The Rare Bird, written and illustrated by Elisha Cooper. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026. $25.99 ages 3 and up

"When the day opened up and he was left 
on his own, the Rare Bird explored the corners
of his forest home. 

He caught a worm,

                               and another. 

He found bugs and hid them 
among the flowers for later. 

Flitted here

               flitted there."

Have you ever considered what cats might imagine when left to their own devices? I have not; luckily for those who see and share this book, Elisha Cooper has done exactly that. In fact, his cat shows a decided interest in a book about marine life on the title page! That is not the only reading matter to spark interest. Birds and trees also capture attention. 

A decision is made. A flight through the forest and over the trees is front of mind. In the reality of this cat's existence, readers can see that his experience in the forest is matched by quite normal household actions: swinging on the draperies, checking out slippers, rolling in a blanket, splashing in the shower, and using the toilet for a bath and a drink. Flying across that whole world brings great joy. 

A rock the cat lands on is the dog, the song sung has everyone paying attention, food is eaten, a quick bath is taken in a basin, and a nest made in a cardboard box. All that hard work leads to the need for a rest. The cat considers previous stories heard in thinking about the world outside, and settles by the window to sleep and dream. What wonder in a dream of being a small white bird that follows two bluebirds as they settle in a nest together. Upon waking, the cat stretches its wings and continues with the day. In the evening, the cat settles in with a reader and the dog to hear amazing tales of other animals of the world. 

"And he became an elephant. 

A small and sleepy elephant, lying on top of a patient hippopotamus.
As they lay there together, the Extraordinary Elephant closed his eyes
and listened, dreaming about his wild home, 

which he could explore tomorrow."

I share a love for dual narratives with young children, who hear the story being told while it shows a totally different story in signature watercolor images from the very talented Mr. Cooper. The book begs for careful consideration of every image and spread, and will be requested for reading multiple times. Well deserved, to be sure.