Product Description
A "How to Draw" lesson spins hilariously out of control when Cat just won't stay happy! This relatable madcap read-aloud is immense fun, and perfect for fans of Dragons Love Tacos.
Drawing a happy cat seems like such an easy thing to do. Just follow the instructions in this book! Wait a minute . . . why doesn't Cat look happy? We gave her a stuffy and a cool t-shirt! Uh-oh! Turns out drawing a happy cat is harder than it looks. Now it's the reader's job to find out why Cat isn't staying happy AND draw everything she wants! (That might include skateboards, friends, and yes--even a pizza-flinging catapult.) This clever, often tender, laugh-out-loud picture book breaks the fourth wall in charming ways; will have kids asking for repeat reads; and will definitely have parents nodding knowingly at the escalating cycle of demands. Can you draw a happy cat?
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2—This book blends beginner "how to draw" instruction with a manic mash-up of Dav Pilkey's "How 2 Draw" Dog Man segments and Laura Numeroff's "If You Give a" series. Basically, readers are shown how to draw a happy cat in five easy steps. But the cat isn't happy for long. To keep the cat happy, she must be drawn friends, food, and fun. Then, T-shirts, pizza, skateboard ramps, airplanes, and more are sketched in to keep her entertained. Each new element is introduced in a handful of steps for readers to replicate. Text is conversational and uses varied font sizes, layouts, and colors for emphasis. The actual artwork sits in the sweet spot between appearing accessible for children and, while actually being childlike, clearly drawn by a professional. It's silly, but solid. VERDICT This has all the makings of a story hour project that will have kids cracking up and chaos ensuing. Give it a try.—Chance Lee Joyner
Review
“What you’d get if you combined Ed Emberley with If You Give A Mouse A Cookie….. The cat...is adorable, and I find the idea of a How To Draw book that’s ideal for reading aloud to be a very fascinating notion. Keep this one on your radar.” - Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal
“Fun, exuberant …. A satisfying mission to find happiness and fun; mission accomplished.” - Kirkus Reviews
A BEST BOOK OF 2022: "This book begs to be read aloud as the narrator involves the listener and this will surely bring chuckles throughout." - Meridian magazine
"This book blends beginner “how to draw” instruction with a manic mash-up of Dav Pilkey’s “How 2 Draw” Dog Man segments and Laura Numeroff’s “If You Give a” series....has all the makings of a story hour project that will have kids cracking up and chaos ensuing. Give it a try." - Chance Lee Joyner, School Library Journal
"Love the narrator engaging the reader to try to help cheer up the cat! So fun to read aloud!" - Reading Power Gear
"This imaginative, creative, read-out-loud picture book is hilarious. Kids will love the fun vibe and parents will know the book is a winner after it is requested to be read again and again. The illustrations are fantastic and there are ample opportunities for interaction as kids are instructed how to draw different objects that may make an unhappy kitty contented. The author leaves a pathway for a sequel at the end of the book with the statement: "But now Chicken is sad." Bring it on...kid's will love to hear more I'm sure!” — Marilyn Panton, Storywraps
"If you're looking for a fun drawing book, this is it!…. absolutely perfect for K-2 and would be so much fun to use as part of a drawing lesson…..will surely appeal to kids of all ages.” — Barbara Leyne, Grade Onederful
"What a silly, fun and educational book. I simply adore how the author and illustrator built in simple drawing lessons into a story about friends, fun and of a course a pizza catapult!! This book is sure to keep kids from about 4 - 10 ( likely moms & dads too!!) busy for hours. And do I smell a sequel? How to Draw a Happy Chicken? YES please!!” — Kelly Ba
