The Best Cat in the World

by Lesléa Newman

Book Overview

A young boy deals with the loss of his beloved cat Charlie, eventually accepting the arrival of another, very different cat. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802852521
• ISBN13: 9780802852526
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.3" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

An excellent book for anyone who loses a beloved pet.

As a book reviewer for Funseeker's Radio Network I read a lot of books for children. This one helps with the process of saying goodbye to a treasured pet and getting used to another, sometimes more different, pet. In this case Charlie has had a long and happy life as "the best cat in the world" for young Victor. The boy is devastated when Charlie dies and doesn't think he will ever want another cat, but Charlie's vet, Dr. Levin calls him and offers him a new kitten. He accepts reluctantly and soon finds that Shelley is a different cat altogether. Her habits and ways are not like Charlie's, but he finally realizes that he again has the "best cat in the world." The story is well-written and the illustrations by Ronald Himler are excellent. I would recommend this book highly to anyone who has lost a pet or as a gift for someone who is dealing with the death for a pet.

Can the heart make room?

A boy has lost his friend and companion-an orange cat named Charlie-to old age. He cries inconsolably for two whole days, and cannot even eat the favorite supper Mom prepares for him. He and Mom plant a rosebush with orange flowers at the burial site, and the boy sits by it after school and tries to talk with Charlie. Listen as hard as he may, however, there is no reply. When the vet calls to ask if Victor would provide a home for Shelley, a brand-new tortoiseshell kitten, he is hesitant. Perhaps he won't like the kitten, or the kitten won't like him. Victor brings home the multi-colored bundle of fur, and gradually adjusts to her ways, which often differ from Charlie's. She does not like to be scratched between the ears while she eats, as Charlie did. She prefers the windowsill to the special pillow on Victor's bed where Charlie used to sleep. Soon, however, Victor begins to delight in Shelley's unique behaviors-how she plays with the water while he brushes his teeth and how she chases her own tail.Himler's pencil-and-watercolors capture Victor's full range of emotion-concern and worry, grief, amusement, and joy--in this book that demonstrates how the human heart can have many rooms.

A profoundly compelling picture book about grief

Flowing color paintings by Ronald Himler add a moving touch to The Best Cat In The World is a poignant story by Leslea Newman about a young boy named Victor who loses his beloved feline companion Charlie to old age. When a new cat, Shelley, comes to the household, she is different from Charlie in almost every way - she doesn't do the things Charlie used to do, or respond in the same way. But in time Victor learns that his new friend is unique and special, and every bit as much "the best cat in the world" as Charlie was, in this profoundly compelling picture book about grief and the slow process of healing. The Best Cat In The World is especially recommended reading for young people who have lost a treasured animal companion.

Purrfect!

I am a softie for any books with cats on the cover. The title of this book, `The Best Cat in the World' reminds me somewhat of Cleveland Amory's book (`The Best Cat Ever'), but this is not a book like that - this is a children's book. It tells the story of two cats, really - one named Charlie, who passes away early in the book, and one named Shelley, who finds a new home with the young boy Victor after Charlie is gone. It is a wonderful tale about letting go and starting anew. One of the good things about children having pets is that they learn love and responsibility; one the sadder parts about children having pets is that they die, and the children have to deal with the loss.Charlie was a special cat for Victor, with set mannerisms and patterns Victor was used to. After Charlie died, the family buried him in the back yard, and Victor was nearly inconsolable. However, Victor's mother and the vet brought Victor together with another cat, Shelley, who had been dropped off at the office. At first Victor is very resistant, comparing Shelley to Charlie in somewhat unfavourable ways. `Charlie never did that,' Victor would think, as Shelley would do (or not do) as Charlie had done. However, felines have the kind of magic that works on a willing soul, and Victor comes to love the individuality in Shelley, without diminishing his love for his lost companion, Charlie. Shelley becomes heir to the title `Best Cat in the World', and rumbles purring in response in the same fashion as Charlie did.The text is simple, sweet and very readable by children. The author Leslea Newman has penned several children's books, some with cats and some without. Ronald Himler, the illustrator, has provided his wonderful graphic pen for some seventy-five books; the drawings are charming and engaging, and enhance the story with a softness watercolours provide and detail that pencil can add.This is a wonderful gift for children, particularly those who need to learn to deal with the kind of separation that a pet's death brings home. It does not make light of its subject, but does not dwell on the tragic, nor does it dishonour the cat who is gone by simple replacement. A wonderful book!