A Beautiful Feast for a Big King Cat

by John Archambault

Big cat, big cat, catch me if you can! The mouse taunts the cat every day, and every day runs home just in time for Mom to slam the door after him. But one day the big cat takes a shortcut to the mouse's house and is there waiting for him when he arrives. Can the mouse's wits save him now?--School Library Journal. Full color.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Cats

Library Binding

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Most well known for his best-selling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom which he wrote and dedicated to his son, Arie Alexander Archambault, 15 years ago when he was the “new baby boom boom.” By all accounts John Archambault is a modern day alchemist. In medieval days the alchemists were said to have secret knowledge enabling them to turn base metals into gold. Archambault does something no less amazing; he turn something that many children dread: learning, into a magical experience. John’s work motivated kids to turn off the TV and get turned on to the magical worlds that reading can deliver. “I have a passion for bringing words to life. I stir rhythm, rhyme, and whimsy, stringing words so that a melody is created, then kids can ride along on this musical river.”
John is developing a series of Big Books (shared reading) for Childcraft Education Corporation, incorporating musical CDs with read-along and sing-along styles to help early readers develop fluency and intuitive associations with print while making the experience fun, affective, and effective. Some of the titles to be published are: I Love the Mountains, Turtle Song, Grandmother’s Garden, The Birth of a Whale, Freedom’s Dream and several titles devoted to singable, readable Mother Goose. Archambault collaborated extensively with Bill Martin Jr. and together they created the landmark supplemental reading program, the Sounds of Language.
Archambault has become fascinated with brain research involving the power of music, most notably The Mozart Effect by Don G. Campbell. “We all know that kids love music but studies show that music may strengthen the mind, aiding learning and membory.” To that end, Archambault has six music compilations on CD available through Youngheart Music performed with British recording artist and partner, David Plummer. Titles include Painting My World and Dancing on the Moon.
In addition to the CDs, Archambault has authored and co-authored over 20 books. Several have won awards including Parent’s Choice, ALA Notable Children’s book, Kentucky Blue Grass, and the American Library Association awards. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Aladdin Library, 2000) was recently chosen to be included in the 21st Century Literature Collection along with such famous titles as Curious George and Madeline. Archambault’s works have appeared as featured selections on the PBS shows “Reading Rainbow” and “Storytime.”

Reviews

[Sam Gallagher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mischievous mouse keeps teasing a big fat cat and he is surely to get in trouble for it. His mother saves him in time for the first two chases but when the cat takes a shortcut the last time the mouse has to think quick on his feet. He describes the feast that the king cat should be having and when the cat is distracted the mouse slips under his feet. Illustrated in lively colors, this book will send the reader on an exciting chase and also remind them that mother will not always be there to get you out of trouble. I thought this book was a good read and I enjoyed the rhyming verse.

[Rebecca Pruitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the illustrations, but the mouse continually teasing the cat and the cat getting punished? Ack.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ha I loved this book! Kinda wish the mouse had consequences though. This title is gonna stick with me

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little story of a mouse that keeps teasing a cat and then running away to have his mom rescue him. He does this one time too many, for the cat outsmarts him and reaches his house before the little mouse. The little mouse then must use his wiles to escape the jaws of the cat.

Beautiful, colorful illustrations.

[Christine Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little mouse who habitually teases a cat must use his wits to avoid being eaten.

[Kris Odahowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read aloud, tells us the perils of little mice who mess with big cats.