I Am the Cat

by Alice Schertle, Mark Buehner (Illustrator)

A series of humorous and serious poems about cats.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Cats, Childrens

36 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 1999

About the author

Alice Schertle has written more than 40 books, mostly for children. A mother and former elementary school teacher, Ms. Schertle is a graduate of the University of Southern California. Many of her most famous works are poetic in nature, though she writes about a wide variety of topics.

Reviews

[Caterina]

A weird, sometimes wonderful and sometimes terror-inspiring short illustrated collection of cat-centric poetry more reminiscent of the violent cautionary fairy tales and nursery rhymes of centuries past than a modern children's book -- so maybe more suitable for adult cat-lovers than young children although I found it in the picture-book section of my public library. My favorite poem was a creative re-imagining of the Genesis story of the Fall, called "The Cat's Version" ...

In the beginning
when the Cat could fly
the Master placed a pan
of white milk
in the sky.
"The world is yours,"
he told the Cat.
"Eat everything. Grow fat.
Live off the land.
Keep only this command:
You must not drink the moon."

(Guess what that lovely winged Cat did that cost her her wings?)

Some other poems involved terrible (if realistic) violence to mice and from dogs. Parental caution advised!

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!! Schertle writes poems here that tell little stories about the cat. "The Cat's Version," about how the cat lost its wings, and "Sophie, Who Taunted the Dogs" are my favorites. I love Schertle's description of how a kitten behaves in "To a Kitten," and the idea of "moonmilk." These poems make great readalouds, especially to a feline audience. My kitties certainly enjoyed them! Mark Buehner's colorful illustrations show that he's either studied cats or he has one himself. I really like the cat hieroglyphics that illustrate the endpapers--Egyptian-dressed cats towing a mouse on a leash and carrying a mouse and a fish in a bowl on a platter. It would make nifty wallpaper. I've got to get a copy of this book for my collection. Read this one thanks to Open Library. Highly recommended!

[Jennifer Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning,

when the Cat could fly, the Master placed a pan of white milk in the sky. "The world is yours," he told the Cat. "Eat everything. Grow fat. Live off the land. Keep only this command: You must not drink the moon."

The cat fell and thus began the life of our fuzzy companions/ masters?

[Jeff Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely poems for the most part although I thought one was rather grim and awfully macabre for a children's book. That poem aside cat lovers should find this book enchanting. Gorgeous illustrations too which as a fun bonus feature hidden animals creating an enjoyable puzzle to play while reading.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed. Some are epics, some are haiku. Some are clever, some are heartfelt. Different ones will appeal to different readers. :shrug:

[Bentley&Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was given to us and it was the book that started the collection of cat books. The pictures are so fun. I especially like the cat who drake up all the moon milk and lost her wings.

[Mindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this book from the library, because of the title. My kids love anything about animals. I hated this book, based on language and just plain weirdness.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great poetry collection. This author/poet is a true talent well worth your time. If you have the chance, add her stuff to your collection. You won't regret it.

[Aiyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful prose and beautiful art. I've had a copy of this book since I was in elementary school and I'm now in college. It's a must-have for any nanny, teacher, or parent.