SO, WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE A CAT? written by Karla Kuskin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin

a.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kuskin, Karla. So, What’s it like to be a Cat? Ill. by Betsy Lewin. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2005. ISBN 9780689859309

b.    SUMMARY & CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Written in cheerful verse, this poetic picture book gives readers a peek into a cat’s world. A curious boy interviews a clever cat to get answers to, “What’s it like to be a cat?” The book consists of a series of specific questions and responses between the two characters.

This book consists of a single poem that spans over a thirty-two paged picture book. Although entertaining for any reader, this poem picture book will especially catch the attention of cat lovers. As an example of personification, the cat in this book is given the human ability to communicate with the boy. Through fun rhymes, readers find out what the cat is thinking. The cat also compares itself to humans, which is an interesting perspective. The cat’s personality, with all its mannerisms and quirks, makes their chat even more humorous. The interview style is a creative approach that also makes this book such a great read aloud.

The words and artwork in this book rely on each other to move the poem along. Readers quickly see the combined talents of the poet and illustrator to create a fun-filled book for children. The illustrations consist of watercolor cartoons with thick, black outlines. The background is white, making the illustrations pop out. The expressions on the characters’ faces as they converse are priceless, especially the cat. The font changes according to which character is speaking, making the poem easier to follow. Overall, this book is lively and imaginative!

c.    POEM TO SPOTLIGHT & SHARE

Poem excerpt from So, What’s it like to be a Cat?

But can they nap as fast as you?

They cannot do what I can do.

They do not nap or leap or lie

as gracefully or well

as I.

They look peculiar with no fur.

They do not simply sit and purr,

instead they stomp around and yell.

But nonetheless I wish them well.

This authentic poem picture book allows children to imagine what life is like from a cat’s point of view through a simple conversation and rhyming. The excerpt provides the cat’s reply to the boy’s question, “But can they nap as fast as you?” in reference to what we call a “cat nap.” This part of the poem exemplifies the cat sharing its opinion of people, as mentioned in the review. The rhyming is natural and only enhances the ideas being expressed.

One way this poem could be shared is by doing a read aloud in which two individuals take turns reading, one as the boy and one as the cat. For younger students, this could be done through modeling by two educators. Older students may be interested in acting this conversation out themselves. Either way, hearing the two voices would help students distinguish between the two characters along with making it an entertaining experience.

As a follow up activity, students may enjoy writing a short poem from the perspective of their own pet or an animal of choice. They could begin by thinking of a question they would like to ask the pet or animal. Next, they could imagine how the animal might respond if given the ability to talk.