School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--A young girl desires to own a pet cat to cuddle, so she researches the things that cats like and develops a plan to attract one to her home. Her hard work pays off and not only does she attract one cat, but all of the neighborhood cats as well. Now, faced with a dilemma and many sad neighbors, the disappointed young girl sets out to make amends and discovers a wonderful surprise in the process. This book perfectly captures the feeling of wanting a pet so badly that one will do almost anything to get one. The range of emotions that are experienced in the process are palpable, from loneliness and disappointment to elation and satisfaction. The concept of doing the right thing even when it is a hard thing is also introduced. The variety of cats depicted in the watercolor illustrations is delightful and the scenes are sunny and bright, giving the story an overall feeling of hope and happiness. In depicting a scenario that many wistful young pet owners may relate to, this text has wide appeal for those in the preschool through early education years. VERDICT A purr-fectly pleasing picture book for pet lovers at heart.--Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE
Publisher's Weekly Review
This I-want-a-pet story by Robinson (Grandmas from Mars) offers sustained warmth and slow, thoughtful pacing. "I wanted a cat to cuddle," the child who narrates explains. "A great big furry fluff ball, like the cat in my book." Lee (Good Dog, Paw!) shows the girl and her family gathered around, regarding the book with quiet interest. She wonders whether she can lure a cat to her house and consults with her grandmother, who has a kitty named Hector, and then sets out empty boxes, catnip, cat toys, and cushions. She goes to sleep disappointed, with only her book for company, but is awakened by Hector-the title's Pawed Piper-leading all the neighborhood cats into the girl's room ("I lost count at SIXTY-SEVEN!"). In a series of stately group portraits, Lee paints the visitors as distinct, furry individuals, taking tender care with each one. A day of cuddling follows until a wall of "Lost Cat" posters clarifies many of the felines' provenance and reveals that the girl's pleasure has caused consternation elsewhere. She returns them, calmly-all but one. Robinson and Lee make the girl's longing easy to understand and her joy a pleasure to share. Ages 2-5. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.