Synopses & Reviews
The cat was fond of the mans potato soup,
which made him love her a breath more,
but not sos youd notice.
There was an old man, an ol' Texas boy, who lived on a road called Chatterpie with an uppity old cat -- a cat who'd rather eat potato soup than catch blackbirds. A cat who liked to go fishing and sit on the bow of the old man's boat, her face into the wind, like she was a hood ornament. "Fool cat, " the old man would say. "You ain't nobody's prize." Then one day something unexpected happens, and they both learn that even the most cantankerous love can inspire acts of heroic proportions -- but not, of course, so's you'd notice.
With down-home language thats a joy to read aloud, Terry Farish tells a wry, unconventional love story about an unlikely pair of curmudgeons - brought to life in glowing illustrations by Barry Root.
Review
"Terry Farish demonstrates herself an exciting new talent in the genre with this casually told yet tender tale about the prickly friendship between an old man and his cat...kids...will appreciate the rhythmic storytelling, the lively individuality, and the irascible yet endearing relationship between these memorable characters." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review
Review
"This book takes the time to slowly work the puzzle out...but the narrator's slow country tone keeps us reassured that each of [the characters] will always have a place for the other." Chicago Tribune
Review
"This is a vernacular tale of a pair of curmudgeons, human and feline, who encounter an unexpected event..." Yellow Brick Road
Review
"Farish and Root prove a dynamic team in this endearing tale." Publishers Weekly, starred review
Review
"The book design has a simple elegance that showcases the folksy, rather poetic text. The quiet, watercolor-and-gouache paintings are especially handsome, and Root portrays both the characters with warmth, dignity, and restraint." Booklist
Review
"The carefully chosen words and charming simplicity of the illustrations lead to an unsentimental, but very satisfying tale of companionship." School Library Journal, starred review
Review
"Older readers especially will be pleased and amused by Farish's evocative language as well as the rich array of subtle verbal and visual nuances here." Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
There once was an old man who lived with an uppity old cat. Then one day something unexpected happens, and they both learn that even the most cantankerous love can inspire acts of heroic proportions. Full color.
Synopsis
With down-home language thats a joy to read aloud, Terry Farish tells a wry, unconventional love story about an unlikely pair of curmudgeons - brought to life in glowing illustrations by Barry Root.The cat was fond of the mans potato soup,
which made him love her a breath more,
but not sos youd notice.
There was an old man, an ol Texas boy, who lived on a road called Chatterpie with an uppity old cat - a cat whod rather eat potato soup than catch blackbirds. A cat who liked to go fishing and sit on the bow of the old mans boat, her face into the wind, like she was a hood ornament. "Fool cat," the old man would say. "You aint nobodys prize." Then one day something unexpected happens, and they both learn that even the most cantankerous love can inspire acts of heroic proportions - but not, of course, sos youd notice.
About the Author
Terry Farish currently teaches nonfiction writing at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in Portland, Maine, a semester-long immersion program for graduate and undergraduate students interested in documenting an aspect of life in Maine. A one-time children's librarian, she continues to present children's programs in many communities using multicultual stories and folktales. Terry Farish lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.