Yarn about Kittens

Alas, I lack a kitten
to play with my
balls of yarn
but I enjoy
yarns about kittens.

So, I'm going to pass along
a book review done by
a good friend.

REVIEW: Sunny and Wondrous Cat Cousins
By Mary Hochenauer & Lois (Suji) Hochenauer-Fox
Publisher: Gnatcatcher Children’s Books, 2006
ISBN: 0-9778005-0-4


This is a heart-warming children’s picture book for 4-8 year olds about getting along with others. The story is set during Thanksgiving, which normally is a time for family and togetherness. Two cousins, Claire and Ella, who are best of friends hope their cats, Sunny and Wondrous, will come together during the holiday celebration and also become best of friends. Things don’t go as well as the girls plan with the visiting Sunny having to wait in the cold garage while Wondrous mingles with the rest of the family in the warmth of the Thanksgiving celebrations. Good intentions aside, a catfight erupts. The cousins separate the cats for a time-out of sorts that allows each cat to consider the other cat’s hurt feelings. The theme of the book, selecting love over fear, threads its way into the story. Left on their own, the two cats carefully approach one another building a healthy relationship.

The clear prose and colourful illustrations will engage young readers or those being read to as they enjoy a fun story while subtly learning a lesson in relationships. The authors have included a note to parents and teachers with suggestions for discussion.

Sunny and Wondrous Cat Cousins is a spunky book about considering each other’s feelings, working through conflict to live in peace and harmony. Just as when we purchase toys for children, we hope there will be a benefit from the play. The benefit from this book is a combination of awareness and an osmotic sense of conflict resolution.


Review by Diane M. Schuller
www.dianeschuller.com

Adults are not immune to the charms
of picture books.

Delight your inner child today.