Children's Book Review: Big Cat, Little Kitty by Scotti Cohn

32 pg, 10 x 8.5, ages 4-9, Lexile: AD 500
Hardcover ISBN: 9781607181248, $16.95
Paperback ISBN: 9781607181347, $8.95



Summary:

Big cats are fierce predators that roam the world from the mountains to the deserts. How are these wild cats that hunt for their food the same as pet cats that might chase a mouse or ball of yarn? How are they different? The award-winning prequel to this book, One Wolf Howls, introduces children to counting and the months of the year as they watch the seasons changing. This sequel introduces children to the days of the week as they travel to seven different world habitats to meet the big cats, and then back home to compare and contrast the domestic cat’s behavior to that of its relative. 


My Review:


This book is a great teaching tool.  Not only does it introduce young children to the differences between wild and tame cats, but it also uses rhyming and repetition while educating children about the days of the week, changing of the seasons and counting the 12 months of the year.  Through beautiful illustrations done by Susan Detwiler, your child will be captivated by the true beauty of both tame and wild cats.  I am not a cat lover myself, but I couldn't help but enjoy the illustrations of these magnificent creatures. 

So, if your child likes to read educational books with you, or like my daughter, loves beautiful and detailed illustrations, why not pick up a copy of this book today.  This would make a great bedtime read with your story before a planned trip to the zoo.  While at the zoo, you can talk about what you learned about the wild cats while reading this book.

About the Author:

Scotti Cohn (One Wolf Howls) is a freelance writer and editor living in central Illinois. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the author of five nonfiction books published by The Globe Pequot Press, with a sixth book scheduled for publication by Globe in 2009. Her short stories have appeared in numerous magazines for young people, and her poems about animals have appeared in Highlights for Children and Zootles magazines. Currently, she is working on several picture book ideas along with a fantasy novel for young adults. Scotti has two adult children. She and her husband Ray share their home with five cats. However, Scotti also has a special place in her heart for dogs and their magnificent ancestor, the wolf. Visit Scotti's Website / School Visit Info/ Facebook Page.


About the Illustrator:

Susan Detwiler (Pandas' Earthquake Escape, Spring 2010, and One Wolf Howls) is the illustrator of several books for children including The First Teddy Bear and The Wonderful Bicycle Parade. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. Her illustrations have appeared in the children's magazines, Highlights For Children and Ladybug. Susan's artwork has also been used for puzzles, games, and more than one hundred greeting cards. Books have always been a source of joy in her life, and as a child, she particularly loved books with beautiful illustrations. Susan lives in Maryland and received her education at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. Susan lives with her artist husband in Baltimore. Visit Susan's website.




Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.