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Here Comes Teacher Cat
By Regan McMahon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Funny sub teacher tale shows classroom routines in fun way.
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What's the Story?
Cat steps in as substitute teacher at Kitty School in HERE COMES TEACHER CAT. He's reluctant to do anything that cuts into his napping schedule, but the unseen narrator says this is an emergency because she has to go to the doctor, and reminds him that Ms. Melba brought him soup when he was sick -- and it's only for a few hours. Cat rises to the occasion and does a good job, and the six kittens even learn how to talk with signs like Cat does.
Is It Any Good?
This fresh twist on a back-to-school book shows readers classroom routines through the reluctant but good-hearted Cat, who talks with signs. The interplay between unseen narrator and substitute teacher Cat fuel the humor, and Claudia Rueda's adorable, deadpan illustrations carry the simple story. This is as charming as the other books in the series and highly relatable in its school setting.
There's also a nice message about helping others in need, especially when they've helped you in the past. Showing Ms. Melba return to class wearing a cone from the vet is a sweet, funny touch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how school is portrayed in Here Comes Teacher Cat. Does it look fun? Does it look like any school you've been to or go to now?
Do you ever play teacher? What do you think is the hardest part about being a teacher? What would be the most fun about teaching kids in school?
Have you ever tried having a conversation where you answered each question by holding up a picture like Cat does? See if you can do it.
Book Details
- Author: Deborah Underwood
- Illustrator: Claudia Rueda
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Mice
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: August 8, 2017
- Number of pages: 88
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: October 30, 2020
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