Purrsnikitty
By Kathy Brodsky
illustrated by Cameron Bennett

This book states that it is intended for cat lovers both old and young. I am not really a cat lover but my daughter, wife, mother-in-law and sister in law all are. This book captures the essence and spirit of a cat and the cat's relationship to the family and the environment it lives in. My daughter loved the book and wanted it read again and again. It is well written and wonderfully illustrated. It has a good discussion guide for helping young children articulate about owning pets and even about their own family dynamics. This is a book we will enjoy over and over again.

Title: Purrsnikitty
Author: Kathy Brodsky

Book Description:

"I'm a very special cat! I say that every day - I love myself so very much and always get my way".

Cat lovers young and old know these words ring true. When Kathy Brodsky was asking her cat-loving friends what they thought of those lines, all shook their heads in agreement. ”Yes,” they said, “that’s my cat!”

If you’re a cat lover, you’ll laugh and sigh with each page of text and illustrations of “Purrsnikitty”. The book is about cats and the silly, funny and exasperating things they do. Because they are territorial, cats like to control their domain; but sometimes they’ll share their space with others. Cats enrich the lives of people who live with them — as the cats themselves know very well. Most cats have their “owners” properly trained.

About the Author:
Kathy Brodsky is a psychotherapist, poet and author living in New Hampshire. Purrsnikitty is her fourth picture book–following Just Sniffing Around, The Inside Story, and My Bent Tree. She is also the author of Moments in Our Lives — a book of short vignettes about life and its transitions. Kathy loves spending time with family and friends and she hates to miss her daily swim!

About the Illustrator:
Cameron Bennett first met Kathy Brodsky in, of all places, his Argentine Tango class. While he was showing her steps, she was showing him plans for her first children’s book My Bent Tree. ”Need an illustrator?” he asked, and the two have been working together ever since. Cameron also does magazine illustration and teaches drawing and painting at the New Hampshire Institute of Art. He still teaches Tango, but currently only to his adorable two-year-old daughter Saskia.

My Thoughts:
This is such a BEAUTIFUL book! Our whole family has enjoyed reading this book. We are cat loving people and love books that are true to the persnickety nature of cats. The pictures are beautiful and engaging. The book has themes to talk about with included discussion questions at the end. A couple of themes that are included are responsible pet ownership and sibling rivalry. Neither of my boys are old enough to go over the questions but it makes the book even more versatile and good for all ages of children. This is a very cute story that flows and rhymes really well. This a must have for cat lovers!

Buy It:
You can buy Purrsnikitty for $19.99 US.

Disclaimer: This book was provided for review. I was in no way compensated for this post. Everything written is my own thoughts and feelings. Thank you!

Purrsnikitty
Kathy Brodsky
ill. Cameron Bennett

"I'm a very special cat. I say that everyday."

Purrsnikitty is a cat who was adopted from a shelter into a loving home. Purrsnikitty knows who runs the house - the cat, of course.

Purrsnikitty is a normal household cat. Everything Purrsnikitty does are things we see in our domestic cats every day.Whether it is scratching the sofa, climbing onto bookcases, or being jealous of the new puppy in the house, this book shows how it is like for a family with a pet.

This book was given "the acid test". A six-year-old read the book at bedtime. She liked the story and wanted to read it again the next night. She is a cat owner and was able to recognize Purrsnikitty's actions. I also read the book aloud to a four-year-old who followed the pictures. Purrsnikitty looks like one of her grandmother's cats, Misty, so she identified immediately with the book. She would look at pictures and point out Misty. She liked having the book read to her (of course she likes to have almost any book read to her) and interacted as we discussed the pictures.

Cameron Bennett's pictures of the cat are good and realistic. Most of the positions and actions are immediately recognizable from any living cat. The funniest are on the page where Purrsnikitty swallows a hairball and spits it back up. The pictures of the little girl and the family are old fashioned. The family could easily be one from the primary readers I had in first grade.

The words are given a special look as well, They are positioned in different places on the pages to go with the actions in the pictures. Some of the words important to Purrsnikitty, such as "scratch", are in a different font or a different color. It makes the words stand out and adds to the story.

Kathy Brodsky's Purrsnikitty has a few other under stories besides how the cat acts. It includes the responsibilities of pet ownership. There is the acceptance of another - Purrsnikitty is most unhappy when a puppy is brought to the house. The two eventually become good friends.

At the end of the book Kathy Brodsky has included a couple pages of questions and answers for the child to consider. They could be used in a story time group or in one on one conversations the the child. The questions are more than just about Purrsnikitty or having a pet. They cover other emotions mentioned, such as jealousy. Purrsnikitty was jealous of the new puppy - has the child been jealous of a brother or sister?

Purrsnikitty is a pleasing book that the target age group will appreciate. Pursnikitty isn't a cat with special powers, rather an ordinary house cat. House cats have their own special powers in the love, fun, and frustration they provide. Children can see their own pets in Purrsnikitty.

Purrsnikitty
By Kathy Brodsky
illustrated by Cameron Bennett

This is a great little book for kids preschool to early elementary. I love the main character the cat. He looks just like my cat (see picture at top of blog). Everything that the cat does in the book our cat does. We even got our cat at the shelter like the family in the book. There are questions in the back of the book to ask children when you are done reading the book. The rhyming nature should make it easy for kids to read and learn the story. Great book.

PURRSNIKITTY
Review by Karlynn Johnston

Does this describe your cat?

“I’m a very special cat!I say that every day – I love myself so very much and always get my way.”

It surely describes our family cat, right down to the “love myself so very much”. Don’t get me wrong, we love her too, but there is a self-centeredness to cats that you just don’t get with other animals.

This hilarious book is perfect for all cat lovers, big or small. The illustrations are really well done, Cameron Bennet does an excellent job conveying our little self-centered main character.

The story is cute, my daughter loves it because a dog comes into the household partway through the book, something that my children are desperately hoping for in the near future.

At the end are a couple of little questionnaires for the kids to answer about their pets, and their family, which were fun to do.

Reading level: ages 3 and up

Page Count: 35 pages

Publisher: Helpingwords (2010)

Publisher’s synopsis: “I’m a very special cat? I say that every day – I love myself so very much and always get my way.” Cat lovers young and old know these words ring true. They all agree, ‘ yes, that’s my cat!’ If you love cats you’ll laugh and sigh with each page of Purrsnikitty. This brightly illustrated children’s picture book is a story told in rhyming verse about the fun ways cats impact our lives, touching on the role of animal shelters. Each book includes questions for parents, teachers and older children. The pictures are vibrant – acrylic paint on canvas. Parents, teachers, and kids all love the story. Younger kids like the rhyme, while older kids understand the messages. Kathy’s books “grow with the child,” as many readers say. Purrsnikitty is a fun story from beginning to end!

http://thesupermom.com/childrens-book-review-purrsnikitty

Book Pleasures
PURRSNIKITTY

Author: Kathy Brodsky
Illustrator: Cameron Bennett
Title: Purrsnikitty
Publisher: Helpingwords
ISBN-13: 978-0-578-05059-1
ISBN-10: 0-578-05059-5

As a cat lover, I could not help but be highly amused by the antics of the precocious and self-indulgent feline whose adventures fill the pages of this delightful, oh-so-true-to-life picture book. A rhyming story, Purrsnikitty tells of a cat who is taken home from an animal shelter by a loving family, who absolutely dote on her. But trouble comes in the form of another four-legged interloper—a dog! The reaction is as predictable as it is amusing: “Another pet! What’s wrong with them? / A dog! Why not a mouse?” The answer to that question is, of course, self-explanatory, especially in the light of the fact that, only a few pages earlier, the narrator of this feline tale has described how “Sometimes I like to play around and pounce on things I see, / I may bring home a furry gift [picture of cat sitting proudly in front of upended, reposed in death mouse neatly placed before family] for friends and family.” What happens to the two arch protagonists of this tale, I’ll leave to you to find out…

Brodsky states in her afterword to Purrsnikitty that the idea of writing a book about cats came after she had given a talk to a women’s group, to which she had just read her picture book about her pet dog, Cali, entitled Just Sniffing Around. A member of her audience approached her with the suggestion that she write a book about their feline counterparts, with Purrsnikitty being the result. Purrsnikitty is more than just the standard picture book fare, however, as it also contains discussion questions about cats, other pets and family members. Such questions should encourage the young child to think more deeply about their relations with family pets and their siblings. Consideration of others is a key note of this text, as it teaches the reader an awareness of others, who are not always like themselves.

Brodsky is a licensed psychotherapist, who brings her professional focus to her picture books, of which she has already written three others. Children love the continuing characters in Brodsky’s titles, which include a special pine tree, a red bird and a little girl with red pigtails. The continuity of characters conveys a sense of comfort to children. Purrsnikitty has been used as a creative fundraiser for animal shelters in New England, where a cat contest was held to find a cat to star in the title role. The illustrator, Cameron Bennett, has a young daughter of his own, so is an able portrayer of animals for young people. He also teaches drawing and painting at the New Hampshire Institute of Art, so is keenly aware of the educational benefits to be derived from such media.

A worthwhile investment for any parents who wish to bring up their children to love animals, Purrsnikitty is an ideal and reassuring bedtime companion. In short, it has earned both the cat and dog golden paw print of approval (Meow! Woof!).

Lois C. Henderson, reviewer for Book Pleasures

PURRSNIKITTY

Kathy Brodsky
ISBN: 978-0-578-05059-1
Publisher: Helping Words
Publication Date: October 1, 2010

Purrsnikitty, which I can only imagine is pronounced [per-snick-itty], is the humorous tale of an adorable cat that is very aware of just how wonderful and special he is! After being rescued from a shelter, because he was the best, Purrsnikitty learns the ways of being a pet and part of the family. He has the normal troubles of a cat, including hair balls, learning not to jump and break things, and general mischief. However, he also has all the perks! He can sit so tall, curl up anywhere, strut his stuff and hide! He likes to play, which includes chasing and pouncing on things he sees. The family is not overjoyed when Purrsnikitty bring home the things he has pounced on. As a result they buy him a bell to warn all mice and birds that he is around. He has the grooming needs of a kitty and easily gets himself in trouble by scratching up the couch. This always curious, territorial cat is thrown for a loop when the new family member is brought home! After all, what cat needs a dog? Soon even Purrsnikitty realizes how wonderful another family member can be. He likes to snuggle with dog when he is cold, and play with dog now that he is big! Purrsnikitty again learns about being friends and part of a family.

What a wonderful delightful book! My daughters loved it! My four year old daughter has asked to read it multiple times. Here is what she says when asked about the book:

“They went to the shelter and picked out Purrsnikitty, he was the best! He licked his fur, got hair in his mouth and spit it out! YUCK! He broke stuff. The little girl’s mother says “No kitty!” He sits, he curls, he walks and hides. Why does he hide? The kitty chased the mouse and then gives it to his parents. He was a bad kitty who scratched the couch. He got in trouble for that. He stares and jumps at birds. His bell rang, it scared the bird. They bring home a little doggy. He doesn’t like him, he likes mice. The doggy takes walks and cuddles. He got big and they were all friends! This book is great! My favorite part is all about the kitty.”

As you can see, my daughter had plenty to say about this wonderful book. It tackles the daily life of a cat, but also goes deeper by prompting the reader to realize when the kitty behaves and misbehaves. It also tackles the issues of being a responsible pet owner as well as how to adjust to new people, whether friends or family. There are wonderful discussion questions at the end of this book that my daughter has asked to read and discuss. The questions are just as much fun for her as reading the book. She readily answers me and we have engaged in many conversations regarding family, friends and others due to the questions. Purrsnikitty is a book full of fun and learning for all ages. Children are bound to love this adorable tale!

Tiffany

**Reviewer for http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com/

Children’s books – and their art – get spotlight

By Rebecca Rule
Published: Sunday, March 15, 2009

“The Inside Story” by Kathy Brodsky; illustrated by Cameron Bennett; Helpingwords; cloth; 38 pages; $19.99.

Manchester’s Kathy Brodsky gives young readers “The Inside Story” in her new book about what happens on those occasions (rare these days, it seems) when one writes and mails a personal letter, told from the point of view of an envelope.

I’m sitting cozy in my box,
just dozing every day . . .
Suddenly someone pulls me out.
I hope it’s time to play.

Instead of playtime, the envelope finds himself stuffed, inked, sealed, stamped and mailed. The adventure begins.

Bennett’s illustrations give this envelope loads of personality. Luckily, he has eyes, a mouth and little hands to express himself. The street-corner mailbox, for example, is just plain scary:

Oh, dear!
Is she taking me
to some far distant place.
She opens up a monster door.
I’m trapped in a very dark space.

Our hero joins a crowd of other envelopes, all with eyes that glow in the dark. Some of those eyes are downright menacing. On he goes to the mail truck, mail chute, sorting machine. The mailman delivers him safe and sound, but that isn’t the end of the story. It’s time to be recycled.

I’m at a factory, bundled and stacked,
then spun inside a machine.
They wash and bleach us,
and call us pulp.
I’m dizzy and scared but don’t scream.

The envelope accepts his fate with courage. And, between us, he’s better off in the end than in the beginning because he’s transformed into . . . a surprise ending.

There is some good information here about how the post office works and how recycling works, too. Brodsky includes two pages of discussion questions for teachers and parents, as well as several suggestions for related activities, including some on the theme of change.

“What new uses can you find for scrap paper, newspaper, boxes, bottles, cans, bottle caps or Popsicle sticks? Can you think of new uses for other things?”

And, “Look at old pictures of yourself. What do you notice? Have you changed? Are there any things about you that haven’t changed? What are they?”

Like Brodsky’s first book, “My Bent Tree,” this one started as a poem. The idea for the poem came from a friend’s comment. When Brodsky offered to mail some envelopes, the friend said: “They’ll be very happy.” That sparked the image of happy envelopes and their adventures.

Both of Brodsky’s books are printed on recycled paper.

Kids will love this story - and so will you

By REBECCA RULE
For the Monitor
July/2008

One day, as Kathy Brodsky walked her dog along a familiar route, she noticed a crooked pine tree. And it got her thinking.

Brodsky, who lives in Manchester and works as a therapist and life coach, plays at poetry. In her first book for children, My Bent Tree, work and play merge. The crooked pine reminded her of a childhood illness that changed her life. At age 4, she contracted polio. With the help of her mother, her doctor and rigorous physical therapy, she regained the strength polio had taken away. Furthermore, in her 40 years as a counselor, she has witnessed, again and again, the human struggle to "overcome personal difficulties that started in childhood." The stories her clients have told her "often reveal great courage, inner strength and joy."

A sudden creative insight identified that crooked pine as a living symbol of challenges turned into strength. In My Bent Tree a little girl - maybe 4 - walks in the green and purply woods painted by Cameron Bennett.

One day I was walking . . .

and was so surprised!!

I spotted a bent pine

beside the straight guys.

Another surprise: The tree can talk. He's a cheerful pine, with expressive eyes, brows, mouth and hands shaped within his thick needles. "Who are you?" the little girl asks.

"I am who you see,"

the tree said to me.

"I try to stand tall

and straight as can be. . . ."

A deep bend in his trunk shows where he was stuck by lightning as a young tree. He was wounded, but not killed. Above the wound, he grew straight toward the sky. He's different from the other trees, but strong. "Sometimes we are fine," he tells the little girl, "in spite of our dents."

The story could have ended here, with this message of survival, healing and friendship. But - isn't this always the way - trouble comes in the form of a proposed strip mall that would level the forest for a parking lot. The little girl and her neighbors rally to save their "green." Through protest and compromise, the story comes to a satisfying conclusion.

Brodsky includes questions for discussion - some about people and some about trees. The rhymes will pull young readers into the story, the illustrations will enchant them, and the questions will get them thinking further about what it means to be different, the nature of change and changes in nature. For more information on this locally published book, check mybenttree.com.

Kathy was featured in the New Hampshire Union Leader.
Click here to read 5 Questions with Kathy Brodsky.

Courtesy Union Leader

My Bent Tree
by Kathy Brodsky
March/2008
Reviewed by Susan M. Andrus
www.midwestbookreview.com

If you have ever wondered how to teach children about activism but lacked the resources that would help further your cause, My Bent Tree presents an opportunity to teach many lessons about diversity, activism, accepting differences, and working for justice.

In this brightly illustrated children's picture book, My Bent Tree leads the reader to appreciate differences in others and how helping them leads to rewards for herself. In this story written in rhyme, a child finds a tree in the woods that she notices is not perfect in every way, but she appreciates its shade and company. Soon, it becomes her favorite tree. Later, when the woods might be cut down to build a strip mall, the child, now a young adult, works with others to lobby against taking down all the trees, and a portion of the woods is set aside for a green space near the strip mall.

As a way to teach activism, ecology, and appreciation of those who are less than perfect, the book ends with two pages of discussion questions that guide teachers and parents in fostering inclusive attitudes toward others rather than discarding or disrespecting those who are less than perfect. Based on the author's own experiences of struggling to overcome the effects of polio and her subsequent work as a social worker, Brodsky's motivation in writing My Bent Tree was to show that "by reaching out and helping others, we also help ourselves."

Author Kathy Brodsky is a psychotherapist, life coach and poet living in New Hampshire. Her first book, Moments in Our Lives published in 2004 is a collection of vignettes told in verse about life's turning points from the birth of a baby through old age.

Illustrator Cameron Bennett has been illustrating children's books since 1977 when he was six years old. My Bent Tree is his first published children's book. He is also a portrait painter, and teaches Argentine Tango. To learn more about Cameron Bennett, go to www.cameronbennettart.com.

Susan M. Andrus
Reviewer