| PUSSY CAT, PUSSY CAT, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? |
| Illustrated by Rae Maté |
In the classic nursery rhyme "Pussycat, Pussycat,"
Pussycat travels to London to visit the Queen. But
where else does Pussycat go? These vivid, dreamy
poems and illustrations reveal the rest of Pussycat's
adventures. The trip takes readers to far-flung,
magical places of the world and also deeper into
Pussycat's heart, as they learn what he wishes for,
what soothes his sorrow, where he hides when he is
scared, and what happens when he gets lost.
Pussycat travels to London to visit the Queen. But
where else does Pussycat go? These vivid, dreamy
poems and illustrations reveal the rest of Pussycat's
adventures. The trip takes readers to far-flung,
magical places of the world and also deeper into
Pussycat's heart, as they learn what he wishes for,
what soothes his sorrow, where he hides when he is
scared, and what happens when he gets lost.
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It's hard to decide which is more impressive: Rae Maté's stunning paintings or Dan Bar-el's
exhilarating adaptation of the traditional Mother Goose rhyme. What is certain is that together
they manage to breathe new life into a very old poem. ... Bar-el's rhymes scan beautifully,and the
language is never silly or simplistic. Each new verse challenges young readers to explore -
linguistically, geographically, even emotionally. ... Maté's breathtaking oil paintings keep the
poem grounded and give parents reading aloud lots to point out and discuss. Maté's Pussycat is a
worldly, anthropomorphic gent who walks on two legs, with ancient yellow eyes that seem to look
simultaneously outward to the next adventure and inward to his own soul. ... This book may stray
from the path of tradition by rewriting an old classic, but it does so with an infallible inner
compass. The result is a tour de force that is sure to become a classic.
Chelsea Donaldson
Quill & Quire, May 2011
exhilarating adaptation of the traditional Mother Goose rhyme. What is certain is that together
they manage to breathe new life into a very old poem. ... Bar-el's rhymes scan beautifully,and the
language is never silly or simplistic. Each new verse challenges young readers to explore -
linguistically, geographically, even emotionally. ... Maté's breathtaking oil paintings keep the
poem grounded and give parents reading aloud lots to point out and discuss. Maté's Pussycat is a
worldly, anthropomorphic gent who walks on two legs, with ancient yellow eyes that seem to look
simultaneously outward to the next adventure and inward to his own soul. ... This book may stray
from the path of tradition by rewriting an old classic, but it does so with an infallible inner
compass. The result is a tour de force that is sure to become a classic.
Chelsea Donaldson
Quill & Quire, May 2011
"...the child enjoying this book is
most likely to be wholly caught up in
Maté's Chagall-esque colours and
dream-like combinations of the
surreal and the cozy."
The Toronto Star, May 21, 2011
most likely to be wholly caught up in
Maté's Chagall-esque colours and
dream-like combinations of the
surreal and the cozy."
The Toronto Star, May 21, 2011
Readers familiar with the original classic Mother Goose rhyme are in for a real treat with a
wonderful revamping. ... This adaptation is in the clever and creative hands of an award-winning
children's author, storyteller and educator, Dan Bar-el. The results are charming, whimsical
rhyming couplets that explore the continuing adventures of this sassy cat ... This delightful tale of
adventure, travel, and friendship is vividly brought to life by Rae Maté, with amazing, colourful
and imaginative illustrations rendered in acrylic paint. There is so much for little ones to see and
for parents to point out. The sometimes challenging text is well served by these splendid images
and make for a potent and unforgettable combination. This edition proves once again that Nursery
rhymes are a fun way to teach children of all ages about language, music and the fun of rhymes.
****/4 Highly Recommended
reviewed by Reesa Cohen
CM volume XVIII, number 1
wonderful revamping. ... This adaptation is in the clever and creative hands of an award-winning
children's author, storyteller and educator, Dan Bar-el. The results are charming, whimsical
rhyming couplets that explore the continuing adventures of this sassy cat ... This delightful tale of
adventure, travel, and friendship is vividly brought to life by Rae Maté, with amazing, colourful
and imaginative illustrations rendered in acrylic paint. There is so much for little ones to see and
for parents to point out. The sometimes challenging text is well served by these splendid images
and make for a potent and unforgettable combination. This edition proves once again that Nursery
rhymes are a fun way to teach children of all ages about language, music and the fun of rhymes.
****/4 Highly Recommended
reviewed by Reesa Cohen
CM volume XVIII, number 1
| TOP TEN READS 2011 TIMES-COLONIST NEWSPAPER VICTORIA, BC "Vivid, dreamy poems and illustrations reveal the further charming adventures of Pussycat after his visit to the queen." |
| See the book trailer here! |
Resource Links Review, Excellent Rating
Dan Bar-el has taken Pussycat from the traditional rhyme far beyond London and the
Queen’s chair in a delightful romp around the world. The rich language is embellished
with the beautiful and equally rich illustrations by Rae Mate. Printed on heavy, glossy
paper this picture book is high quality in all ways.
Pussycat’s narrative is shared with a young girl in her nightgown, as she quizzes him
on his adventures following the scaring of the mouse. His journey takes him from
France to Australia to the frozen North to Egypt, to the Canadian Prairies and beyond.
“Pussycat, Pussycat, did you get lost?
I strayed from the path at whatever the cost.
Pussycat, Pussycat, but were you all right?
The kindness of strangers gave warmth to my night.”
The accompanying illustration shows Pussycat sipping chocolate around a campfire
with an elderly woman, a young child and an alligator! Charming.
The ending is most satisfying, with Pussycat claiming he “always will roam” but
inviting the young girl, now in her coat and cap, to “travel with me, my partner, my
friend.” The illustration shows them arm in arm, under a full moon, with a mouse
perched on the girl’s beret.
Dan Bar-el’s gift as a storyteller is evident throughout. The rhythm and rhyme of this
story will make it a wonderful read aloud or pleasurable for a child to read on their
own. Rae Mate’s considerable artistic skill shines. The whimsical illustrations enhance
the story and will capture the attention of the young non-reader who could explore
Pussycat’s adventures without the text. This book will also be enjoyed by children who
like to memorize poems.
This wonderful book, likely to be become a classic, is highly recommended.
Thematic Links: Stories in Verse; Adapted Nursery Rhymes; Circular Journeys;
Friendship
Dan Bar-el has taken Pussycat from the traditional rhyme far beyond London and the
Queen’s chair in a delightful romp around the world. The rich language is embellished
with the beautiful and equally rich illustrations by Rae Mate. Printed on heavy, glossy
paper this picture book is high quality in all ways.
Pussycat’s narrative is shared with a young girl in her nightgown, as she quizzes him
on his adventures following the scaring of the mouse. His journey takes him from
France to Australia to the frozen North to Egypt, to the Canadian Prairies and beyond.
“Pussycat, Pussycat, did you get lost?
I strayed from the path at whatever the cost.
Pussycat, Pussycat, but were you all right?
The kindness of strangers gave warmth to my night.”
The accompanying illustration shows Pussycat sipping chocolate around a campfire
with an elderly woman, a young child and an alligator! Charming.
The ending is most satisfying, with Pussycat claiming he “always will roam” but
inviting the young girl, now in her coat and cap, to “travel with me, my partner, my
friend.” The illustration shows them arm in arm, under a full moon, with a mouse
perched on the girl’s beret.
Dan Bar-el’s gift as a storyteller is evident throughout. The rhythm and rhyme of this
story will make it a wonderful read aloud or pleasurable for a child to read on their
own. Rae Mate’s considerable artistic skill shines. The whimsical illustrations enhance
the story and will capture the attention of the young non-reader who could explore
Pussycat’s adventures without the text. This book will also be enjoyed by children who
like to memorize poems.
This wonderful book, likely to be become a classic, is highly recommended.
Thematic Links: Stories in Verse; Adapted Nursery Rhymes; Circular Journeys;
Friendship