What If I'm Not a Cat?

Kari-Lynn Winters, Kelly Collier

Book cover for What If I'm Not a Cat?
Book cover for What If I'm Not a Cat?

What If I'm Not a Cat?

What If I'm Not a Cat?

Kari-Lynn Winters, Kelly Collier

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Description

A sweet, playful story about identity - and what it means to belong.

Why, of course Donkey's a cat. He spends all his time with the other cats on the farm. He licks his fur and pounces, just like they do. He even cuddles with them at nap time. Though, he must admit, sometimes he does feel ... a little off. So, when Farmer says to him, "Donkey, you're acting like a cat!" it gets him thinking. What if he's not a cat? And if not, then what is he? Will going off on his own help Donkey figure out what he is and where he belongs?

Award-winning author Kari-Lynn Winters's delightful story of self-discovery uses kid-perfect hilarity to deliver the message that every individual has something unique to offer to their community. The contrast between Donkey and his cat friends makes for laugh-out-loud silliness in Kelly Collier's endearing and amusing art (ever seen a Donkey perch on a fence post?). Pages are filled with spot illustrations, speech bubbles and action words that keep the visual appeal high. Sure to be a story-time crowd-pleaser, this picture book could easily spark discussions about identity, fitting in and belonging. It also works well for character education lessons on adaptability, inclusiveness, initiative and caring.

About the Author

Kari-Lynn Winters is an award-winning children's author, playwright, performer and academic scholar. An experienced teacher of writing, she has worked with students across Canada and the United States and is a professor at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Kelly Collier has been drawing since she was little and studied illustration in college. She is the author-illustrator of A Horse Named Steve and Team Steve, and the illustrator of Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle and the Izzy series. She has an identical twin sister and an older brother. The idea for A Horse Named Steve came from a doodle she did to fill a small empty frame at home. Kelly lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and daughter.

Critical Reviews

Delightful barnyard humor sends the important messages of embracing individual strengths and the power of friendship.--Kirkus Reviews

This title is a wonderful introduction to an essential topic on the minds of many children and parents - discovering one's identity ... a theme of positivity and gentleness [is] woven throughout the tale.--CM Magazine

Readers who enjoy unexpected and humorous stories will like this funny tale about a character whose differences are what make him best suited to his environment.--Children's Literature

Publishing Information

Publisher: Kids Can Press
Pub date: 2023-06-06
Length: 32 pages

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