Original Cat, Copy Cat: A Charming Picture Book About Sibling Rivalry and Belonging for Kids

by Sarah Kurpiel

Pineapple loves being an only cat—and then Kiwi comes along.

Pineapple the cat loves his comfortable life: that is, until he’s not the only cat in his house anymore. Now Pineapple’s entire routine is turned upside down. Worst of all, new kitten Kiwi copies everything Pineapple does.

One day, Pineapple decides he’s had enough. But being an only cat isn’t the same anymore. With his old routine soured, Pineapple learns that having a friend makes everything better. And eventually, it’s hard to tell who’s the copy cat, after all.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Animals, Childrens, Friendship, Storytime, Juvenile

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 3, 2021

About the author

Sarah Kurpiel is a librarian and picture book author/illustrator from the Midwest. Her stories are inspired by animals, nature, and everyday life. Instagram: @sarah.kurpiel

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pineapple gets to experience his world through fresh eyes when a second cat is added to the household. Soon we'll find out who's really the copy cat . . .

A cute story with fun illustrations by the author.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pineapple was the only cat, and he loved his daily routine, and his comfortable lifestyle. Then along came Kiki, and Pineapple's routine was disrupted by this annoying little copy cat who did everything Pineapple did. When Pineapple puts his foot down, and Kiwi disappears, Pineapple discovers life just isn't the same anymore. A story of acceptance and friendship through the eyes of an indoor house cat.

[Sharon Giltrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this! Such a sweet book. I love Pineapple and Kiwi. A great book to remind us that although routines can be important, it is also important to step out of that routine and see the world in a different way. We all need a little Kiwi kitten to show us how to do this. Great job Sarah Kurpiel, author and illustrator.

[Annette Schottenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Kurpiel, author of LONE WOLF, has done it again. Her brilliant choice of words perfectly tells the story of two cats. You don’t have to be a cat lover to fall in love with Pineapple and Kiwi, who must learn to live together. Analogous to having a new sibling, readers will be routing for a bond to form between these cats who approach things quite differently. A wonderful story that can be read over and over again.

[Morgan Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable story about how two cats are introduced, and a friendship blossoms. What does one do when they are set in their routine and must now adjust it in order to live with someone else? Pineapple the cat soon has to make room for Kiwi, a new cat that his owner adopts. The cats seem to be different in every way, with Pineapple being the quieter and less active of the two. But the two cats soon learn to enjoy each other’s company. This would be a perfect book for children who are welcoming a new sibling. Kurpiel’s illustrations are quirky, which helps her perfectly convey the moods of her expressive characters. She knows how to lead your eye around the page, which was very effective in demonstrating Kiwi’s active personality. I enjoyed picking out all of the fruit related Easter eggs from page to page. A great book for all ages.

[Claire Noland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pineapple is a content cat who enjoys his routine until… Kiwi comes along. Kiwi is a kitty with no limits. He is loud, fast, and exhausting. Worst of all, he follows Pineapple everywhere and copies everything Pineapple does. Pineapple has had enough and when he shows who is boss, Kiwi takes off.
But now, the house is too quiet. Where could Kiwi be? Maybe it isn’t so great being an only cat.
This clever sibling friendship story is filled with humor and heart. Children will love searching for Kiwi and how the two develop a shared routine. The text is deceptively simple with the expressive line illustrations telling much of the story. The antics of the cats are sweet as well as hilarious with Kiwi creating havoc and disrupting the routine. This is a lovely book for to share and discuss with young readers who will beg for repeated readings.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Pineapple’s family gets a new cat, his quiet routine gets ruined, and he quickly grows annoyed when Kiwi copies everything he does. To make matters worse, Kiwi ruins everything that Pineapple likes to do. He is loud when Pineapple wants to be quiet, he takes over Pineapple’s favorite napping spots, and he gets them both in trouble! Finally, Pineapple has enough and scares Kiwi away. However, Pineapple soon realizes that being an only cat is lonely and a friend makes simple routines fun.

While sparse, Kurpiel’s illustrations hold much emotion, leading readers to sympathize with poor Pineapple as Kiwi comes in to ruin his life, and later cheer when the older cat realizes his mistakes. Young readers will enjoy the antics of the enemy-turned-friends and older siblings will see a reflection of themselves in Pineapple.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you're set in your routine who invites chaos and change? Sarah Kurpiel tells a delightful tale of original cat "Pineapple" who is comfy in her daily routines until one day copy cat joins the household. "Kiwi" (I love these names!) copies everything Pineapple does, from where to nap to what is fun to play with. However, Pineapple loses patience one day and enjoys the solitude once again when Kiwi runs off to hide. Or does she? The house is too quiet and she begins to worry.

My favorite line is when Pineapple finally finds Kiwi and begins to follow her around (now who is copying who?). Kurpiel writes "Pineapple had never seen the world like this before."
A recommended purchase!!

Thank you to Edelweiss for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pineapple was the only cat, until he wasn't. The new cat did everything Pineapple did, but louder and faster. Pineapple felt bad, so was happy to return to his routine when the new cat suddenly disappeared. But soon, Pineapple was worried and went looking for Kiwi. Kiwi was hiding in a cupboard Pineapple didn't even know about. Soon, Pineapple was doing everything Kiwi did. Who is the copy cat now?

This was a great story (don't worry, both cats are still alive at the end). I loved the illustrations - Kiwi jumping over Pineapples head was so accurate. This will be read again and again, a great choice for a child whose pets don't get along (yet).

Crossposted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this really a book about cats? Or is it a thinly disguised fable about sibling rivalry?

Pineapple, the cat, is supposed to be a cat. Yet, to this Goodreader, he's really a first-born human child, wrapped up in cat fur.

Kiwi, the kitten, is supposed to be feline too. Yet, to this Goodreader, he's more like a second-born human child, wrapped up in cat fur.

As with other human relationships like the one depicted in this picture book, the baby copies the elder child. Will they every way find ther way out of this unrewarding pattern?

Take a wild guess. (How often do you encounter a tragical picture book?)

FIVE STARS for a poignant, and artistic, depiction of a story that's as old as Cain and Abel.

[Laura Giessler · Rating 3 out of 5]

An "only cat" all of a sudden is joined by another cat, disrupting his routine. The new cat, Kiwi, is loud and exhausting and copies everything that the original cat, Pineapple, does. Although annoyed, when Kiwi goes away, Pineapple misses him and searches for him. Kiwi leads Pineapple into places she wouldn't have gone had she always done things her own way. Could be about welcoming a new sibling; messages of acceptance and openness to new ways for all. "Pineapple had never seen the world like this before." The artwork isn't my favorite style, but I do love how details in the illustrations add to the story and are just fun, like the fruit theme carried throughout.

[Janie Reinart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The talented Sarah Kurpiel will grab your heart with her sweet story and darling illustrations of Pineapple and Kiwi. Pineapple likes being the only cat—until he wasn’t the only cat anymore. Anyone with a younger sibling that follows them everywhere and does what they do can relate to the story of Original Cat, CopyCat. My favorite part is when Pineapple has had enough and stares down Kiwi. Poor Kiwi zooms out of sight. But will Pineapple be able to get back to the way things were? The themes of friendship, sharing, and getting along makes for a wonderful read aloud.

[Laura Perdew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by author/illustrator Sarah Kurpiel! Pineapple loves his comfortable life and sweet routine and does not love it when the new cat, Kiwi, disrupts everything and copies everything that Pineapple does. And yet when Pineapple loses his patience and Kiwi disappears, he’s worried. Pineapple keeps a close eye on Kiwi after that, learning to try new things and seeing the world in a whole new way. This is a wonderful story for kids welcoming a new sibling, but it is also a book for everyone about acceptance, change, and friendship.

[Cynthia Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pineapple was the only cat, and then along came Kiwi, a new cat. Suddenly, Pineapple’s comfortable routine was interrupted. I enjoyed how the author showed the way Pineapple at first felt disrupted by Kiwi, came to care about Kiwi and eventually discover new worlds because of Kiwi. Through the book, the reader will see the friendship between the cats grow closer. The final line closes the story but still leaves the reader with a question: who is really the copy cat? The readers will enjoy the character’s journeys here and her illustrations are adorable. A lovely book about friendship!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appealing illustrations show us how yellow cat Pineapple is annoyed by new cat Kiwi who is EXHAUSTING! After the last straw is dropped, Pineapple snaps and lets loose! Kiwi hides away. Yay!
Buuuuuuuuuut....Pineapple begins to feel lonely--so he tracks Kiwi down to understand what makes his new companion tick...and sees his old home thru new eyes.

Cat lovers of all ages will nod in agreement with the actions of the two cats. This is a winner.

[Nanette Heffernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an endearing story that one can only get from an author-illustrator. The story and artwork are so interwoven you will want to reread this sweet friendship “tale” over and over. Can you pick out the fruit on every page? The message of friendship and acceptance. Adorable!

[Jennifer Buchet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun-tastic tale about two cats that have to learn to live & share together. Small kids will definitely relate, especially those with new siblings in the house! Delightful illustrations add to the layered storyline, which includes a great turn of events at the end. Excellent read!

[Andrea Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. Perfect for fans of Up on Bob, Big Cat, Little Cat, and Cat Nap. A good conversation starter for big brothers and sisters who are getting frustrated with little sibs who want to do everything the same.

[Ana G · Rating 5 out of 5]

an absolute favorite in our house! The pacing and cadence of the words + the unique, expressive art + the humor = amazing read, over and over. Pretty sure the adults love this one just as much as the kid.

[Eija]

Cute. Good for new sibling picture books and cat lovers.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you not love a cat story with cats named Pineapple and Kiwi?

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only cat resents a new interloper before bonding.

[Shanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable story and very charming, thoughtfully done illustrations. I am a big fan of Kurpiel's artistic style. My daughter has read this story over and over again and just loves it.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too cute 😭

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute! Pineapple and Kiwi make an excellent pair.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a sweet story. Great for cat lovers or for kids who have a changing environment. I really like the cat illustrations.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toddlers or preschool

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this story. Reminds me of how siblings can be. We cracked up a few times.

[Maeghan Nutmeg Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good cat story.

[Emily Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book and good for when a family acquires a new kitten. Could work for a cat-themed storytime.