Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, funny tale about reading told from cat's perspective.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In RECTANGLE TIME, a self-assured cat loves joining in the snuggles when a boy brings out the large rectangle and the dad holds it and talks. As the boy gets older, the rectangles get smaller, and soon the man isn't the only one talking. The rectangles get much smaller and the boy stops talking while he holds them, until he quietly ignores the persistent cat trying to get attention while the boy reads to himself.
Is It Any Good?
The self-assured cat is a delightful narrator, and the images are soft and happy in this sweet, fun look at what reading seems like from an outsider's perspective. Young readers can see themselves in different stages of Rectangle Time, and it's a reminder for adults to cherish the time when their little ones are settled in their laps for books. Wrapped up in the cat's funny inner monologue is the important idea that becoming an independent reader is a process, and one with great rewards.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what watching other people read looks like to them, and if it's anything like what the cat thinks of the boy's activities in Rectangle Time.
Are there any activities that you get so immersed in that you wouldn't notice a cat trying to snuggle with you? Have you ever tried to get someone's attention when they're distracted like that?
What books do you like to read right now?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Becky Cameron
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Philomel
- Publication date : February 16, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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