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The True Story of James the Cat

Plot Summary

James has been lost for a long time. He's grown old and tired and slow. One day he finds a house where a kind family lives, but they decide he must belong to someone because he wears a collar. So James is left to survive a dry summer, a bad storm, and an attack by a huge dog. When the woman from the kind family sees him again, she notices his injuries and realizes what she hadn't realized before.

Awards

2000-2001 Joan G. Sugarman Children's Book Award Honorable Mention; 2002-2003 Show Me Readers Award Winner; Winner of The 2000 ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book Award

Reviews

"Meggs' lovely picture book, based on a true story, teaches children about kindness. It is not a stereotypical lost animal story. . . The illustration of a snarling dog is especially notable for the way it seems to pop off the page. This story about belonging and the importance of making sure others belong too is effectively delivered in a way youngsters can understand." Booklist

"A simple, heartwarming story. . . Many of the pictures are realistic, close-up drawings of the animals, including a ferocious neighborhood dog that attacks the lonely cat. Humans are barely depicted at all, which keeps children's attention focused on the feline's tale. Young audiences will surely have a more sympathetic attitude toward stray cats after reading this compassionate story." School Library Journal

Associated Keywords
animals, kindness, cats, pets, pet