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Book Summary

Reviewed by Ann Marie Sammataro

"... and all I said was, 'Hi, cat,' said Archie." The curious feline follows Archie and disrupts an impromptu sidewalk performance by two boys and a dog. Ezra Jack Keats's uproarious illustrations capture the legendary inquisitiveness of cats in this exuberant and very funny tale.

Is It Any Good?

4

Readers were simultaneously groaning in sympathy and chuckling as the cat continually disrupted Archie's performance. Much of the action is played out in the pictures. Words are not necessary to explain the inevitable reaction when Willie and the cat spot each other. Instead, an eloquent series of wordless illustrations perfectly convey that still moment of awareness and, a mere split second later, the leap into action.

Liberal touches of humor keep readers rolling with laughter. Young children enjoyed searching for the curious cat, which is subtly included in the backgrounds of many of the innovative collage illustrations. Head cocked and ears aloft, Ezra Keats' little black cat is the epitome of feline curiosity.

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