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Lily's Cat Mask
Armed with a vivid imagination and her trusty cat mask, Lily can take on anything--even a new school...
But when her teacher tells her no masks allowed in class, Lily worries, can she make friends without it?
Anyone who has been daunted by a new experience, or struggled to put on a good face, will relate to Lily. Whimsical art brings Lily, her father, and her new classmates to life, with text that begs to be read aloud. Perfect for Father's Day, back to school, and even Halloween--Lily and her grinning cat mask are sure to make you smile back.
But when her teacher tells her no masks allowed in class, Lily worries, can she make friends without it?
Anyone who has been daunted by a new experience, or struggled to put on a good face, will relate to Lily. Whimsical art brings Lily, her father, and her new classmates to life, with text that begs to be read aloud. Perfect for Father's Day, back to school, and even Halloween--Lily and her grinning cat mask are sure to make you smile back.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2017
1 person is currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Julie Fortenberry
17 books42 followersJulie has an MFA from Hunter College. Her abstract paintings have been in the Whitney Museum of American Art. But for the last 17 years she's been painting for preschoolers and kindergarteners. She illustrated Eve Bunting’s Pirate Boy, and a series of books by Rabbi Jamie Korngold, three of which are Sydney Taylor Notable Books.
She both illustrated and authored The Artist and the King, Lily's Cat Mask, and Pearl Goes to Preschool. Her latest book, Darcy's First Sleepover, is available for pre-order now!
She both illustrated and authored The Artist and the King, Lily's Cat Mask, and Pearl Goes to Preschool. Her latest book, Darcy's First Sleepover, is available for pre-order now!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 23, 2017
Loved the illustrations. But I'm not sure it answered the question of whether she could make friends without it.
August 25, 2019
Lily's Cat Mask discusses a child's insecurities. The daughter, who is shown living with a single father, has a difficult time controlling her emotions. She feels more comfortable with a cat mask, until her teacher only allows it at recess. Eventually the teacher throws a costume party giving the student an opportunity to wear her mask. She ends up making a friend wearing a similar cat mask. This is a great story for children, especially those living with a single parent, insecurities, or dealing with emotions.
February 26, 2019
A simple story with pleasant and clear art, Lily's Cat Mask is a very quick, light story, but stuck with me (an adult) for a surprisingly long time. I wish I were allowed a literal mask like Lily sometimes, and I allowed myself to be anti-social through her.
April 12, 2018
If she gets the rest of the outfit, she could be a superhero.
It's not as good as I'd like it to be; it doesn't seem to resolve anything and it kind of ends abruptly, but what is there is good. A little girl named Lily is shopping for new things with her dad because she's starting school, and she sees a cat mask and her dad buys it for her. She's really shy, so she wears the cat mask a lot: around around the house, outside, to the doctor, at parties, and things like that. She's basically hiding behind the cat mask because of her shyness. Probably the best scene in the book is when she loses the cat mask and her dad actually makes her a bunny rabbit hoodie which is awesome of him. She finds the mask again, and then she starts school. The teacher won't allow her to wear it at school, except at recess. Sometimes she sneaks it on in class anyway and then the teacher like takes it away and puts in a desk drawer. One day, the teacher says they're going to have a costume party at the end of the week, to which she obviously wears her cat mask, and there's a boy in her class who also wears a cat mask and they play on the swings with each other. The end.
It's kind of a cute ending, but it doesn't really feel like her crippling shyness is resolved, and she's not given any society-approved coping mechanisms. The teacher neither accepts her wearing the cat mask, nor does she find some kind of substitute for hit that the teacher approves of, which is kind of unusual in children's books like this. Usually there's something that the the kid comes up with that will work just as well. It comes across less as a story that teaches a message and more as a story about something that happened to a real child (though it doesn't imply that it's based on a true story anywhere in the extra information or anything). It just feels like an incomplete story.
Like I said, what's there is good. I really enjoy the interaction between Lily and her father and the way that she uses the mask to hide in circumstances that would be definitely uncomfortable for people who have moderate social anxiety (or shyness, as the book calls it). A lot of other reviewers seem to really like this book. I think maybe they're seeing something I'm not, because I wouldn't say it was groundbreaking or amazing, but it's a good book.
Message: Sometimes people are shy? You can't wear masks in school?
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
It's not as good as I'd like it to be; it doesn't seem to resolve anything and it kind of ends abruptly, but what is there is good. A little girl named Lily is shopping for new things with her dad because she's starting school, and she sees a cat mask and her dad buys it for her. She's really shy, so she wears the cat mask a lot: around around the house, outside, to the doctor, at parties, and things like that. She's basically hiding behind the cat mask because of her shyness. Probably the best scene in the book is when she loses the cat mask and her dad actually makes her a bunny rabbit hoodie which is awesome of him. She finds the mask again, and then she starts school. The teacher won't allow her to wear it at school, except at recess. Sometimes she sneaks it on in class anyway and then the teacher like takes it away and puts in a desk drawer. One day, the teacher says they're going to have a costume party at the end of the week, to which she obviously wears her cat mask, and there's a boy in her class who also wears a cat mask and they play on the swings with each other. The end.
It's kind of a cute ending, but it doesn't really feel like her crippling shyness is resolved, and she's not given any society-approved coping mechanisms. The teacher neither accepts her wearing the cat mask, nor does she find some kind of substitute for hit that the teacher approves of, which is kind of unusual in children's books like this. Usually there's something that the the kid comes up with that will work just as well. It comes across less as a story that teaches a message and more as a story about something that happened to a real child (though it doesn't imply that it's based on a true story anywhere in the extra information or anything). It just feels like an incomplete story.
Like I said, what's there is good. I really enjoy the interaction between Lily and her father and the way that she uses the mask to hide in circumstances that would be definitely uncomfortable for people who have moderate social anxiety (or shyness, as the book calls it). A lot of other reviewers seem to really like this book. I think maybe they're seeing something I'm not, because I wouldn't say it was groundbreaking or amazing, but it's a good book.
Message: Sometimes people are shy? You can't wear masks in school?
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
August 29, 2017
When Lily and her father go school shopping, Lily isn’t sure she wants to go to school at all. When she asks her father to buy her a cat mask, he agrees and Lily wears it right out of the store. Lily wore the mask all the time, whether she wanted to be noticed or invisible, with friends or with strangers. She wore it to the first day of school, but her teacher only let her wear it at recess. Then one day at school, they had a costume party and Lily discovered another cat in her class!
This picture book tells the story of a little girl who uses the cat mask in order to cope with new situations. While she struggles with starting school, her mask gives her courage. It’s lovely that the book also depicts her wearing it at home whether she is happy or grumpy and in a wide variety of situations. The book also depicts a very understanding and loving single father who doesn’t push Lily to change.
The illustrations are filled with diversity in a very natural way. When Lily and her father are shopping, Lily is almost boneless in the illustrations, clearly being dragged along until she discovers her cat mask. Lily may be shy but she is also clearly imaginative, curious and silly. She is far from a one-dimensional quiet child.
A great look at a quiet child who faces school in a clever way. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
This picture book tells the story of a little girl who uses the cat mask in order to cope with new situations. While she struggles with starting school, her mask gives her courage. It’s lovely that the book also depicts her wearing it at home whether she is happy or grumpy and in a wide variety of situations. The book also depicts a very understanding and loving single father who doesn’t push Lily to change.
The illustrations are filled with diversity in a very natural way. When Lily and her father are shopping, Lily is almost boneless in the illustrations, clearly being dragged along until she discovers her cat mask. Lily may be shy but she is also clearly imaginative, curious and silly. She is far from a one-dimensional quiet child.
A great look at a quiet child who faces school in a clever way. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
May 17, 2017
One of the ultimate joys of being a grandparent is reading to your grandchildren. In the tradition of great storytelling, Julie Fortenberry seamlessly conveys her story to the mind of a child, who instantly engages in such a way that promotes shared storytelling and learning.
Lily's Cat Mask, both written and illustrated by Julie Fontenberry inspire imagination, creativity, and a yearning for learning. The style (word choice) and illustration so appeal to the child's sense of self.
Artfully and skillfully Lily's Cat Mask addresses the emotions that a child can easily identify with, i.e. feeling shy, sad, mean, excited, and elated. My 3 ½ year-old grand child, Harper relates to Lily's struggles and desires.
I give this book a Siskel and Egbert two thumbs up.
Lily's Cat Mask, both written and illustrated by Julie Fontenberry inspire imagination, creativity, and a yearning for learning. The style (word choice) and illustration so appeal to the child's sense of self.
Artfully and skillfully Lily's Cat Mask addresses the emotions that a child can easily identify with, i.e. feeling shy, sad, mean, excited, and elated. My 3 ½ year-old grand child, Harper relates to Lily's struggles and desires.
I give this book a Siskel and Egbert two thumbs up.
July 8, 2017
A number of readers will identify with the need to 'hide' at times, and this book may help them understand how to discern appropriate times to be part of the group or when it's OK to
I would ask readers, "What do you think would happen if Lily had not found another 'cat' in her class?"
After reading the line on the cover "Sometimes dads know best" I kept waiting for her dad to come back into the story. He did make her a costume when she lost the mask, but I don't see that fitting how 'dads know best.' However, nice to see a dad being the primary parent in a story.
Full color illustrations support the text, and extend the story, such as when we see the dog carrying off her mask.
Good book to use when getting youngsters ready for their first school experience.
I would ask readers, "What do you think would happen if Lily had not found another 'cat' in her class?"
After reading the line on the cover "Sometimes dads know best" I kept waiting for her dad to come back into the story. He did make her a costume when she lost the mask, but I don't see that fitting how 'dads know best.' However, nice to see a dad being the primary parent in a story.
Full color illustrations support the text, and extend the story, such as when we see the dog carrying off her mask.
Good book to use when getting youngsters ready for their first school experience.
August 28, 2018
With clinical anxiety and ASD sometimes the most important thing that helps our kids is feeling accepted and making friends with other kids who are on the same wavelength or accept them just as they are. I think the story did well looking at tactics that might be used in the classroom (like only being allowed the mask at playtime) and having a costume party so that they wouldn't be the only child dressed up. I like that she made a friend at the end.
Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
March 20, 2023
I found this story both original and emotionally true. Not that I've personally owned a cat mask, but children do find their own creative ways to take on the big-wide-world.
Also noteworthy: How Lily's father and mother and teacher each supported this little girl beautifully.
WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT
It's much more common for picture books to entertain us with bold adventures, so I particularly enjoyed how sweet it was for a shy little girl to find her cat mask, use it for as long as she could, then live without it when required...
And then I was delighted by that so-sweet ending.
Thanks so much, Julie Fortenberry, for the story, the words, and also your clear-messaging pictures.
Also noteworthy: How Lily's father and mother and teacher each supported this little girl beautifully.
WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT
It's much more common for picture books to entertain us with bold adventures, so I particularly enjoyed how sweet it was for a shy little girl to find her cat mask, use it for as long as she could, then live without it when required...
And then I was delighted by that so-sweet ending.
Thanks so much, Julie Fortenberry, for the story, the words, and also your clear-messaging pictures.
February 26, 2021
A sweet book about a very shy little girl, whose (single?) father buys her a cat mask. When wearing the mask, she feels more capable of going out in the world. A sweet story about an unusual girl finding her place in the world, with her father's and teacher's support. The lovely illustrations reflect the diversity of contemporary America (in my neck of the woods). This is a book that gets richer upon rereading.
Recommended for: shy kids, kids with single dads, kids who love cats, families that want positive representations of black families (ideally, all families with young children). Probably for second grade and under.
Recommended for: shy kids, kids with single dads, kids who love cats, families that want positive representations of black families (ideally, all families with young children). Probably for second grade and under.
September 20, 2018
This book has beautiful illustrations with pictures of the cat mask and Lily herself. I can relate to Lily because there are times where I do not want to be seen or want to go somewhere without something to help me. I liked that there is diversity in the characters in the story. The book also has an amazing plot of Lily losing her mask and her dealing with not having it during school. The ending was extremely cute and was in the complete ewe.
September 14, 2021
This was a little long for family storytime, but we made it through with ample cat sounds and bunny hops. A gentle story about a young girl who spies a cat mask at the store and then uses the mask to navigate many difficult situations -- my favorite is when she's feeling mean and hides her face because she can't quite get herself into a good headspace. But she also uses it to retreat from people as well as to get noticed. The exciting part is during a costume party when she meets another cat.
June 6, 2017
While out shopping with her dad, Lily picks up a cat mask. It becomes her favorite thing and she wears it all the time. When school starts she has a little trouble with figuring out the appropriate time to wear it, but when her teacher gives her the perfect opportunity to enjoy her cat mask at school, she ends up making a friend with similar interests.
PreK-2.
PreK-2.
March 25, 2018
There are lots of kids like Lily, and this book will be a wonderful mirror for those kids and their experiences. Kids who wonder about kids like Lily will also learn something. :)
I have no idea why the cover of the book includes the subtitle, "Sometimes Dad knows best." Dad appears to be the only parent in the story, but his role is very limited--I don't even think he has any dialogue. Hmmm.
I have no idea why the cover of the book includes the subtitle, "Sometimes Dad knows best." Dad appears to be the only parent in the story, but his role is very limited--I don't even think he has any dialogue. Hmmm.
June 13, 2018
It is a very sweet story and I am sure we can all relate to wanting to hide behind a mask... I feel like there was no clear resolution for young readers. Yes, Lily ends up finding another 'cat' and possibly a friend but I feel like there would need to be more discussion between child and adult to explain the message behind the story.
August 2, 2019
A picture book that shows Lily using a mask to navigate through her daily life. Sometimes it gives her confidence, sometimes it helps her hide. Any children who sometimes come across as a little shy will appreciate Lily's efforts to use the cat mask as a bit of a shield between Lily and the rest of the world. A sweet book.
September 29, 2021
Great book about wearing a literal mask when confronted with new and unusual situations, although putting a tagline of "dads know best" doesn't really fit here. Lily's father made a purchase that his daughter enjoys throughout the book, but he didn't buy it with the hunch that it would prove useful to her, just that it was a mask she might like.
July 27, 2017
I think this is a wonderful children's book. It's a very cute story and the illustrations are wonderful. I love anything with a cat theme as well. Shared it with my nieces and they thought it was fun and want to read it over and over. Highly recommended.
August 22, 2017
Sweet, but I found it confusing that the teacher was introduced and then school disappeared for a few pages. I understand she was meeting her teacher BEFORE the first day, but that wasn't clear to me at first.
June 4, 2019
Lilys Cat Mask
This book is about a little girl named Lily and she loves her cat mask. He dad bought he a cat mask and lily wore it everywhere. She wore it to family get togethers so she wouldn't be seen and when she wanted to be seen. She even attempted to wear it to school.
This book is about a little girl named Lily and she loves her cat mask. He dad bought he a cat mask and lily wore it everywhere. She wore it to family get togethers so she wouldn't be seen and when she wanted to be seen. She even attempted to wear it to school.
October 6, 2024
Sweet story of a girl who wears her cat mask everywhere, which causes some problems when she starts school. Although this book doesn't address the issue in the long term, there is a short-term compromise with an understanding teacher.
May 5, 2017
Completely charming and reassuring.
May 10, 2017
Cute. About imagination and feelings.
May 16, 2017
School shopping with her dad, Lily finds a cat mask which she wears as much as possible.
May 16, 2017
Super sweet story and one that most children will be able to relate to! Some days I wish I had a cat mask...
May 16, 2017
A shy child uses a cat mask to help her deal with starting school.
June 8, 2017
What a sweet story! As a shy kid—and a shy adult, sometimes, too—I could totally relate. I loved the gorgeous illustrations and I can't wait to gift this book to everyone I know with young kids.
July 8, 2017
Matter-of-factly explores the fairly common experience of a child obsessively pretending to be something or fixating on a comfort object.
August 9, 2017
On the cover "sometimes dads know best"...what? This really isn't the theme of the book. Good book, misleading cover not withstanding.
November 25, 2017
A story about being comfortable in a mask - and eventually finding a friend. A family storytime read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews