Parents' Guide to

A Pussycat's Christmas

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Cat’s-eye view of Christmas will leave you purring.

Book Margaret Wise Brown Holiday 2009
A Pussycat's Christmas Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 2+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Jamie W.
Jamie W. Parent of 7 and 11-year-old
December 25, 2016
age 2+

This sweet book really brings Christmas alive through sensory language

My kids and I love reading this book together. It's a tradition to read it several times during the days before Christmas--and especially on Christmas Eve. We started when they were ages 3 and newborn and they still love it at ages 11 and 8. The plot is extremely simple--there really is none. It's more of an impression than a story. Basically, through the cat, the reader simply takes in impressions of a house and its people on Christmas Eve. But it is very vivid and sweet, the way the author describes the sights, scents, and (especially) the sounds of Christmas.

This title has:

Great messages
Tora Gwen
Tora Gwen Parent of 9-year-old
May 11, 2010
age 2+

Sweet as sugar!

This is an adorable Christmas story, perfect for the little ones. When my nine year old daughter, Addison, was about two years old I bought her this for Christmas. She instantly fell in love with the amazing illustrations and adorable little story. She thought it very sweet that Pussycat was clearly a very beloved member of the household. Recently, I found this book buried in her bookcase. I looked through it, realizing that though it was covered in dust, it was still the same adorable story that had enchanted so many of that little girl's Christmases years ago. Last Christmas, I read it to her again. She thought that she had left it at a friend's house when she was four, and was delighted to see it again. It's still the same little story and it's still the same little book. And it still enchants her, years later.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
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What's the Story?

It’s Christmas again, and Pussycat is delighted. She loves everything about the celebration, from rolling in freshly fallen snow to batting ornaments and pouncing ribbons. This is Christmas Eve, through the eyes of a very happy cat.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (3):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This new edition of Margaret Wise Brown’s Christmas story paired with noted cat artist Anne Mortimer makes a lovely addition to a family’s holiday treasury. Kids know everything feels different on Christmas Eve, and it’s no different for Pussycat. Brown’s soothing prose captures the mystery of a winter night, the special sparkle of a Christmas tree, the hustle and bustle of people caroling and heading to church, and the playfulness of a cat surrounded by ribbons, wrapping paper, and ornaments. The tiniest of familiar moments comes alive beautifully: “There was a tiny tinkle little pop, as something fell from the Christmas tree and shivered into a million splinters of light. That was wonderful.”
Mortimer’s richly hued watercolors invite exploration. The alert and wide-eyed Pussycat pounces and explores through the pages. Cat lovers, especially, will treasure this book.

Watercolor paintings bring Pussycat to life. Noted cat artist Anne Mortimer’s richly hued watercolors invite exploration. The alert and wide-eyed Pussycat pounces and explores through the pages.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the atmosphere in your home as you prepare for Christmas or another big holiday. What sights, sounds, and smells are important to you?

  • Imagine what the holiday might be like from your pet’s point of view. Do you think your pet enjoys the holiday as much as Pussycat does?

Book Details

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