num_pages: 40
description: In cut-paper artist Nikki McClures latest picture book a kitten practices the basics of feline behavior over the course of a day. A single word of text per spread teaches readers how to be a cathow to stretch clean pounce feastwhile the striking paper cuts illustrate the kittens attempts to imitate an adult cats mastery of each skill. At times the kitten triumphantly succeeds and at other times the kitten struggles in vignettes that range from whimsical to profound.A celebration of all things feline How to Be a Cat also tells a universal story of mastering life skills and of the sometimes tender sometimes stern relationship between parent and child teacher and pupil. Cat lovers of all ages will connect to this loving portrayal of a mentor-student relationship.Praise for How to Be a CatSTARRED REVIEWSPurrrrfect for beginning readers and little artists with an eye for fine cut-paper compositions and craftsmanship. Kirkus Reviews  starred reviewA delightful picture book in every way. Beginning with the paw-print endpapers youngsters will know that they are in for an adventure. The simplicity and flow of page design are beautifully done as viewers follow a kitten and his mother as she teaches him basic feline behavior. School Library Journal  starred reviewMcClure's cut-paper spreads can be mesmerizing. Publishers WeeklyMcClure wonderfully captures the shape and movement of the feline form and kids will also enjoy pointing out the blue and white butterflies and the black-capped chickadee that also appear on several pages. The Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksPerfect for cat lovers of all ages the book helps us reconnect with memories of our own jouney of growth and learning. Cat Fancy 
language: English
title: How to Be a Cat
publisher: Harry N. Abrams