Starred review from November 1, 2015
This little cat's luck turns out to be dependent on the kindness of strangers, and that, most satisfyingly, connects back to her own unerring kindness. In free verse that cascades down the pages in short lines--ever so inviting to newly fledged independent readers--Bauer deftly navigates inside cat Patches' adventures after she darts from her cherished home to chase a tumbling leaf. Lost and desperately hungry, she nevertheless spares the life of a tiny captured mouseling who has the courage to ask, "Please!" As Patches realizes, "Making conversation with your dinner / is never / a good idea. / It makes the first bite / so very / hard / to take." Patches in turn is aided by a huge, lonely (and therefore mean) dog, Gus, who spends his pathetic life alone in the yard. It's in his doghouse that Patches gives birth to three unexpected kittens. True, it's all been done before, this clever manipulation of print, extending words down--and sometimes up--a page to reflect their action. But Bauer is a master of that skill and crafts, with remarkably little text, memorable, fully understandable characters with achingly real worries and sorrows. Patches' ultimate understanding of Gus' needs is enchanting, appropriate for a tale that's as much a gentle parable as it is a novel. Bell's softly shaded illustrations are a perfect accompaniment. Excellent for young readers and all cat lovers. (Verse fiction. 7-12)
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January 1, 2016
Gr 2-5-An inquisitive little calico house cat, on the prowl for a special place all her own, slips through a loose window screen and finds herself outside, where falling golden leaves lure her far away from home. At first, one may think that a cat wandering through town does not make for much of a story. But with deliberate pacing, the feline's adventures escalate, and while her boldness grows, so do readers' trepidations. Indeed, the ensuing encounter with the meanest dog in town reaches climactic suspense, but readers still don't know why the little cat named Patches is seeking a place of her own-though there are some clues. Written in free verse and using concrete poetry elements interspersed with charming black-and-white drawings, the book engages on many levels. The writing in verse shows careful use of words; each sentence is spare but laden with meaning that moves the story forward. The use of free verse also makes the narration intimate and immediate, pulling readers right into the events. The story at its most basic is about families and love, but other themes are present, such as friendship, neglect, bravery, and determination. This is an endearing tale that is told with warmth and humor and a great understanding of love. This companion novel to Little Dog, Lost (S. & S., 2012) shines all on its own. VERDICT A good buy for young readers, whether they are animal lovers or not, and equally appealing to reluctant and voracious readers.-Gretchen Crowley, Alexandria City Public Libraries, VA
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2016
Grades 3-5 A tiny cat searching for a special spot, a misunderstood dog, and a tribe of squirrels and birds, plus one bewildered mouse, come together in this free-verse narrative about being lost and finding one's place. One day a dancing leaf beckons to Patches, and soon the cat has wandered far from home. She takes shelter in a doghouse, and grumpy canine Gus is none too pleased when he discovers his house guest. He comes around, however, once he realizes Patches needs a safe place to give birth. When she lets Gus name a kitten and calls another Gustina in honor of her host, a bond is cemented between the two. Complications arise when Gus becomes possessive of his kittens, and Patches' human girl needs to be found, but, happily, a host of animals and people come to help. Newbery Honor Book author Bauer (On My Honor, 1987) has written a poetic and charming tale for young readers, bolstered by Bell's adorable, breezy illustrations. Animal lovers will want to take this home pronto.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2016
A drifting leaf lures calico house cat Patches outside and into surprising adventures in this companion to Little Dog, Lost. Patches's benevolence toward the animals she meets, especially Gus the dog, returns to her in spades in this kindhearted novel written in easy-to-read free verse. The story is a bit message-y but still appealing, its warmth aptly reflected in Bell's softly shaded illustrations.
(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)