Felipe and Claudette

by Mark Teague

Felipe and Claudette are the only animals left at the pet shelter. Who would ever adopt pets like them?
Each adoption day, all of the pets at Mrs. Barrett's adoption shelter are sure to look their best. And each adoption day, all of the pets are adopted, except for two -- Felipe (a grumpy cat) and Claudette (a rambunctious dog). Felipe is always grumbling. He is sure they are not being adopted because of Claudette. Claudette is messy and noisy and always has food on her nose and mud on her fur. They will never find a forever home when Claudette is always making such a bad impression.

But then, one of the two friends is adopted and taken to a new home. When they are apart, Felipe is no longer quite so talkative. And Claudette doesn't bark or chew or play in circles. Could Felipe and Claudette actually miss each other?

The latest picture book from the bestselling author-illustrator Mark Teague, this funny story teaches kids that sometimes friends are right beside you the whole time -- and home is closer than you think.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Friendship, Dogs, Cats, Adoption, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 26, 2019

About the author

Mark Teague has delighted young readers with more than 20 picture books, and he has written many of them himself, including the popular Pigsty, Baby Tamer, and One Halloween Night. He is also the illustrator of Cynthia Rylant's beloved Poppleton series for beginning readers and the best-selling books by Jane Yolen, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight and How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon.

Mark Teague's life changed when he moved from San Diego to New York City and he planted the seed for his first picture book, The Trouble with the Johnsons. Each of Teague's books start as "notebooks full of sketches and scribbles, strange little drawings and phrases that suddenly come together," Teague explains. And although he had no formal writing training, his endless imagination and understanding nature gives him a permanent place in the hearts of everyone.

Mark and his wife live in Coxsackie, New York, with their young daughter Lily, who has a great time watching her dad paint the pictures in his books.

Reviews

[Almira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Teague is one of my favorite author/illustrators!

Felipe (aristocratic cat) and Claudette (fun-loving dog) are at an animal adoption center, the seem to have been "thrown together" for whatever reason..... Felipe is always "looking down his nose" at Claudette's antics, after all she is a "fun-loving, messy" dog. Each adoption day comes and goes, and neither are ever adopted, until one day a "gentleman" arrives and inquires about both animals, but will only take one - when Mrs. Barrett describes Claudette "barks and chews and digs holes in the yard." He decides to adopt her...... Felipe is stunned, and eventually realizes life is NOT the same with Claudette being gone, until the day..........

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww! Very cute, happy and funny story about a tubby, grumpy cat and a yappy, high-energy little dog who are constantly overlooked at the shelter. A winning ending and a nice message about giving older pets a chance at adoption. It's always nice to see an animal shelter featured in a kid's book, rather than a pet shop--which is probably what would have been depicted in decades past.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I was pretty sure how this story would turn out, I still enjoyed reading it because of its friendship theme. Felipe and Claudette are two older animals living in Mrs. Barrett's animal shelter. Over and over again, the two watch as all the puppies and kittens find new homes, but no one chooses them. Felipe, a rather grumpy and snobbish cat, is sure that it's the fault of Claudette who is always getting into mischief. All the dog wants to do is play, but Felipe is not interested at all. When Claudette is finally adopted despite Mrs. Barrett's honest description of her bad habits, Felipe realizes that he misses her. And as it turns out, Claudette has missed Felipe as well, becoming a quiet, depressed dog because of being separated from her friend, and her new owner returns her to the shelter. It seems that the two friends were home all along, and now they can play to their heart's content. The colorful illustrations and simple text capture the essence of the two unlikely friends' personalities. It made me smile to know that they didn't realize that they were friends and that Felipe's disdainful attitude belied an affectionate nature.

[Laura Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute. Happy, whimsical illustrations and a good story.

[Deb Duhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable book about friendship between a cat and a dog. The book also shows you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felipe and Claudette by Mark Teague –PICTURE BOOK. Orchard (Scholastic) 2019. $18.00. 9780545914321

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) –ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Felipe the cat and Claudette the dog wait to be adopted. All the other cats and dogs that come through the adoption center get taken right away. Felipe doesn’t think about why he might not get adopted, but he is sure why Claudette won’t. She is a mess of a dog, completely out of control. Much to his shock, one day, Claudette is finally adopted. Felipe realizes that life is not quite the same without his unruly companion. Features extra large bright illustrations.

I think readers would enjoy this book. The cover is appealing and bright. The pages are large enough to share with a group. The story itself asks the reader to look at their own faults, rather than always criticize others. It also asks the reader to appreciate others for who they are. While its kind of sad at times, it does offer hope and a joyful conclusion.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every adoption day at Mrs. Barrett's, puppy and kittens get adopted. Two pets -- Felipe and Claudette -- seem to get passed over time and time again. This cute, but sometimes sad, book is a touching, yet humorous, story about older pets. Felipe is sure Claudette, the happy-go-lucky dog, is to blame for them not getting adopted. But when one of them is adopted, Felipe the cat is not grumpy and Claudette the dog is not rambunctious. It is not until they are reunited that they realize they are friends.

The illustrations are large and vibrant. It would be a terrific book for storytime. I feel it would appeal to kindergarten and up.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two pets are always leftover after pet adoption day. Felipe blames Claudette for being rambunctious, and noisy, and dog-ish. One day Claudette gets adopted by a man interested in all those traits. After this point, readers will need to infer that Felipe misses Claudette, and Claudette is not herself because she misses Felipe. I do think this is a challenging inference for lower elementary which makes it a good book for modeling this strategy during a read aloud- the repetition makes it good for that too. Love the two very different personalities in the friendship <3

[Tracy Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felipe, a cat, and Claudette, a dog, are forever stuck in an animal shelter. Felipe insists it is due to all of Claudette's bad habits. When Claudette is adopted for her robust personality, Felipe is forlorn, and just not the same as he is left behind. Similarly, Claudette's rambunctious personality is tempered when she doesn't have Felipe by her side. The two discover that they are better together.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Puppies and the kittens are always the first ones to get adopted at the shelter. Then there’s Claudette and Felipe. Claudette is an excitable dog that barks and digs and runs around; Felipe is a bit grumpy. Will either of them find a forever home? And what will happen if they do?

[Nadine in NY Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have had this book on hold for so long! It must be popular! It's very cute, and would be an excellent choice for a family who has just adopted a pet. The happy ending may come as a surprise to younger readers, but the adults will see it coming and nod in satisfaction.

[Brittany Cavness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how snooty Felipe is! Just like a cat.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and funny don't-know-what-you've-got-till-it's-gone story with a perfect ending.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This elementary and up picture book features a cat and a dog who live at a shelter but never seem to get adopted. What could be the problem? Funny

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felipe and Claudette are never adopted from the shelter. But who's really at fault?

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Teague’s books always have adorable, fun, engaging illustrations. Children will enjoy Felipe the cat who is too good to play with Claudette the dog. They will enjoy Claudette’s doggy antics. It is a feel-good story and a great read-aloud book.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felipe and Claudette by Mark Teague, was a very cute and happy story. Felipe is a very grumpy cat white Claudette is very hyper and crazy dog. Every adoption days all the other pets get adopted and they are always left. Felipe is constantly telling Claudette why she wont be getting adopted, while Claudette just wants Felipe to play with her. Until finally one day a man comes in and decides he will adopt Claudette, Felipe couldn't believe that someone adopted her. Felipe was very sad even though she didn't want to admit it, but a few days later the man brings back Claudette because he said she was not the dog she expected, she was very mopey and sad. Mrs Barrett the owner at the animal shelter again asked herself what she is going to do with them, she realizes the only option is to adopt them. They are then both so happy to be back together and Felipe actually plays with Claudette and is happy about it.

I think this book deserves to win the Caldecott Award for a few reasons, The story is very cute for children to read. It has a very happy ending where both of the pets left end up getting adopted and living a happy life. The illustrations are fun to look at and the animals are both super cute. Anyone who loves animals would really love this book and the story being told. you are able to see the friendship between the cat and the dog transform throughout the book which I think really makes the book.

[Erin Sturtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an adorable and sweet story! Felipe and Claudette, by Mark Teague, tells the story of a cat named Felipe, and a dog named Claudette. They are the only two pets that remain at the animal shelter. Felipe believes Claudette will never be adopted because she is too boisterous, snores when she’s awake, and has dog food stuck to her nose. Claudette often tries to play ball or tug of war with Felipe, but Felipe refuses. One day, a man comes into the shelter and adopts Claudette. Felipe was shocked! However, Felipe and Claudette were both unhappy without each other; Claudette didn’t run or play, and Felipe was quite lonely. Once Claudette was returned to the shelter by the man, all was well between Felipe and Claudette. They both were happy again! The illustrations are spectacular. Felipe and Clauddete are two adorable pets, and the illustrator does an excellent job of capturing the grumpy personality of Felipe, and the wild personality of Claudette. The illustrations are big, colorful, rich in detail, and endearing. I especially love the cover page, as it shows an up close view of Felipe and Claudette side to side. I also love books that encourage readers to give animals from an animal shelter a home. The theme of friendship throughout this book is a lovely message. I would recommend this book for children ages 4-8. I think kids in grades K-3 would really enjoy this story!

[Sarah O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Felipe and Claudette” by Mark Teague is a picture book about a dog named Claudette and a cat named Felipe. They live in an animal shelter and never seem to be adopted. Claudette loves to go bark, snore, play games, and run in circles while Felipe prefers to relax and eat. Felipe cannot stand Claudette and all of her energy. One day, she gets adopted and after a few days she is brought back to the animal shelter because she is not the energetic dog he thought she was. Turns out both Felipe and Claudette missed each other and really did want to be together, even though they like different things. The owner of the shelter, Mrs. Barrett adopts both of them and they live happily together. This is a great story about an unlikely friendship and can teach young readers about unique friendships. The illustrations in this book follow the same theme of the dog doing some activity and the cat not liking it. The cover and end pages add a lot to the book. The cover shows the cat with a frown and the dog with a joyful smile. The end pages show the different emotions of each animal. This boom would be great in a 1st-2nd classroom and students could do activities relating to the unlikely friendship.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kind of liked it, but Felipe got on my nerves. (And I say this as the proud owner of a 15-year-old grumpy cat!) He was just a constant jerk. The jacket made it sound like Claudette blamed him for them not getting adopted, but there wasn't any back-and-forth. Just Felipe being negative.

(Also, I was very disappointed that the man who adopted Claudette just brought her back to the shelter instead of trying to figure out what was wrong. He may not have had the resources to adopt Felipe, but I just wanted to throw things because of his attitude.)

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felipe the cat and Claudette the rambunctious dog are always the only animals left after adoption day. Felipe has all sorts of theories as to why Claudette doesn't get adopted. He, of course, is perfect. But when someone actually does come to choose one of them will the duo be ok when parted?

Felipe is a bit stuck up and harsh, though in the end he seems to learn his lesson. And to be fair, he sounds very...cat. Claudette provides the humor with her little escapades of action. The two are quite the pair of opposites (see if littles can point out their similarities and differences). The ending is a nice pet adoption story. Hand this to animal lovers.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felipe is a cat and Claudette a dog. They are the only two animals left in the shelter week after week. They are not friends. That is, until a man adopts Claudette and she mopes for Felipe. Felipe, meanwhile realizes she missed Claudette too. What's to be done? The shelter owner adopts them both.
Use to talk about appreciating each other even when we think we're rivals or too different.
Teague captures the expressions and mannerisms so readers can be part of the story.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Felipe, a grumpy cat, and Claudette, a rambunctious dog who are the only two animals at Miss Barrett's animal shelter that are never adopted on adoption day. They blame the reason on each others antics, and attitude. What will Miss Barrett do with these two old timers at the shelter? Will they ever get adopted? Then one day something amazing and unexpected happens.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cat, Felipe, and the dog, Claudette are the longest residents at the pet shelter. Felipe is convinced that it's Claudette fault, after all, she acts like a dog. One day a man adopts Claudette and Felipe is outraged. He mopes b/c he misses Claudette, although he won't admit it. Claudette is returned to the shelter b/c all she does it mope too. The shelter director brings them both home.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I typically love books about pet adoption, but this book was so very sad to me. It was about two animals that go through several adoption cycles without getting chosen. When one finally does get chosen it doesn't turn out the way they hoped. The ending gets better, but it still seems so sad.

[Jen Garthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivy picked up this book at a little library at the ice rink, and it has become a favorite. I love a grumpy cat, and Felipe is just that. Mark Teague's writing is so subtly funny and tender, and we've loved reading this one over and over!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teague’s brand new book. The illustrations are playful and colorful. Readers can’t help but adore Claudette’s silly face. Felipe is spot on as a cat. Expressive vocabulary. What a great story of friendship. A few surprises.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story of animal friends who are looking for their family...or are they? ;)

[Lorrie]

Finding a friend despite her quirks and becoming a family. Ages 5-8. Read aloud.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felipe the cat and Claudette the dog had lived at an animal shelter for quite a while. Every time adoption day came up, all the new little puppies and kittens were adopted, but not Felipe and Claudette. Felipe was sure it was Claudette's fault because of the silliness she went through. One day a man adopted Claudette and life just wasn't the same for Felipe because he realized he missed her. This is a sweet story with humour, a delightful ending, and beautiful illustrations.