Review: Poppy Cat

I'm a huge fan of Sara Acton's. Recent books of hers include Esther's Rainbow (with Kim Kane) and Hold on Tight, both gorgeous examples of her delicate, whimsical touch with illustration. So I was tremendously excited when Poppy Cat arrived in my mailbox — and fortunately, it doesn't disappoint.

This is the simple story of a young girl and her cat. Whatever she does, her cat does too; after all, 'Poppy Cat is a copy cat.' The beauty of the book is in the way Sara Acton has so precisely observed the behaviour of both child and cat, finding parallels that will make parents smile to themselves and kids giggle out loud.

For just as kids can get tangled up tying shoelaces, so cats can knot themselves in balls of twine. Sometimes heads — both human and feline — can end up in the wrong hole.  And while little girls are usually good, they can be mischievous … as can cats. But at the end of the day, there's not much that a cuddle (and a purr) can't put right.

Words and illustrations are deftly crafted with an artist's attention to detail evident on every page (including the endpapers). A delightful story of friendship to warm the heart.

Title: Poppy Cat
Author/Illustrator: Sara Acton
Publisher: Scholastic, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: June 2014
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781743620168
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book