Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats

October 19, 2009
This lively and accessible edition of Eliot's classic homage to felines rounds up the familiar gang, with characters like the sprightly Jellicle Cats, who dance in chorus lines on moonlit rooftops, and the vicious Great Rumpuscat, whose fearsome jaws and eyes like “fireballs fearfully blazing” send rival dog gangs scattering. The distinctive personalities of each cat—brought to life by Scheffler's expressive cartoonlike paintings—and Eliot's lyrical, tongue-and-cheek wordplay, will appeal to a new generation of cat aficionados. Ages 6–9.

Starred review from November 1, 2009
Gr 3 Up-Scheffler brings his considerable illustrative talents to this new edition of Eliot's much-loved collection of cat whimsy, first published in 1939. Scheffler's cartoon felines, with their expressive eyes, are a deliciously animated cast. From sleepy Old Deuteronomy and busy old Gumbie Cat to naughty Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer, they're contrary and complicated. Whether contemplating their secret name, their next crime (like Macavity), or their next meal (like Bustopher Jones), these cats by turns baffle and delight the humans around them. Edward Gorey's version (Harcourt, 1982) captures Eliot's nuanced humor in stylized black-and-white cartoons. Scheffler's illustrations add colorful detail and playfulness, but both editions bring out the timeless wit and wisdom of these poems. Make room for both editions; cat (and even dog) lovers everywhere will welcome Scheffler's marvelous work."Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
Eliot's playful cycle--comparing feline independence, individuality, idiosyncrasies, and misdemeanors to human varieties in fifteen witty, rhythmic, artfully phrased poems--is appealingly illustrated. Scheffler extends the animal antics but never upstages the text; his creatures--small, lithe, mischievous--deploy themselves with catlike verve. Wide pages nicely accommodate the verse plus vignettes of the cats and their bemused humans, supplemented by an occasional full-page scene.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)