Just Plain Cat

by Nancy K. Robinson

While caring for his new pet, a cat, third grader Chris learns a lot about friendship, understanding, and caring.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Cats, Middle Grade, Juvenile, Animals

119 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

During her career Nancy K. Robinson wrote more than 20 books for children between the ages of 7 and 12. She also wrote stories for children published by Scholastic Inc. She was a 1964 graduate of Vassar College.

Reviews

[Joel]

This little book is certainly one of the first "chapter books" I ever read. I think I picked it up because the kitten on the cover looked like my kitten, Sniggles (r.i.p.), who I got in second grade. But all I really remember about it, aside from the scene depicted on the cover (the kitten walks across and ruins freshly varnished floors, and I had absolutely no idea what varnish was), is when the little boy protagonist is telling his dad how much the cat must love him, because it wants to snuggle with him and nuzzle into his chest, and dad says that the kitten only likes him because of "the 98.6," i.e. the kid's body heat.

So basically, the dad is telling his impressionable, delicate son (I mean, come on, it isn't the tough kids who are good at sports cooing over their kittens) that his cat is basically just using him at night because no one has warmed up the TV for it. What an asshole.

For years, this made me doubt the affection of the many cats I have owned*. Stupid book.



* at least until I got my current cat, Smoochy, who is freakishly affectionate and is only truly happy when he gets to sleep on the same pillow as my head.


Wow, that is not necessarily a flattering angle.

Facebook 30 Day Book Challenge Day 15: First “chapter book” you can remember reading as a child.

[Sarah]

My son and I both enjoyed this though maybe me a little more than him. The story aged well except for the number of details about developing film in a darkroom.

[Sunni]

This is a remarkable book that children of all walks of life will love. It is the story of a 3 grade boy named Chris who has recently been blessed with a cat that has changed his whole life. Tiger, the cat, is a typical kitten and a terror to the whole house with his playful, and curious kitten ways. Tiger isn't the only change in Chris' life. Starting the third grade, and having his best friend move aren't easy tasks. All of this is weaved into a lasting tale that will keep the young reader entertained.

[Beth]

Chris is starting third grade in New York City but nothing seems to be going well. His dad, a photographer, hasn’t been paid lately and Chris doesn’t get any new clothes or school supplies. Then his best friend places into a higher reading group and Chris feels betrayed. The only good news is that Chris is finally allowed to get a kitten. Tiger is the best thing that has ever happened to Chris, but his life is not without struggles.

[Jade]

This book is a delightful read, and brought back feelings of nostalgia for me, which I found pleasant.
It is a simple feel good story which is still a great read for modern children, as well as adults not looking to be challenged by the story.

[Carrie]

Very sweet book with a realistic and humorous tone.

[Annie]

I've always liked this book.

[Rebecca]

Read as a kid

[Nguyen Le]

Boy wanted cat. Boy got cat. Cat messed up. Boy sad. Boy got cheered up.

Ugg, I hate this kind of story. I don't find anything special about it.

[Amy Cramutola]

such a cute read ♡ I loved this book when I was a kid.

[Jen Michalski]

My review at Jen's Scholastic Summer!

https://www.instagram.com/jenmichalsk...

[Elizabeth S]

The only interesting part was the description of the photo shoot.

[Lori]

Having read this story when I was young, it is the type of story I will be reading to my children.
It was one of my favorite books. Now I am an author. Thank you Nancy for writing such an adorable book! :) xoxo


The Forbidden Forest: Tales of the Tree People

[Twyla]

Chris really wanted a cat or kitten,so he went and got a cat.he thought it was a domestic cat ,but Vironica said domestic cats and alley cats are the same.Chris named his cat Tiger.Auryn 7yo

[Bridget Turner]

One of my favourite books when I was young.

[Hildegart]

a fun little book

[Kimberley]

My favourite book when I was a kid.