"Come on, let's do something.
Let's have a wrestling match.
Go ahead and try it and you'll
see how well I scratch.
I know that you won't hurt me
although you have sharp claws.
Can I say the same for you
with those gigantic jaws?"
I have heard it said that there is a big difference between having a cat in the house and having a dog. Marilyn Singer has both. She has a close-up view of the differences between the two. Our two narrators have contradictory takes on what makes the day a good one, starting first thing in the morning. Dog is up-and-at-em ready for the day to begin with a ball chase. Cat is warm and snuggly in bed and not prepared to get out of it yet ... or ever.
Each turn of the page shows the feelings felt by their 'children'. Breakfast is served individually. Before they can get outside for some exercise, the dog exercises his lung power by barking at the mail carrier. The cat is unconcerned, knowing the carrier has never come inside. Then, it's full-out fun for the dog as it tears the parcel apart; the cat waits and then makes the box a home. Even a fly is handled from opposing views.
"What's that flying by my nose?
Wish that it would scram.
It's so buzzy.
It's so fuzzy.
Closer. Closer.
WHAM!"
Upon their return home from school, the style of welcome is contradictory. Kids who have pets will see recognize the differences in character, actions, and attitude. The various scenarios are humorous and familiar to pet owners. Marilyn Singer has captured their personalities with warmth and acceptance. Sonia Sanchez uses pencil artwork, colored using Photoshop to boost the humor in the dialogue.
Readers and listeners will laugh out loud.
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