a storytime. I might have to explain what a strikethrough is. For those who like pets, I think they would enjoy this.

9/14/16 & 9/15/16 Used as opener in toddler kitty theme. Not bad. I kind of had to explain what the cat was thinking or feeling and then had them imitate that. The first day did well with that, the second day not so much. Had them try striking through. Meh on both days. But both days liked the ending, so...success? Still trying to re-learn toddler storytimes, so I think I'm on my learning curve.

4/19/17 Used in M theme for Literacy Moments. Used a word on the page. Figured out the little letter it began with, then found its corresponding big letter on the feltboard. I didn't think they were paying much attention to the story, but when we finished up the last couple of pages, many of them said "Awww."

[Jennifer (JenIsNotaBookSnob) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm an Emily Gravett fan, so, I loved this. I will admit that this isn't as much fun as Wolves which is my favorite book by her. This one is more silly, gentle and sweet-tempered. It's about a little girl and her cat and the activities she tries to get her cat to do. The cat in question looks a bit scruffy, like it might be an older cat. I can feel a bit of empathy for Matilda's cat as it reminds me very much of my own cats. My cats were already 9 years old when my daughter was born and they have taken a long time to warm up to her. It's only finally recently that they have become her little friends, but, they are still old cats and there's only so much play they are up to. They just remind me a lot of Matilda's patient 'but not exactly enthusiastic' feline companion.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story with great detail in the illustrations. Matilda, dressed up as her cat, tries many different activities with her cat but none are to his liking. Nonetheless, the cat goes along because he likes... MATILDA. Adorably sweet, right? The detail in the drawings would make great reading discussion: little cats are strewn throughout many of the pictures. Also, on the "drawing" page, Matilda's pictures feature the earlier activities of her and cat.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO STINKING CUTE. Matilda goes through a diverse list of activities, none of which her cat likes. The ending makes this story so I won't spoil it.

Matilda's cat costume, reminiscent of Max from Wild Things, is adorable and showcases their close friendship. The cat's reactions to Matilda's activities are funny, perfectly illustrated, and typical of a cat. A perfect read aloud but it requires the audience's attention.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda, dressed as a cat, keeps trying to entice her cat to participate in activities. Matilda's cat likes playing with wool, boxes and riding bikes. Basically, her cat doesn't like any of the activities Matilda likes. The book is humorous and the illustrations are full of character and emotion and pair perfectly with the text...and in the end, the warm relationship between cat and owner is demonstrated.

[Joanne G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda adores her cat and tries to engage him in all sorts of activities. She can't figure out what her cat loves until she realizes her cat loves just being with her.

Adorable illustrations and an engaging story finish with Matilda snuggling in bed with her beloved feline. Cat lovers are sure to enjoy Matilda's antics.

(Note: I realize I'm reading children's books in a mad dash to reach my Goodreads' annual reading goal. Don't judge me! :D)

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Gravett's adorable yet simple illustrations always dominate her sweet picture books for young readers and listeners. In this adventure a young girl named Matilda is determined to compile a list of things that her cat adores. Unfortunately, this may prove to be a short list; fortunately for Matilda it contains the most important thing of all.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Gravett is becoming one of my favorite picture book author/illustrators. Her work is so witty and fun. While I hugely favor dogs over cats, this book made me smile as Matilda's cat reminded me a great deal of my skittish pug Guenter. :)

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun story of Matilda's cat who doesn't like much. She does not like tea parties, drawing, climbing trees, boxes, riding bikes, funky hats, bedtime stories or fighting foes, but there is one thing she likes.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful, playful story perfect for younger children from Emily Gravett, this one about a little girl and her cat.

[Michelle Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am pretty sure this is how my cat feels about me. He may not like all the things I want to do, but he does love me and he loves snuggling at bedtime. :)

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matilda dresses up as her cat and tries to play with her cat. Unfortunately, the cat is weirded out about the whole thing. Matilda's cat just wants to be with Matilda.

[Isobel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda’s cat would be a good book to talk to children about treating animals with respect and giving them attention and love .

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the corners of my mouth turning upward more and more as I flipped the pages. Near the end, I was full-on grinning and on the last page, my heart melted and all I could say was "Awwwwww."

Love the simple, yet colorful and detailed illustrations of Matilda, who is dressed to look like her cat, as she tries to figure out exactly what her cat likes to do - because the cat does not seem to like most kitty things like yarn, boxes or climbing trees. She doesn't seem to like non-cat things, either, like reading books and wearing funky hats. What DOES Matilda's cat love? I'm not telling! Perfect for little cat lovers, and crazy cat ladies.

P.S. The expressions on the cat's face are priceless.

[Sue Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Emily Gravett's sense of humour and wonderful twist on things. Young children will love to play along with Matilda's cat's likes and dislikes!
I think I must collect every single book Emily Gravett has ever written and illustrated as her work makes me so happy!

[Mairéad · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, sweet picture book with fun, detailed illustrations sure to appeal to children aged 3+ especially those who have pets of their own.

[Elfo-oscuro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy cortito pero con un final precioso

[Penny Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this one when looking for something else and just had to order a copy. It may have been the pointy ears on Matilda's onesie that did it - so reminiscent of Max's in Where the Wild Things Are, or perhaps it was the deceptively simple sweetness of Matilda's face and the complicity between the child and her unusual looking cat.

I often buy a book simply for the cover, but was delighted to discover that the pages between the front and back of this one were not only utterly enchanting but clever, funny and filled with lovely little details like the spiral stripe on the cat's back leg and the pictures drawn by Matilda that gave a glimpse into her imagination. Lots more to discover too, but I'd better not give too much away.

Edited to add that the small people love this one and especially enjoy answering the questions: "Do you think Matilda's cat does like playing with wool/riding a bike/climbing trees/etc..." They look at the cat's face and giggle No! on the appropriate pages. It's almost as if they've worked out the answer to a secret.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Matilda clearly loves her cat, the things she thinks the feline will enjoy doing are not to the cat's liking. The cat does not like playing with wool, fighting with foes or even climbing trees, all activities that Matilda enjoys. But there is one thing that this cat loves--Matilda! Anyone who has spent much time with a cat will relate to this splendidly imaginative book. The author's simple text and illustrations, created with oil-based pencil, watercolor, and colored pencils, show the poor cat's ever increasing anxiety as Matilda's games become increasingly wilder. Even the bedtime story she reads to her cat is frightening--Dogs, an earlier picture book by this same author/illustrator. There are so many delightful touches in the book--the back cover showing the cat scratching the wall, the endpapers, and the look of bliss on the two friends as they snuggle in bed. Savvy children's literature buffs will surely note Matilda's resemblance to Max in Where the Wild Things Are since she, too, is wearing a cat suit as she tries to coax her cat to play. This is another terrific book from one of my favorite author/illustrators.

[Joella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda is sure her cat likes many things. Like playing with wool; however, clever readers will be able to guess that Matilda’s interpretations of what her cat likes isn’t quite accurate. Upon turning the page Matilda discovers what the readers already guessed…that perhaps Matilda’s cat doesn’t like “playing with wool.” Instead Matilda tells us another thing that her cat likes. And so on until we discover the one thing that Matilda’s cat really does enjoy.

This is quite a fun little book that will help readers learn about deciphering clues as to what is happening not only by reading the words on a page but also by looking at the clues in the illustrations and expressions of the characters. Readers who have a special love for young furry things will have an extra special place in their hearts and homes for this story. A great edition to any pet-lover’s library.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda, who appears throughout the book dressed in a stripy cat costume, spends all day trying to find something her cat likes to do. The text is repetitive, listing the things that Matilda’s cat ‘likes’ to do, and therefore simple and easy for children to be able to repeat.
The amusing images convey an additional story to the text, revealing that in fact Matilda’s dislikes all of the typical cat-like activities, playing with wool, climbing trees and hiding in boxes. The expressive illustrations of the cat shows the reader and Matilda what she really thinks of the activities. The story comes to a pleasing conclusion when Matilda eventually discovers something that her cat does like.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super-simple book that's perfect to hit the Common Core Standard of Print Concepts. The text says "Matilda's cat likes playing with wool," on a page where we see Matilda (so cute in her cat suit) playing with yarn while her cat hides. Turn the page and "playing with wool" is now crossed off and "boxes" is added. Again, Matilda is enjoying the boxes but the cat, not so much.

Pair with "Chester" by Melanie Watt to talk about how the print on the page has meaning and the technique of drawing a line through those words as a disqualifier.

[Kate McGinty aka Caryn Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matilda's cat isn't into the things Matilda likes, such as playing with wool, jumping into boxes, or riding bikes. There is one thing the cat likes, though: Matilda.

I love the quirky illustrations, which depict cat behavior so well, and the constantly-revised lists make this one a lot of fun to read aloud. The sweet, loving ending is perfect for a pre-bed reading-slash-snuggle. Because the format is so different, it might be difficult for younger children to catch on to the story, but a little help from adults should clarify things nicely.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across multiple pages, the reader tries to learn what Matilda’s cat likes. It certainly does not like climbing trees, playing with yarn, or listening to bedtime stories, but the cat does like Matilda! Illustrations of oil-based pencil, watercolor, and colored pencil show the handful of activities that the cat is simply not interested in. My favorite aspect of this book is the illustrations of the cat. I found its facial expressions to be hilarious and I enjoyed observing its reactions to the different activities Matilda tried to get it to do.

[Melle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable picture book about a girl who tries to find out what her cat likes and engages in a lot of typical activities that kids are fond of but that some-to-most cats are not. Very sweetly illustrated with warm, colorful, gentle, pastel/watercolor-looking pictures, a funny-faced cat, and a little white girl with blond curls. (This so could have been done with a more diverse protagonist. Sigh.) Still, very cute, very innocuous, and very sweet.

[Drew Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matilda's cat likes to do a lot of things. Or is it really Matilda that likes to do those things? What exactly DOES Matilda's cat like?

Now THIS one The Boy (2.5) liked. It had color and fun and portrayed realistic but fanciful little kid activities. The characters are charming and funny, and although I'm not exactly sure how it's meant to be read aloud with the strikeouts and everything, it's sweet without overdoing it and just the right length for a toddler.