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Thursday, August 18, 2022

Annie's Cat Is Sad, written by Heather Smith and illustrated by Karen Obuhanych. Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2022. $24.99 ages 4 and up


"By the way, I drank your cattuccino. 
I wasn't going to, but I'm glad I did. 
It made me feel warm. 

How about some TV? 
TV might cheer you up.
"

When Annie returns home at the end of her day, she looks for her cat Delilah as she walks through the door. Delilah is seemingly happy on her cat tree. Annie is quick to comment on Delilah's state: "You look sad". The cat is having none of it. She finds a new place under the couch, away from concerned eyes and comments. 

Annie badly wants to make her cat feel 'better'. She offers warm milk, then watching TV, and finally yoga. Do they work, or not? Delilah is not particularly amenable to any of Annie's suggestions. Annie shares some advice:

"Just when you think you've forgotten your bad day, you will remember it again."

It will become clear to readers that Annie is the sad one. Finally, she succumbs to her sadness rather than try to project it towards her much-loved pet. Delilah, as cats are not often wont to do, does her best to make Annie feel better. She is right there to offer cuddles and comfort. 

Ms. Obuhanych gives attention to Annie  and her emotions in mixed media artwork using collage, pencils and paint. I love Annie's gorgeous orange hair! 

Giving in to feeling what she is feeling in the moment is quietly shared and done in a very effecitive way. This book shows readers who find it hard to let others know how they are feeling that doing so can make a difference. It is sure to lead to important conversations at school and at home.                                                                           


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