Book Review: "Where Is Catkin?" Written by Janet Lord, Illustrated by Julie Paschkis

"This is a beautiful and
delightful book!"

"The word catkin is a calque from the Dutch katteken, meaning "kitten", on account of the resemblance to a kitten's tail.^[1]"  (taken from Catkin-Wikipedia, you can see more definitions and photos here)



If you have ever observed a cat outdoors, you were certain to see them forever chasing the "elusive butterfly", the flitting fly, galloping grasshopper, cavorting cricket or whatever has recently struck their fancy.


The outcome in most of these scenarios? The cat gets within a paw's reach of the tempting object, the object of desire manages to escape, leaving the cat with a bewildered look, frustrated and empty-pawed.

For cats it is all about the "hunt". From the Publisher: "When Catkin jumps off Amy's lap for an afternoon of hunting, his adventurous nature eventually turns into trouble!"

"When Catkin hears a rustling by the tree, he finds himself in a tough spot by climbing up to the highest branch to investigate. It's a long, long way back down to the ground. Now who will hear Catkin and rescue him?"

Where Is Catkin? is a "seek-and-find story of a cat whose curiosity lands him in a tough spot."

"Mom, what will happen to Catkin?"

In Where Is Catkin? Author Janet Lord has created a charming game of the above, replete with  bold and vibrantly colored illustrations created by her sister, Julie Paschkis, (virtually every page of this charming book is illustrated in a pallet of orange, blue, yellow, green, teal, black, brown and gray, using "patterns and shapes found in nature") which are sure to delight both children and adults alike.

Where Is Catkin? is the perfect book for teachers and parents alike to  engage  children in a discussion asking the questions:  "Where did all of the creatures that Catkin is trying to hunt escape to?" and "Can you find them in this picture?"

Where Is Catkin? is geared towards children ages 2-6 who are sure to enjoy joining Catkin on his cheerily illustrated adventure!

"I loved this book Mom,
will you please read it to me again?"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Janet Lord earned her B.A. in graphic arts and advertising from Concord University and now works as a graphic designer. She also wrote Here Comes Grandma! and Albert the Fix-It Man, both illustrated by her sister Julie Paschkis. She lives in North Wales, Pennsylvania.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Julie Paschkis attended Cornell University and the School for American Craftsmen at RIT, where earned a B.F.A. A former elementary school art teacher, Paschkis now works full-time painting, creating, commercial illustrations, and illustrating children's books. Some of her books include Yellow Elephant:A Bright Bestiary; Through Georgia's Eyes; Happy Adoption Day and Albert the Fix-It Man. She lives in Seattle, Washington.

• Hardcover: $16.95
• ISBN: 978-1-56145-523-2
• Total Pages: 32
• Size: 8 1/2 x 11
• Language: English