
Author/Illustrator: Joseph Low
Publisher: Margaret K McElderry (Atheneum), 1980
Age: 3-8
Themes: animals, etiquette, humorous stories
Opening: Cat was thinking about supper. He thought, “I could eat forty-seven grasshoppers. or I could eat 69 crickets. Or I could eat a fine, fat sparrow. But what I think I’d really like is a nice, tender mouse.

Summary: A round of uneasy hospitality results when Mouse and Dog arrive at Cat’s house for dinner.

I like this book because: first off, I’m not alone – this title is a 1981 Caldecott Honor book. I love the loose, energetic rendering and use of a simple yet bright palette, dominated by pinks and yellows. That’s what attracted me to this book I found at Brattle Bookshop in Boston this spring, but it’s the round robin tale of trickery and wit and the drama of it all that delighted me so very much! Hope you can find a copy.

Resources/activities: learn more about Low, his obituary here; look for other titles on the Caldecott list from 1981; perform this story as a play.

There is a summer break for new entries, but for more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.


Love that you have this as a Boston souvenir!
Also…did you spot a recent story about illustrating animals in clothing? Must find and re-read!
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Please send me a link, Cathy!
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Trying to locate it but will send when I do!
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Great review! Love the ducks as RBGs.
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What an interesting book. I’ll keep my eyes open. Love the RBG ducks!
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Oooh, these illustrations look fabulous. And I gotta say, the story is intriguing. Will see if I can find it. Thanks for the rec!
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This book is really intriguing. Like the humor and the illustrations look wonderful!
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I love how you’re featuring these classics! I’ll be on the lookout for this one at my library
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Haha, I remember seeing those ducks when we were in Boston for a day trip many years ago now. Neat book too.
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