I went to a party recently full of literary folks both from the Twin Cities and more far-flung places (like Mem Fox, who was in from Australia, and editor Allyn Johnston from California). More on the party in a future post. But one treat was running into Michael Hall. He’s the author/illustrator whose My Heart Is Like a Zoo (book website here) won the Minnesota Book Award in 2011, which means he is the person who presented the award to me for BookSpeak earlier this year!
He showed me his newest picture book, Cat Tale (Greenwillow Books, 2012) a delightful romp for word lovers!
Michael Hall with his latest book, Cat Tale
It’s not a poetry collection, but it’s a single very funny poem about the adventures of three cats, and it’s focused on homophones and homonyms. Here’s the beginning:
From word to word
they find their way,
Lillian, Tilly, and William J.
They pack some books
and kitty chews.
They choose a spot.
They spot some ewes.
They use a box
to hide from bees…
–copyright Michael Hall, from Cat Tale
and it goes on from there. Hall’s colorful, bold art makes the story easy to follow, even through the silly wordplay. So grab this cat by the tale if you’re in the mood for a funny jumble of wild words.
Mary Lee Hahn at A Year of Reading has the Poetry Friday roundup. It was so great to see and present with Mary Lee at NCTE last weekend. I’m excited for her that in addition to being a terrific teacher, blogger, and book-love-spreader, she is also submitting her wonderful poetry and being published! Way to go, Mary Lee!
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Hi, Laura. I know some cat lovers who would love this book for the holidays. Thanks for sharing it!
Hope they have fun with it!
Looks like a great read aloud! I like the cover.
I bet it is–I only got a quick read of it at the party. I need to get a hold of it and read it again. Short, funny, and wordplay–definitely a recipe for readaloud fun:>)
I am totally a dog person, but this book sounds really fun. I want it for my “word play” basket!
PERFECT for your wordplay basket!
I love Michael Hall’s books!
:>)
Your party sounds wonderful. Poetry Friday is kind of like a literary party every week!
It was–though a little overwhelming for cocktail-party-shy me! The Poetry Friday party is the best one:>)
Although I am more of a dog person than a cat one, this looks like a real winner. The word play appeals to me a lot.
And these are not your typical cats, I have to say. They have the most excellent adventures:>)
I know a few who will love this book, including my daughter who owns 3 cats too, Laura. It looks like a great book. And what a nice connection between Michael and you!
It is so fun! Great for repeated readings, since you notice more about the words and the art and the story with each subsequent read. Enjoy!