The Cat Who Came in Off the Roof by Annie M. G. Schmidt

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, where we're determined to start 2016 off with a BANG...of bookish fun that is!

Today, we're shining the light on a NEW RELEASE set to hit bookstore and virtual shelves this month from the folks over at Delacorte Press.  It's a title that was released once-upon-a-time but is finding new light with a new generation and a new cover.  Ready to take a gander at what all the fuss IS and WILL BE about a smidge early?  Your wish is my command!  Today's book of choice is...

The Cat Who Came in Off the Roof

by

Annie M. G. Schmidt

9780553535006

Delacorte Press

About the book...

In the tradition of The Cricket in Times Square comes this charming tale of courage, friendship, and what it really means to be human. This classic, which originated in Holland and has withstood the test of time worldwide, will appeal to readers young and old—and dog and cat lovers alike!

An act of kindness brings shy reporter Mr. Tibble into contact with the unusual Miss Minou. Tibble is close to losing his job because he only writes stories about cats. Fortunately, Minou provides him with real news. She gets the juicy inside information from her local feline friends, who are the eyes and ears of the neighborhood. Tibble is appreciative, but he wonders how she does it. He has noticed that Minou is terrified of dogs and can climb trees and rooftops with elegance and ease. . . . It's almost as if she's a cat herself. But how can that be?

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This is a curious tale to say the least.  To say that it was magical seems too bold and yet how can you say anything but?  I mean, we're talking about a young lady who once was a cat, has much cattishness about her still, and has a heavy hand in Mr. Tibble's becoming the man he was meant to be.  If that's not magical, I'm not sure I know what is...

Mr. Tibble is a newspaperman; big on heart and a bit short on story.  His primary focus has been on the feline members of the community and while they are rather touching, his boss is fairly certain they don't make good news.  Well, they may not MAKE good news but they sure do know how to get the dirt on WHATEVER is going down...and thanks to the sudden appearance of Miss Minou, they've finally a voice that can be heard.  That's right!  Of all the cattish traits she retains in her human form, being able to chat with the local felines proves to be the real kicker.  With her help, Mr. Tibble is saved, lost, and saved one more time for good measure, with many ups and downs along the way.  It's her catlike tendencies that both endure and isolate her.  I mean if a random stranger entered your house through an attic window and wished to curl up in a box after a good "bath", wouldn't you be a bit put off?  Yeah, that's what I thought.  This dance that our leads seem to be constantly learning the steps to, puts them in a tenuous relationship that may just prove to be something more if only they give each other the space and a chance to be their true selves, thus learning to cherish those things that make them stand out from the crowd.

Let's talk characters a moment more.  Mr. Tibble became a favorite when he finally got the gumption to write the story that needed to be written...proof or no proof.  He put his faith in those he cared for and that cared for him in return while also placing his career on the line.  That took guts, a leap of faith, and a BIG heart.  The neighborhood cats were a hoot and boy will it make you think twice about what you say in front of your fur babies the next time you THINK you're alone.  *-*  Miss Minou, on the other hand, I had a hard time getting a feel for.  I get the cattish part of her personality and actions, but they were constantly at battle with her human side...and then we were still trying to determine if she was really just off her rocker or previously a member of the feline family.  Which one is it?  I'll never tell, but the reason for that is not simply to keep you on edge.  The reason is because the uncovering of the truth at its heart is what makes the journey worthwhile.  It's not just a story about cats, humans, and the secrets they keep.  It's about what happens when we let ourselves be open to new ideas, people, and experiences, allowing our true colors as well as those of the people (and critters!) around us, to shine through.

All in all, a story that's as timeless as the messages it imparts.  It reminds us to be true to ourselves, stand up for those that need the helping hand we can provide, and that every voice no matter how small...MATTERS.  Recommended read for Children's Fiction fans of all ages (and species!).  The magic is minimal but the friendship and love shared is unlimited. 

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About the author...

1911-1995

Anna Maria Geertruida Schmidt was a Dutch writer.

Although she wrote a variety of poems, songs, books, plays, musicals, and radio- en television drama, she is known best for her children's literature, for which she received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1988. She committed suicide a day after her 84th birthday and was buried in Amsterdam.

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Special thanks to Cassie at Random House Children's Books for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is COMING SOON via Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Chidlren's Books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing JANUARY 19th!

Until next time...happy reading!