Select language, opens an overlay

Comment

Community comment are the opinions of contributing users. These comment do not represent the opinions of Tulsa City-County Library.
Sep 18, 2016skyekilaen rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
It's so satisfying when a "lesson" book also works as a good story. This interesting book about a place where scaredy-cats learn to be bold and save their teacher is also tale of acceptance, healing, bravery, and personal growth. Cats are dropped off at Miss Hazeltine's by people who call them all kinds of mean things: "Hopeless!" "Worthless!" The cats may have been shy and fearful to begin with, this rejection and judgment surely didn't help them! Instead Miss Hazeltine meets every cat where they are. Even Crumb, who can't even come out from under the bed. Miss Hazeltine's unconditional love and acceptance is what ultimately saves her when she gets in trouble, because the cats she's been healing are able to go beyond their fears on her behalf. It's both sweet and extremely powerful, without feeling heavy-handed. Kudos to Potter for blending meaning and plot so well. Any cat lover will eat up Sif's illustrations. No two cats are the same, I guarantee. Her balance of full-page spreads with individual illustrations gives the book a feeling of openness and movement that works really well with the progress of the story.