New Cat

by Yangsook Choi

New Cat loves living in Mr. Kim's tofu factory, but she is frustrated because she has seen a mouse in the production room, where Mr. Kim doesn't allow her to go. One night, a door is left open and New Cat disobeys Mr. Kim's rule. As she chases the mouse, she is surprised to discover that a fire has broken out! Soon the fire department comes and the fire is brought under control. But where is New Cat? Then a bucket of tofu begins to meow, and a wet New Cat emerges, safe and heroic. In this sweet story about a feisty feline, Yangsook Choi uses a rich palette and straightforward text to illustrate the enduring bond between a pet and her person.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats, Childrens, Asian Literature, New York, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 8, 1999

About the author

Yangsook Choi is the author of the beloved classic THE NAME JAR. Growing up in Korea, she began drawing at age four and delighted in telling her grandmother scary stories at night. After moving to New York to pursue her art, she has written and illustrated many books for young readers.

Her books have been acclaimed as a New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year, an American Library Association Notable Book, and with an International Literacy Association's Children's Book Award. She has also received 200+ rejection letters until she lost count.

Her past jobs include waiting tables at a smoky Korean BBQ restaurant, flying as a flight attendant, and drawing tiny pictures on fake nails.

Reviews

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is room in my heart for many more books about cats with jobs. Certainly for more than are likely to be published in my lifetime.

So good I now want to read all of Choi's work.

Library copy

[Brie-Lenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text-to-Teaching Connection: Sequence of events or fire safety
This book talks about a deep friendship between a cat and Mr.Kim, a tofu factory owner. When the cat begins chasing a mouse, he stumbles across a fire and is able to put out the fire with wet tofu. Mr.Kim worries for his best friend's safety since he is unable to find new cat after the fire. New cat is found in a barrel of tofu.
This would be a great opportunity to incorporate fire safety into the reading. The students could sequence the events of the story. Then they could break out into small groups and act out what they would do if they came across a fire. Each student can assign their own roles (Example: A mom, a dad, a child, a cat, a dog, etc.). The teacher can point out fire safety tips as they are planning their play.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Cat lives in a Tofu factory in New York. Mr. Kim, the owner of the factory, had rescued New Cat from a shelter and it is New Cat’s job to keep the mice out of the factory. But one night as New Cat chases a mouse, he discovers a hot, orange light — Fire! what will happen to New Cat?

[David Haggett]

I appreciated the author's note about tofu at the end of the book.

[L.Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story about a cat who lives in a tofu factory. The story is simple and easy to understand with accompanying pictures. Just like the author, I also like tofu.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Cat by Yangsook Choi is about the special friendship between the owner of a tofu factory and a cat.

http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2017...

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren't many books about tofu out there, so even though this isn't a vegetarian title per se, we love it for the positive messages it includes: love of animals and good, healthful food. The story is about Mr. Kim, a Korean immigrant, who finds a cat at the pound when he first comes to America. Everyone says, "Oh, you got a new cat!" so that is what is what he names her. New Cat is Mr. Kim's best friend, and it is her job to guard his tofu factory. One night a naughty little mouse gets into the production room and nibbles on some electrical wires starting a fire. New Cat saves the day when she goes to investigate and accidentally spills a huge vat full of tofu and water. When Mr. Kim arrives, he is grateful to the firefighters, but his is worried about his missing cat. Knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep with New Cat gone, he stays behind to clean up and finds his scared, wet friend hiding in a vat of tofu! The heartwarming tale is charmingly illustrated by the author, Yangsook Choi, herself a Korean immigrant. She includes a short author's note in the back, describing her memories of buying and eating tofu in her native country. It does include one short mention of meat in this sentence: "My mother would always buy some, and the tofu would appear in a hot stew, or a crispy pan-fried meat dish with vegetables..." Since my four-year-old won't allow me to skip even one page of a book, I simply leave out the word "meat" and read on! In truth, I think she likes this author's note, written from a little girl's point of view, as much as she likes the story itself.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been a dog person up to 10 years ago. Letting my Sheppard out one morn I noticed a bundle of fur next to my steps. It turned out to be four kittens in a pile weeks old. Nursing them and tending to them I became quite smitten with the kittens. We eventually adopted all except one out to a no kill shelter. Duke was my first cat and I've always had a spot for cats every since. I still am a dog person but now with a side of cat. My daughter also has always had a kitten or cat around her and whenever there is a cat book we tend to partake in its tail.. I mean tale. Sorry about the tangent, just thought I need to explain I really dunno why. This is a tale about a cat living in New York City in a tofu factory. His job is to keep the mice away. One night while trying to do his job a fire starts. Startled the cat flees tumbling over gallons of tofu in his wake subduing the fire and saving the factory. Hero cat.. The end.

[Vesra (When She Reads)]

http://when-she-reads.blogspot.com/20...

This is so wonderfully cute book! I'm a cat lover and this actually tickle my fancy. I read it as soon as I've pick it up and I was smiling at every word. The name "New Cat" is indeed original to me as well. It's a good short read and the illustration is absolutely beautiful. I recommend it to any cat lovers as well as the kids.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyopta! The cat helps in a tofu factory.

[El · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the cutest book!!! This is about a cat who lives in a tofu factory and by his valiant efforts at catching mice, he saves the factory from a fire! A must read for all ages!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the specificity (and sweetness) of this book.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story matched with equally sweet art.

[↜ƈɦǟռ☂ɛℓℓɛ↝ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cat protecting his owner, running his business, cute story.