 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Good Luck Cat
- By Joy Harjo
- Genre: Picture Book
Common Sense Media says
Cat in constant peril in picture book better for older kids.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book is about a cat who may have used up its nine lives being shot at by kids with a BB gun, accidentally trapped in a dryer, chased by a dog, and more. Families who have recently lost a pet may want to find another book -- but for those considering adding a furry friend to their household, this story can provide a good way to talk about how to treat pets (and also a reminder about their crazy cat antics, like sleeping near car motors and fighting with other felines). Even though this is a picture book, it is probably a better fit for elementary-aged kids.
What's the story?
Woogie is a good luck cat -- after all, Aunt Shelly won at bingo after petting her. But the cat is quickly running through its nine lives after she is almost killed by a car, trapped in the clothes dryer, attacked a ferocious dog, and even shot at by boys with a BB gun. When Woogie disappears one day, the little girl narrating the story fears she is gone for good. For four days she worries and searches, until she wakes up to find Woogie "purring and singing as if she had never left."
Is it any good?
Beautiful, striped -- and scrappy -- Woogie is easy to love, and illustrations of her fighting another cat with her hackles raised or contently curled up next to her food bowl are realistically rendered. While the cat is in constant peril in this book, no actual violence is shown, and the majority of elementary-school kids should be able to deal with the content. They, too, will be most struck by some of the insightful writing, such as "When I pet her she purrs as if she has a drum near her heart."
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the idea of a cat having nine lives. Why do people say that about cats? What does it really mean?
What are some ways the girl was a good pet owner? Was there anything she could have done better?
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AGE
Horrible
Nobody should read this.It's sooo sad!!!!!Poor kitty!!!
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| Author: | Joy Harjo |
| Illustrator: | Paul Lee |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Picture Book |
| Publisher: | Harcourt Brace |
| Publication date: | April 1, 2000 |
| Number of pages: | 32 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.00 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
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