This exceptionally well-written picture book has the most exquisite illustrations.
- Independent Publisher

When Victor takes in Teelo the cat, the feline isn't thrilled about the voyage across the harbor. After all, a cat in a kayak is like a fish out of water. But when they arrive at the little house on Cloud Island, Teelo discovers it's the perfect place for a calm-loving cat. Perfect, that is, until Teelo's spot by the stove is usurped by some chickens. Worse, his cozy cushion is eaten when Terry the terrier moves in. Even the roof isn't safe -- Victor's new parrot can .y up there with ease.

Suddenly a cat in a kayak seems a decent idea...until Victor paddles out to Thunder Rock, a voyage of walloping waves, screeching seabirds, and overexcited orcas. Upon returning home, Teelo decides the crowded little house is the perfect place for him after all.

This charming tale reminds us that things could always be worse. Set amid vibrant coastal landscapes, and crawling with friendly critters of all kinds, it's easy to see why A Cat in a Kayak has become a family favorite.

ANNOTATION

A kindly janitor brings unwanted pets home.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The kindly janitor Victor makes a habit of bringing unwanted pets to his quiet and peaceful home on Cloud Island. Teelo the cat is the first to arrive by kayak. Next, Victor arrives with Ruby the rooster and three hens. The "cheerful birds" had disturbed their former neighbors so much that they too had to go. Victor's kayak brings home Terry the terrier, who has ruined Mrs. Gripe's curtains; then Sylvie the sashaying snake, who likes to squeeze up to others; and Bonaparte, the parrot, who is just plain bossy. Teelo's island spa has turned into a crowing, barking, skin-shedding, shrieking, over-crowded zoo!

When Teelo stows away on the kayak for a peaceful reprieve, quiet quickly gives way to chaos as the waves crest and spray, gulls scream and a crab tugs at Teelo's tail. By the time Teelo reaches the beach of Cloud Island, he's glad to return to his friendly home. Eugenie Fernandes' luscious, chimerical seascapes overflow with brilliant purples and primary colors, enriching the fanciful journey.

FROM THE CRITICS

Bridget Donald - (Quill and Quire, February 1998)

The luxurious description in the text is well matched by the richly coloured, detailed gouache paintings.

Maryann H. Owen - (School Library Journal, July 1998)

Cheerful, richly colored gouache illustrations reflect the energy and movement of the text.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2--When Victor adopts Teelo, a soon-to-be-homeless cat, and takes him to his peaceful little cabin on Cloud Island, Teelo is thoroughly pleased with his idyllic new life. Then, in quick succession, Victor brings home a rooster, three hens, a terrier, a snake, and a parrot. Each new animal brings more disruption to Teelo's ordered life as, one by one, his favorite napping spots are usurped by a newcomer. Upon overhearing Victor tease about how quiet a visit to Thunder Rock would be compared to the noise at home, Teelo stows away on the man's kayak. Instead of peace, however, the feline discovers that the pandemonium caused by all of the wild creatures is overwhelming and he is happy to return home. The tale's moral is reminiscent of the many variations of the Yiddish folktale "It Could Always Be Worse." Cheerful, richly colored gouache illustrations reflect the energy and movement of the text. Many of the full-page paintings are surrounded by a single-color frame and reveal the emerald green of the island, the aquas and blues of the sea, the banana yellow kayak, and all of the colorful animals. Large, engaging pictures and repetition of phrases throughout the story make this an enjoyable read-aloud.--Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI