The Catawampus Cat

This is, by far, one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. Mr. Eaton's writing is for children and adults of all ages. It makes individuality in one's thinking a true gift. The ability to size up the world and motivate to bring out the best in all those around us resonates throughout this book. This book is my new go-to gift for everyone. My ambition is to be a Catawampus Cat. Here is hoping I already am.

good lessons

The cat arrived in town one day and no one noticed at first. Then a grocer noticed the cat who walked entirely askew, crooked to the world. He and his wife tilted their heads to match and discovered her lost wedding ring, romance blossomed. Soon others in town were tilting too. The barber discovered a new haircut, a housepainter created modern art, the librarian pulled a different book out and found a new passion, and a young boy discovered a new way to look at math. The town entirely changed, rebuilding their houses to be crooked and having their cars made that way too. They named a day after the cat and threw a big event. But in the end, the cat had a new way once again of looking at things.Eaton’s writing is playful and fresh. He embraces thoroughly the impact of a crooked cat on an entire city, one small change after another building to an entire shift in the society. The picture book looks not only at how one individual’s point of view can change the world but also about how being flexible enough to look at the world from a different viewpoint can change an individual and improve a life. The entire book is hopeful, funny and joyful.Gordon’s illustrations are a mix of collage and painting. With lighthearted cartoon style, they are immensely appealing. Done in subtle colors, they combine vintage clippings, photographs of objects and loose-lined illustrations.A winsome picture book, this one can be used to spark discussion about our own catawampus approach to life. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

The Catawampus Cat is an inspiring story that will touch the hearts of both children and adults ❤️ From the very first page it captivates you with its adorable illustrations, taking you on a journey with a "slightly askew" cat through a very busy town filled with busy people. The setting is all too familiar for us adults, and even children these days, as we go through life from one thing to the next with our busy schedules. Everyday things that we have come to just take for granted, and how our days can become just routine and necessary. The Catawampus Cat shows the readers that if you look at things from a different angle, a different perspective, what has become ordinary and dull can suddenly give you renewed joy and make you smile. To be open minded to new ideas and open hearted with those around us. This is a story you will want to pass down from generation to generation. So tilt your head and look at things differently like the Catawampus Cat and embrace the beauty of this world 😊

This book is wonderful! Just from the get-go I loved the title. Catawampus is a word that should be used more often in day to day conversation. This cat comes to town and people can't help but notice he's different. And through that difference he encourages people to see the world another way and wonderful things start to happen! Mr. Eaton writes fabulous kids books that I really enjoy sharing with the children in my life but this one is my favorite, hands down. I will be sharing this book with lots of grown-ups too. And the illustrations! Mr Gordon does beautifully happy drawings but the thing that really stuck out to me as genius was the use of collage that draws your eye to tiny details. I hope these two do lots more books together. And I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do.

Funny, touching, and really really clever. This book feels a bit like Extra Yarn. It has the feel of an old fable, but the artwork is really lively and fun. Plus, the message (be different, be interesting, be catawumpus) is beautiful and one that I really want for my kids to internalize, but the author doesn't hit you over the head with the message (which is my biggest pet peeve in kid's books).This one feel like a real classic.

All of Eaton's books are perfectly quirky and full of joy. I can't say enough about Barbarians, and this one is even better. My kids go straight to his books on their self, and continue to re-read them. This one works for both my 6 and 8 year old (I was surprised that my 8 YO was interested, but what do you know?). If you are trying to raise interesting kids, stock up on Eaton's stuff. Can't wait to see what he releases next! Only hope (if he is reading) that he increases the grade level of his books as my kids get older so that they don't age out!

This is a book that both children and adults alike will enjoy. Fun play on words with delightful illustrations.