Homer the Library Cat

Reeve Lindbergh (author)

Anne Wilsdorf (illustrator)

Walker Books, UK: Australian release October 2011

ISBN: 9781406336566

Genres: picture book

Homer is definitely a stay-at-home cat of quiet and peaceful habits. Mice play with his ball; he purrs when he hears or sees a bird. So when there is a loud CRASH, Homer is terrified – the more so when his frantic dash for safety leaves him stranded, desperate to find the quiet human who shares his house. How can Homer possibly find her amidst the noise and bustle of the city around him?

There is a seemingly endless supply of rhyming texts for beginner readers at the moment which is disappointing given that poetic prose is always to be preferred to contrived rhyme. Homer the Library Cat is a charming story that can be read expressively without having to push too hard to achieve expression and yet maintain rhythm but the rhyme doesn't seem to contribute anything to the narrative.

Wilsdorf's delightful watercolour illustrations are full of energy and capture completely Homer's desperate search for the safety of his 'quiet lady', as well as his joy when he finds her. The images carry a considerable amount of detail that draws the reader into the world of the story, as well as encouraging observation and discussion. The extraordinary range of expressions that Wilsdorf manages to convey in her drawings of Homer strongly suggests someone who has been owned by or is at least familiar with a strong feline personality.

Children will love the idea of a cat who ends up adopting a library. Librarians with a creative edge could have fun finding a toy cat to hide around their bookshelves in order to encourage youngsters to 'find Homer'. Obvious extension is an investigation of the source of the library cat's name.