Mother Halverson's New Cat

by Jim Aylesworth

When old Mother Halverson's aged house cat dies, she sends Farmer Halverson out to the barn to find another one but cannot decide which one of the many cats will be the perfect mouser. Full-color illustrations.

Genres: Animals

32 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 1989

About the author

Jim Aylesworth was born in Jacksonville, Florida but as an infant moved from the state. He lived in many places during his childhood: Alabama, Indiana, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas... but by the time Aylesworth was 15 his family had settled in Hinsdale, Illinois and that is where he graduated from high school in 1961.

In 1965, he graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a B.A. in English. He returned to Hinsdale and began a career as a stockbroker. By 1970, however, Aylesworth was thinking about what he really wanted to do. After a series of assignments as a substitute teacher, Aylesworth ended up in a primary classroom. He began teaching first grade students in Oak Park, Illinois in 1971 and entered Concordia College in River Forest, Illinois, to earn a graduate degree in elementary education -- a goal he reached in 1978.

But it was his work with children that brought him the most reward. It was Aylesworth's experiences as a teacher that eventually led him to writing children's books.

Reviews

[Ruby Reads]

I read this to W today. I thought he might like it because it takes place on a farm and is about cats. He was somewhat interested, and I'll try again. The cat Mother Haverson picked in the story was "quiet and quick and patient." It's interesting to realize animals on farms were chosen for their usefulness. Mother Halverson chose the one that would make a good mouser. I doubt our cat would be a first choice.

[Beverly]

Although this is an original story, it is written in the style of a folktale, with repeating paragraphs.

[Morgan Colon]

The book, "Mother Halverson's New Cat" by Jim Aylesworth is a wonderful realistic fiction story for kids. The story takes place on a farm with an elderly husband and wife. After losing her beloved mouser cat, the wife requests the husband to go find her a new cat. After bringing in many options of wild and aggressive mouser cats, and the wife sending them back, she finally settles on the patient sweet cat.

I liked this story because of the meaning behind it. The moral of the story was basically, the patient one will win in the end. I think that is a great lesson for kids to learn in their early years. Sometimes, patience and kindness will help you get what you want.

The illustrations are beautifully done. With a wide range of colors used, and different sized illustrations, you can be sure your child will be entertained while reading this book.

[Jeani]

A good mouser is vital!

[Carmela Dutra]

When old Mother Halverson's aged house cat dies, she sends Farmer Halverson out to the barn to find another one but cannot decide which one of the many cats will be the perfect mouser. Cute story reminded me of my four cats. Filed with full-color illustrations.

[Amy]

Join picky Mrs. Halverson on her quest for a new mouser.