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Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed
A kitten’s stroll down a keyboard leads to a celebrated one-minute composition in this charming portrait of a remarkable true friendship.
Moshe Cotel was a composer who lived in a noisy building on a noisy street in a noisy city. But Moshe didn’t mind. Everything he heard was music to his ears. One day, while out for a walk, he heard a small, sad sound that he’d never heard before. It was a tiny kitten! "Come on, little Ketzel," Moshe said, "I will take you home and we will make beautiful music together." And they did—in a most surprising way. Inspired by a true story, Lesléa Newman and Amy June Bates craft an engaging tale of a creative man and the beloved cat who brings unexpected sweet notes his way.
Moshe Cotel was a composer who lived in a noisy building on a noisy street in a noisy city. But Moshe didn’t mind. Everything he heard was music to his ears. One day, while out for a walk, he heard a small, sad sound that he’d never heard before. It was a tiny kitten! "Come on, little Ketzel," Moshe said, "I will take you home and we will make beautiful music together." And they did—in a most surprising way. Inspired by a true story, Lesléa Newman and Amy June Bates craft an engaging tale of a creative man and the beloved cat who brings unexpected sweet notes his way.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2015
2 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Lesléa Newman
108 books249 followersLesléa Newman (born 1955, Brooklyn, NY) is the author of over 50 books including Heather Has Two Mommies, A Letter To Harvey Milk, Writing From The Heart, In Every Laugh a Tear, The Femme Mystique, Still Life with Buddy, Fat Chance and Out of the Closet and Nothing to Wear.
She has received many literary awards including Poetry Fellowships from the Massachusetts Artists Fellowship Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Highlights for Children Fiction Writing Award, the James Baldwin Award for Cultural Achievement, and two Pushcart Prize Nominations.
Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award finalists.
Ms. Newman wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children's book to portray lesbian families in a positive way, and has followed up this pioneering work with several more children's books on lesbian and gay families: Gloria Goes To Gay Pride, Belinda's Bouquet, Too Far Away to Touch, and Saturday Is Pattyday.
She is also the author of many books for adults that deal with lesbian identity, Jewish identity and the intersection and collision between the two. Other topics Ms. Newman explores include AIDS, eating disorders, butch/femme relationships and sexual abuse. Her award-winning short story, A Letter To Harvey Milk has been made into a film and adapted for the stage.
In addition to being an author, Ms. Newman is a popular guest lecturer, and has spoken on college campuses across the country including Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Oregon, Bryn Mawr College, Smith College and the University of Judaism. From 2005-2009, Lesléa was a faculty member of the Stonecoast MFA program at the University of Southern Maine. Currently, she is the Poet Laureate of Northampton, MA.
She has received many literary awards including Poetry Fellowships from the Massachusetts Artists Fellowship Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Highlights for Children Fiction Writing Award, the James Baldwin Award for Cultural Achievement, and two Pushcart Prize Nominations.
Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award finalists.
Ms. Newman wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children's book to portray lesbian families in a positive way, and has followed up this pioneering work with several more children's books on lesbian and gay families: Gloria Goes To Gay Pride, Belinda's Bouquet, Too Far Away to Touch, and Saturday Is Pattyday.
She is also the author of many books for adults that deal with lesbian identity, Jewish identity and the intersection and collision between the two. Other topics Ms. Newman explores include AIDS, eating disorders, butch/femme relationships and sexual abuse. Her award-winning short story, A Letter To Harvey Milk has been made into a film and adapted for the stage.
In addition to being an author, Ms. Newman is a popular guest lecturer, and has spoken on college campuses across the country including Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Oregon, Bryn Mawr College, Smith College and the University of Judaism. From 2005-2009, Lesléa was a faculty member of the Stonecoast MFA program at the University of Southern Maine. Currently, she is the Poet Laureate of Northampton, MA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
March 5, 2020
My adult son, who is a classical pianist and composer, might be surprised to find this beautifully illustrated picture book in his birthday box this week. He's all grown up now and he probably thinks he's too old for kids' books, but I couldn't resist buying this one for his studio of young piano students.
If you've ever had writer's block or sat with a blank expression before a blank canvas or felt you would surely decompose before the notes to a new composition filled your head, then this beautiful book may inspire you.
We can't all be lucky enough to have musical cats, but composer Morris Moshe Cotel did, and one day, while Mr. Cotel was feeling the opposite of inspired, his cat randomly crept across the keys, creating a melody. This melody turned into a piece of music that was ultimately performed at the Friedberg Concert Hall at the Peabody Conservatory.
Imagine my surprise to find that this true story is set in Maryland, and I am currently “in” Maryland, on my Reading Road Trip 2020.
It must be kismet.
If you've ever had writer's block or sat with a blank expression before a blank canvas or felt you would surely decompose before the notes to a new composition filled your head, then this beautiful book may inspire you.
We can't all be lucky enough to have musical cats, but composer Morris Moshe Cotel did, and one day, while Mr. Cotel was feeling the opposite of inspired, his cat randomly crept across the keys, creating a melody. This melody turned into a piece of music that was ultimately performed at the Friedberg Concert Hall at the Peabody Conservatory.
Imagine my surprise to find that this true story is set in Maryland, and I am currently “in” Maryland, on my Reading Road Trip 2020.
It must be kismet.
February 19, 2020
I found this true story very touching and very amusing. Anyone who’s known cats will know that they will climb on and walk on tables, games, books, shelves, people, and pianos.
This is a lovely tale about a young composer who adopts a street kitten and what happens then.
I got a kick out of the contest entry, the royalty check, the cans of cat food, the cat’s theater visit in the story and the real visit, and so much more.
The author’s note at the end is great. I love how this cat became famous and found Morris Moshe Cotel’s life story (before and after Ketzel) interesting. I appreciate the reader is told on what CD the cat’s composition can be heard.
I love the illustrations is this book. I think they’re perfect for the story and find them pleasing. Their art style, use of color, etc. I’m a fan of everything about them.
I don’t cry that easily but I came close to shedding Patricia Polacco books style tears when reading this book.
It’s a winner. Highly recommended for anyone who likes cats, likes piano, likes music, enjoys pathos and humor & whimsy in their picture books, or enjoys reading about the creative process, and also for Jewish readers/listeners.
4-1/2 stars
This is a lovely tale about a young composer who adopts a street kitten and what happens then.
I got a kick out of the contest entry, the royalty check, the cans of cat food, the cat’s theater visit in the story and the real visit, and so much more.
The author’s note at the end is great. I love how this cat became famous and found Morris Moshe Cotel’s life story (before and after Ketzel) interesting. I appreciate the reader is told on what CD the cat’s composition can be heard.
I love the illustrations is this book. I think they’re perfect for the story and find them pleasing. Their art style, use of color, etc. I’m a fan of everything about them.
I don’t cry that easily but I came close to shedding Patricia Polacco books style tears when reading this book.
It’s a winner. Highly recommended for anyone who likes cats, likes piano, likes music, enjoys pathos and humor & whimsy in their picture books, or enjoys reading about the creative process, and also for Jewish readers/listeners.
4-1/2 stars
June 10, 2021
4.5 STARS So many of my friends have already given this a glowing review and I cheerfully join the standing ovation and shout my own "bravo!" This is sweet, funny, touching, and reads like a modern-day fairytale. I read it aloud to my children and husband after dinner and everyone enjoyed it and marveled at it being a true story. Note: We found Ketzel's song on YouTube and it brought a big smile :-) Highly recommend to anyone (young or old) who loves music and/or cats.
June 16, 2016
This story is difficult to "cat"-egorize as fiction since it is based on actual events, an actual cat, an actual composer and an actual contest. The evocative and moody illustrations capture the urban streets, the comforting apartment interiors, and, most of all, the warm and loving personalities of the composer and the cat. It's a story with as many rich layers as a symphony, told with a lighthearted and loving touch. It also weaves insights about creativity and the universality of music across cultures (and species) throughout the story.
January 26, 2020
Moshe Cotel lived on a noisy street, in a noisy neighborhood, in a noisy city. As a composer, he appreciated the sounds of his surroundings, which made their way into his music. One day, while taking a walk, he encountered a new kind of noise - a sad sort of mewling - which led him to a tiny, abandoned kitten. Adopting this feline orphan, whom he named Ketzel (Yiddish for kitten), Moshe soon found that his new companion had talents of her own. Frustrated at his inability to compose a brief piece - no more than sixty seconds in duration - for an upcoming contest being held by The Paris New Music Review, Moshe is surprised and delighted when Ketzel's stroll along the keyboard produces an accomplished work - "Piece for Piano: Four Paws." Submitting this selection, under Ketzel's name, he thought no more of it, until Ketzel's composition won a special mention in the contest, and was performed in concert!
This delightful picture-book from Lesléa Newman, a children's author perhaps best known for her ground-breaking Heather Has Two Mommies (1989), and illustrator Amy June Bates, was chosen as a Sydney Taylor Book Award winner in 2016, and it's not difficult to see why. The story itself, featuring mid-20th-century Jewish composer Moshe Cotel and his famous feline companion, is both entertaining and informative. An afterword gives more details about Cotel, Ketzel, and the unusual composition that won such unexpected acclaim. The artwork, done in watercolor, gouache and pencil, is adorable, capturing the loving relationship between man and cat, as well as Ketzel's own unique charm. Highly recommended to all young cat lovers, and to anyone looking for interesting stories about musical composers and composition.
This delightful picture-book from Lesléa Newman, a children's author perhaps best known for her ground-breaking Heather Has Two Mommies (1989), and illustrator Amy June Bates, was chosen as a Sydney Taylor Book Award winner in 2016, and it's not difficult to see why. The story itself, featuring mid-20th-century Jewish composer Moshe Cotel and his famous feline companion, is both entertaining and informative. An afterword gives more details about Cotel, Ketzel, and the unusual composition that won such unexpected acclaim. The artwork, done in watercolor, gouache and pencil, is adorable, capturing the loving relationship between man and cat, as well as Ketzel's own unique charm. Highly recommended to all young cat lovers, and to anyone looking for interesting stories about musical composers and composition.
December 12, 2021
Perfect execution. The art was perfect, the yiddish, just everything including the endmatter, and is that a reference to 101 Dalmatations, or is that just me?
Library copy
Library copy
February 1, 2016
LOVED this book--from the illustrations and subject matter, to the writing and facts behind the story. A composer finds a small kitten out on the streets and names her Ketzel. Together they are able to compose a short melody together that eventually brings fame (and many cans of cat food) to Ketzel.
September 28, 2023
Literally so happy that this is a true story.
December 11, 2015
Moshe Cotel enjoyed his noisy apartment since he heard all of that sound as music that he added to his musical compositions. Each day, Moshe would compose in the morning and then he would head out into the city for a walk to listen to all of the noises outside. One day, he discovered a tiny kitten and took it home. There he discovered that the cat loved music. When he got notice of a contest at The Paris New Music review, Moshe despaired since each composition could be no more than sixty seconds long. It was then that Ketzel walked across the keyboard, creating a song that took only 21 seconds to play. Moshe and Ketzel received a Special Mention in the contest and both of them attended and even took a bow together on stage.
Based on a true story, this picture book shows the beautiful bond that a composer had with his very talented cat. More than that though, it shows a very special man who could hear music everywhere even in his cat stepping on keys. The story is written in a very engaging way, allowing the reader to fall for both Moshe and Ketzel. The Author’s Note at the end offers more information, including what CD has the song on it so readers can hear it.
Bates’ illustrations are done in watercolor, gouache and pencil. They have a subtle coloring and distinct warmth to them. From the cluttered apartment of Moshe with coffee cups, papers and his glasses strewn about to the vibrant streets outside, this book is like entering a memory. Ketzel herself is a rich ball of black-and-white fur who owns each page she is on, filling it with her personality if not her size.
An engaging true story, this picture book is an inspiring look at the gifts that animals bring to all of our lives. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Based on a true story, this picture book shows the beautiful bond that a composer had with his very talented cat. More than that though, it shows a very special man who could hear music everywhere even in his cat stepping on keys. The story is written in a very engaging way, allowing the reader to fall for both Moshe and Ketzel. The Author’s Note at the end offers more information, including what CD has the song on it so readers can hear it.
Bates’ illustrations are done in watercolor, gouache and pencil. They have a subtle coloring and distinct warmth to them. From the cluttered apartment of Moshe with coffee cups, papers and his glasses strewn about to the vibrant streets outside, this book is like entering a memory. Ketzel herself is a rich ball of black-and-white fur who owns each page she is on, filling it with her personality if not her size.
An engaging true story, this picture book is an inspiring look at the gifts that animals bring to all of our lives. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
February 15, 2016
This book was awarded the 2016 gold medal in the Sydney Taylor Book Award’s Younger Reader category.
I loved this sweet story about a composer and the cat he found. The cat does actually compose something. The story isn't very complicated and is one to bring smiles. I loved it. The illustrations fit the mood of the story perfectly.
I loved this sweet story about a composer and the cat he found. The cat does actually compose something. The story isn't very complicated and is one to bring smiles. I loved it. The illustrations fit the mood of the story perfectly.
March 11, 2018
A cute story that would appeal to anyone who loves cats or music (or both!). Out of curiosity, I looked up Ketzel's short composition on YouTube after reading this, and I guess I'm not quite cultured enough to understand it (it being "atonal" and all). But it was still fun to read about the relationship between cat and composer.
November 3, 2015
This one sure does have the "aw!" factor down. Irresistible story about a composer who adopts a kitten but suffers writer's block whilst trying to compose a short piece for a concert. Based on a true story. The illustrations nearly steal the show. Adorbs.
March 7, 2021
What a delightful story. A true story, with note, that reads like a powerful fairy tale. I adore the illustrations, especially how they are composed. The music, avl. readily online, doesn't do anything for me (but I have no ear or talent so what do I know).
November 4, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
This unique story is based on a true story, believe it or not. It was so adorable too! I don't see much fiction -- adult or children's -- that feature Jewish folks or music composers. I'd love to see more, especially if they're written and illustrated as beautifully as this one. Highly recommend!
I was not compensated for my honest review.
This unique story is based on a true story, believe it or not. It was so adorable too! I don't see much fiction -- adult or children's -- that feature Jewish folks or music composers. I'd love to see more, especially if they're written and illustrated as beautifully as this one. Highly recommend!
I was not compensated for my honest review.
September 16, 2019
A delightful story for children, and the young at heart. Based on a true story. Especially good for those who love music. Excellent illustrations add to the story.
5 meows fit this one 🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱
5 meows fit this one 🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱
September 26, 2015
Love cats? Love music? Love sweet stories of animal rescue? If you do, then how could you possibly resist picking up a copy of Leslea Newman's Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed. Just spend a few seconds looking at the oh-so-precious cover. Don't you need to read the book now?!
Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed is a picture book based on a true story. The story is of Moshe Cotel and his cat, Ketzel, whom he found on the street one day. The two lived well together, quite a good pair, all things considered. One day when Moshe's inspiration was lacking, Ketzel, stepped in and composed music instead. Moshe was struggling with a contest entry: the challenge to write a piece less than a minute in length. A good piece of music. Moshe had no difficulty composing longer pieces, but, each attempt always ended up being too long. But Ketzel's stroll down the piano on her four paws was something SPECIAL to Moshe's ears. And the judges thought so too, though, her piece didn't win the contest, it was worthy of honor and attention. And it did go on to be performed for the public and later recorded on CD. And Ketzel did receive a royalty check :)
I really enjoyed this one. And I loved, loved, loved the illustrations by Amy June Bates.
Ketzel, The Cat Who Composed is a picture book based on a true story. The story is of Moshe Cotel and his cat, Ketzel, whom he found on the street one day. The two lived well together, quite a good pair, all things considered. One day when Moshe's inspiration was lacking, Ketzel, stepped in and composed music instead. Moshe was struggling with a contest entry: the challenge to write a piece less than a minute in length. A good piece of music. Moshe had no difficulty composing longer pieces, but, each attempt always ended up being too long. But Ketzel's stroll down the piano on her four paws was something SPECIAL to Moshe's ears. And the judges thought so too, though, her piece didn't win the contest, it was worthy of honor and attention. And it did go on to be performed for the public and later recorded on CD. And Ketzel did receive a royalty check :)
I really enjoyed this one. And I loved, loved, loved the illustrations by Amy June Bates.
January 18, 2016
How wonderful to find a book that combines my love of cats and music - and happens to be based on a true story! For those who are interested, here's a good link to info about the real Ketzel (as well as a gorgeous picture of her all grown up): http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/201...
And in case you're interested, a link to the composition in all its 21-second glory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhFpP...
I think perhaps the most interesting thing about this book, and the story, is that Ketzel was a polydactyl kitty; at least one of her paws has 6 toes on it, as is clearly stated in the book. Ketzel would have been a very famous Internet cat if she'd come along just a decade or two later.
Great book for kids, even if it seems a bit long. I think they'd enjoy the illustrations, as well as the idea that creativity exists in us all.
And in case you're interested, a link to the composition in all its 21-second glory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhFpP...
I think perhaps the most interesting thing about this book, and the story, is that Ketzel was a polydactyl kitty; at least one of her paws has 6 toes on it, as is clearly stated in the book. Ketzel would have been a very famous Internet cat if she'd come along just a decade or two later.
Great book for kids, even if it seems a bit long. I think they'd enjoy the illustrations, as well as the idea that creativity exists in us all.
October 25, 2015
Love the illustrations; love the story; and especially love the fact that this really happened.
January 25, 2016
I can't believe this is a true story! How amazing and adorable!
February 10, 2016
Hits a lot of sweet notes!
April 26, 2021
Cute story, and it's based on a true story. Takes only a few minutes to read, though the good illustrations are worth lingering over. Children will enjoy this, especially those who study music.
March 13, 2018
Adorable illustrations tell of this actual kitty that received recognition for composing a piece (which you can listen to on youtube). Your kitten-loving children will be sure to love this cute little story!
Ages: 4 - 8
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 4 - 8
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
February 24, 2023
I just read "Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed." It's absolutely adorable and it's based on a true story about a cat who composed! It reminded me how I tried to jot down what my childhood kitty played on the keys when I was little. ❤ Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/qmTfOaYFgYA
September 24, 2020
A lovely sweet read based on a true story. I can't wait to hear Ketzel's composition.
January 27, 2025
Cute and true book about a musical kitty!
March 16, 2025
What a sweet, beautiful, story.
This story is based on truth. It’s about a composer named Moeshe and a kitten he finds and names Ketzel.
One day Ketzel walks across the piano and composed a piece of music that Moeshe would enter under Ketzel’s name.
I won’t tell you the whole story but I will say it’s delightful!
Absolutely beautiful illustrations too!
This story is based on truth. It’s about a composer named Moeshe and a kitten he finds and names Ketzel.
One day Ketzel walks across the piano and composed a piece of music that Moeshe would enter under Ketzel’s name.
I won’t tell you the whole story but I will say it’s delightful!
Absolutely beautiful illustrations too!
September 9, 2025
Inspired by a true event, it is unique to see how a little kitten might learn music the way a composer does, enough to be able to make their own composition without fully understanding it. Animals really are smarter than we realize!
October 5, 2018
Show-Me Award Winner tells of a cat, who just from walking down the keyboard became the cat who composed.
Moshe Cotel, a composer living and loving life in the big city brings home a kitten named Ketzel who helps Moshe create a 60 second composition for a contest that WINS!
Elegant simple and yet full page illustrations that are beautiful!!!
True Story too!
Moshe Cotel, a composer living and loving life in the big city brings home a kitten named Ketzel who helps Moshe create a 60 second composition for a contest that WINS!
Elegant simple and yet full page illustrations that are beautiful!!!
True Story too!
March 30, 2016
This book would be good for all ages. It was a non fiction picture book, probably ages 5-10 would enjoy. It is about a man that composes music, and lives in a busy city with lots of noise which he likes. He takes walks to listen to all the noise for his music. One day he comes across a cat that he takes home. In this book kids would get the idea that pets can be your friend and like some of the things you like even though they are animals. This book was based off a true story Moshe Cotel was trying to figure out a piece to enter in a contest when his cat walked a crossed the piano and he was able to get the piece together.
text to self -This book was cute and it just makes you think of the cats that you have owned in my case farm cats and how they all have different personalities.
Text to text - This book reminds me of a cartoon that you would watch. They have a cat walking around playing on the piano something on Tom and Jerry. Even though in real life this is not what would happen quite like that. This book also reminds me kind of like all the animal stories like Thunder dog.
Text to world. - You hear different stories of what your animals will help you see or accomplish. You see a lot of service dogs for the blind, anxiety and now you have kids reading to dogs. Animals are amazing creatures and these are just some examples how you see animals around you.
text to self -This book was cute and it just makes you think of the cats that you have owned in my case farm cats and how they all have different personalities.
Text to text - This book reminds me of a cartoon that you would watch. They have a cat walking around playing on the piano something on Tom and Jerry. Even though in real life this is not what would happen quite like that. This book also reminds me kind of like all the animal stories like Thunder dog.
Text to world. - You hear different stories of what your animals will help you see or accomplish. You see a lot of service dogs for the blind, anxiety and now you have kids reading to dogs. Animals are amazing creatures and these are just some examples how you see animals around you.
May 4, 2016
In humorous fashion with just the right amount of respect for its two subjects, this picture book describes how composer Moshe Cotel befriends a tiny kitten he finds on a busy city street. After bringing her home and naming her Ketzel, he continues to work on various compositions, and she becomes quite comfortable with the music. Much later, as he is stymied by a competition for a 60-second composition, Ketzel comes to the rescue, stepping on the piano keys in an interesting pattern. Moshe quickly records the notes and submits the cat's tune. Although it doesn't win a prize, it does merit a special mention from the judges, and Moshe decides to bring Ketzel to a performance of her music. The back matter explains the literary license the author has taken with the actual story, sifting out what actually happened from what she added, but however readers consider the story, it is filled with great charm and an awareness of how sensitive animals are to the humans with whom they share their lives. The watercolor, gouache, and pencil are exceedingly attractive, and the images with Moshe and Ketzel together are simply precious. Although my own cats have never written a tune for classical or popular music, they have stepped on the typewriter and computer keyboard many times to craft some most unintelligible papers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews