#blogbookaday: Big Cat, Little Cat

Summary:  “There was a cat
who lived alone.
Until the day
a new cat came . . .

And so a story of friendship begins, following two cats through their days, months, and years until one day, the older cat has to go. And he doesn’t come back.

This is a poignant story, told in measured text and bold black-and-white illustrations about life and the act of moving on.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Review: Well, this one hit me right in the feels. It is a simple story of cat with simple text and simple drawings until you turn the page and then it becomes the powerful story of loss, grief and new beginnings. If you ever need a title to suggest to someone who has recently lost a pet, then you definitely need to suggest this book, it’s absolutely perfect in it’s simplicity with simple ink drawings and a message that you won’t soon forget.

Personal Reaction: I’m a librarian that prefers dogs to cats, not to say I dislike cats, I just prefer dogs. But, I’m sure you can imagine the number of comments and jokes one hears about being a cat-lady. That being said, I began this story, not knowing where it was headed, in fact, enjoying the friendship of the cats, until you turn that page and BOOM – the truth hits you in an unexpected way. And honestly, I almost started tearing up. It’s amazing how just the right words, written in just the right way can ring so true and profound, but that’s what Elisha Cooper was able to do in this book.

Title: Big Cat, Little Cat
Author: Elisha Cooper
Illustrator: Elisha Cooper
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Date: March 14, 2017

This is a new idea I’m trying on my blog this year that was inspired by @donalynbooks and @heisereads – to provide a brief review of a picture book every day of 2018. You’ll get a brief summary of the story, a review of the content, illustrations and theme, my personal reaction to the book and all the pertinent publication information! Enjoy!