The Cat's Pajamas

A beautifully illustrated literal interpretation of phrases which cannot be interpreted literally, "The Oasis Express was running late, so Camilla had to cool her heels," (imagine a richly bedecked camel, haughtily waiting aside desert train tracks, each foot planted firmly inside an ice cream cone). Humorous and informative at the same time, the exquisitely colored and detailed paintings "take the cake" in this book.

Hmm...not sure how I feel about this book. As you can see from the cover, the art is elaborate and ornate, with rich colors and details. Each page on the inside has a single illustration framed in a simple square border. The book opens with the definition of an idiom and each picture illustrates a different idiom. One or two sentences below the picture use the idiom in a sentence. The illustrations not only demonstrate the idiom, but also often include a humorous trick or play on the idiom. For example, the sentence "When it came to cartooning, Elsie had a lot to draw on" is illustrated by a picture of an elephant covered with cartoon drawings and holding a bunch of colored pencils. Small jokes are also included in some of the pictures. show more A list at the end, titled "Letting the cat out of the bag" explains the idioms in alphabetical order.

On the one hand, we are rather fond of guessing games and seek and find books here at my library. On the other hand, I feel this one is a bit complex for most children and the best audience is probably at least 2nd grade and up. It seems like a lot of picture books I'm seeing now are really designed with older kids in mind - or even adults (I'm looking at you Lane Smith). On the one hand, younger children will probably enjoy looking at the detailed pictures. On the other hand, what I really want more of in my picturebook section at my library are books that are great read-alouds for preschool and toddler storytime and books that will appeal to the preschool and toddler crowd.

Source: Review copy provided by Kids Can Press through Raab Associates
Verdict: This would be an excellent choice for an elementary school library or a classroom, especially if you're teaching idioms. I think it's less useful in a public library collection and really depends on what you need in your collection. If you have Graeme Base fans, they will eat this one up! show less

I really enjoyed The Cat's Pajamas. The book had funny, beautiful illustrations showing the literal meaning of the idioms. This book could be used as a wonderful resource for a lesson on idioms. After reading and guessing what each idiom means, students could then be provided a list of more idioms and create their own book.

It contained great artwork. The writing was sufficient but bland in its presentation. It did not have a developing plot Some of the pages contained passive educational tools, most likely unknown to the younger reader. Had a bit of a surprise at the end; every page contained a hidden picture of a cat. A secret Where’s Waldo!

I prefer [b:Monkey Business|1163|Monkey Business|Wallace Edwards|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1396833566s/1163.jpg|5361] because the idioms are defined more clearly by the picture, but again, if these images were available as posters, I wouldn't be able to choose a favorite. Maybe 'ducks in a row' or go with the flow" because it's a cow surfing and I'm a sucker for Holsteins."

Just beautiful. Richly detailed illustrations, lovely paper, nice endpapers - the whole package. A nice glossary at the back giving the meanings to the idioms (good for children, and some grown ups!).
The copy held by CCL is published by HardieGrantEgmont, and has the English title (pyjamas).

I read about The Cat's Pajamas on another blog and thought it would be a good book to share with Chinook 5th Graders. The students loved the pictures, and surprisingly knew several of the idioms. The next time I have an opportunity to share this book with 5th graders I hope to have enough time to allow them to create and illustrate their own list of idioms. They are rather creative bunch. I bet they would come up with some great ones.

Recommended for Grade 4 and up.

Mrs. Archer's rating 5 of 5!