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Up Cat
A cat can get tangled up in all kinds of fun and mischief between wake-up time and nap time. Follow along with the playful text as Cat laps up milk, messes up the house, gets up to no good, stands up to a visiting dog, and finally curls up for a nap in the sun. The expressive, energetic illustrations against simple backgrounds mirror the spare but rhythmic text that teaches about “up” actions while leading the reader through a day in the life of a cat. Together with Up Dog, this board book will soon be a favorite of toddlers and preschoolers who adore animals.
26 pages, Board book
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Hazel Hutchins
58 books16 followersBorn and raised in southern Alberta, Hazel is the author of over forty books for children. Her work covers a wide age range – from picture books for the youngest set to novels for older grades – and delights in enterprising characters, interesting facts, gentle humour and the natural warmth of friendship and family. A popular presenter at schools and libraries across Canada, Hazel's books are also found in translation in many corners of the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 27, 2021
It took a few tries to get through this book, as my 6 month old lost interest quickly. By 8 months, she was riveted by this adventurous cat, and the myriad ways in which “up” can be used in the English language. Page turner to the end!
March 3, 2012
Since I love well-illustrated picture-books, I spontaneously made use of the auto-approve opportunity for Hazel Hutchins' Up Cat on Netgalley. And I wish to thank the publisher for the chance to "read" it cover to cover, because illustrator "Fanny"'s many simple observations on what a cat may be "up" to all day long are really cute and in spite of the animal's babyish proportions cat-like. I dare to make the assumption that the illustrator has a member of the feline species among her good aquaintances. She gives the heroine a certain naughtiness and calculating, bored, excited or surprised eyes which make you say: "Yes. This is a cat alright."
I can imagine small kids being as enchanted by the pictures as I am. Can't you?
Yet, I think the book would work much better with a different text (i.e. one introducing the cat by name and telling a bit about her life) - or maybe even entirely without one. Hazel Hutchins uses the beautiful cat pictures rather as a colored background for a vocabulary list than as the visible half of a plot: After going through Up Cat several times you - or your child - practically cannot help remembering the approximately 25 verbs which can be combined with the preposition "up" (i.e. leap up, lap up ...). This leaves a didactical bytaste in my mouth - one that makes me ask whether bed-time-story-slots shouldn't rather be dedicated to fun and creative storytelling than to drilling in a boring list.
But maybe I am completely wrong. My baby brother is 25 now and sadly doesn't qualify anymore as a ginnea-pig for picture-book-testing. So my verdict is based completely on my own reacion, my own aversion to vocab drills and my own preference for delightingly wacky bylines that enhance or contradict the illustration, create a surprise or a giggle or initiate discussion. If you think differently, buy or borrow the book. It's "up" to you. The cat is lovely.
I can imagine small kids being as enchanted by the pictures as I am. Can't you?
Yet, I think the book would work much better with a different text (i.e. one introducing the cat by name and telling a bit about her life) - or maybe even entirely without one. Hazel Hutchins uses the beautiful cat pictures rather as a colored background for a vocabulary list than as the visible half of a plot: After going through Up Cat several times you - or your child - practically cannot help remembering the approximately 25 verbs which can be combined with the preposition "up" (i.e. leap up, lap up ...). This leaves a didactical bytaste in my mouth - one that makes me ask whether bed-time-story-slots shouldn't rather be dedicated to fun and creative storytelling than to drilling in a boring list.
But maybe I am completely wrong. My baby brother is 25 now and sadly doesn't qualify anymore as a ginnea-pig for picture-book-testing. So my verdict is based completely on my own reacion, my own aversion to vocab drills and my own preference for delightingly wacky bylines that enhance or contradict the illustration, create a surprise or a giggle or initiate discussion. If you think differently, buy or borrow the book. It's "up" to you. The cat is lovely.
February 29, 2012
Up Cat is such a cute little book. As someone who absolutely adores cats I really enjoyed reading this one.
The illustrations were so cute, the cat is adorable and the surroundings and actions the cat was doing were really well drawn.
The language is very simplistic so a child of about 3 years could love this one and possibly learn to read it themselves.
I thought that Up cat was a really great book for young children and those learning to read. The illustrations were so bright and colourful that I think any kid would be interested in Up Cat.
The illustrations were so cute, the cat is adorable and the surroundings and actions the cat was doing were really well drawn.
The language is very simplistic so a child of about 3 years could love this one and possibly learn to read it themselves.
I thought that Up cat was a really great book for young children and those learning to read. The illustrations were so bright and colourful that I think any kid would be interested in Up Cat.
November 23, 2013
What a cute little book for young cat lovers! An adorable kitten does things all of us are probably familiar seeing our cats do. It 'fills up', turns 'up' it's nose, scrunches 'up', and jumps 'up'.
As you can probably see the focus of the short sentences in this book is the word "UP". This is great for two reasons. First, it gives the text a rhythmic cadence, and second, it allows the book to be used to build children's reading confidence since they can 'read' the words themselves as they remember the words and get reminders from the drawings.
As you can probably see the focus of the short sentences in this book is the word "UP". This is great for two reasons. First, it gives the text a rhythmic cadence, and second, it allows the book to be used to build children's reading confidence since they can 'read' the words themselves as they remember the words and get reminders from the drawings.
July 10, 2019
“Up Cat” looks at all the little things a kitten can get ‘up’ to. Some things are silly and some things are fun. The illustrations are simple with their black outlines. It is a quick read and has fun with all the silly adventures a kitten gets to live. Great way to introduce kittens to children.
February 27, 2018
We read this book last week and I can’t even temper what it’s about so that’s why it only gets a 3 star
March 11, 2012
A feisty kitten welcomes us into her day with a morning stretch, a meal to fortify her for the day, and then she is off. The kitten practices a cat’s nose up, before she creeps up and then leaps up for a toy. If you ever wondered what a kitten does with her day, Up Cat will fill you in on all the fun and havoc. The story and text is simple, which can be the hardest to write. Can you imagine writing a children’s story with only 52 words? That is the number in Up Cat. The important word in each is the word up. Don’t let the simplicity fool you. Each story has a logical beginning and end, plus middle. Being repetitive, it helps the youngest kids gain confidence in their reading and a sense of mastery. They have humor, and entertain.
I fell in love with Up Cat. The illustrations are as good, if not better, than any picture book out last year, and probably this year. I like the illustrations because they perfectly fit the two words on each page. The kitten is adorable with expressions only a cat can produce. I keep saying kitten when it is actually a cat. To me, it is too small with overly delicate features to be a cat, but that is a subjective opinion that has no bearing on the story. Cat or kitten, Up Cat is a lovely book that toddlers and young children will treasure. Your child will enjoy reading this beautiful charmer over, and over, and over. I think your child will open Up Cat often. I have. The book has 22 pages, made of thick card to outlast tough little hands, and colorfully inviting.
Note: received book from publisher, Annick Press.
http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2012/03/09...
I fell in love with Up Cat. The illustrations are as good, if not better, than any picture book out last year, and probably this year. I like the illustrations because they perfectly fit the two words on each page. The kitten is adorable with expressions only a cat can produce. I keep saying kitten when it is actually a cat. To me, it is too small with overly delicate features to be a cat, but that is a subjective opinion that has no bearing on the story. Cat or kitten, Up Cat is a lovely book that toddlers and young children will treasure. Your child will enjoy reading this beautiful charmer over, and over, and over. I think your child will open Up Cat often. I have. The book has 22 pages, made of thick card to outlast tough little hands, and colorfully inviting.
Note: received book from publisher, Annick Press.
http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2012/03/09...
February 28, 2012
Hazel Hutchins presents an adorable look into the day of a cat in Up Cat. This mischievous little cat performs all sorts of actions that center around the word "UP". Since this was a vocabulary word that my kindergartners were focusing on, I thought that this would be a great addition to their week. They were enamored by the bright colors, the sweet illustrations, and the easy to read words on every page. In kid terms, this was a favorite!
From a teacher aspect, I loved the addition of some tougher words into the book. Teaching words like "snarled" is much easier when there are bright and fun illustrations that accompany them. If I had one wish, it would be that this book was a few pages longer. Still, as an easy reader, this book is fantastic! The repetition makes it easy for students to learn to read it on their own very quickly.
From a teacher aspect, I loved the addition of some tougher words into the book. Teaching words like "snarled" is much easier when there are bright and fun illustrations that accompany them. If I had one wish, it would be that this book was a few pages longer. Still, as an easy reader, this book is fantastic! The repetition makes it easy for students to learn to read it on their own very quickly.
February 18, 2012
Up Cat by Hazel Hutchins
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This story is very similar to Up Dog except this one follows a cat throughout their day. We all know that cats are mischievous and can get into trouble easily. This little kitten loves milk and will do anything to get ahold of the tasty treat, including making a mess. His favorite place to be is lying in the sun relaxing.
Again, these stories are geared for younger children between the ages of 1 and 3, I think any older might lose interest easily. The book contains beautiful illustrations geared to engage the child in the story, along with a message that love conquers all.
Lilly and I enjoyed Up Cat and give it 3½ Stars.
* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This story is very similar to Up Dog except this one follows a cat throughout their day. We all know that cats are mischievous and can get into trouble easily. This little kitten loves milk and will do anything to get ahold of the tasty treat, including making a mess. His favorite place to be is lying in the sun relaxing.
Again, these stories are geared for younger children between the ages of 1 and 3, I think any older might lose interest easily. The book contains beautiful illustrations geared to engage the child in the story, along with a message that love conquers all.
Lilly and I enjoyed Up Cat and give it 3½ Stars.
April 7, 2012
From Lilac Wolf and Stuff
It's a board book for toddlers, but I am reviewing an e-copy. Full disclosure, right? Well I think the artwork is adorable and the words are easy to get through. In fact, I'm going to make my 6 year old work on reading them. Lots of "UP" usage.
Toddlers will love it, and probably up to the age of 4. Ivan (age 3) sat while I read them, Christopher (age 6) leaned in to listen and look at the pictures. In fact, Ivan wants me to read them again. He keeps seeing the picture as I'm writing this, so I bid you adieu.
It's a board book for toddlers, but I am reviewing an e-copy. Full disclosure, right? Well I think the artwork is adorable and the words are easy to get through. In fact, I'm going to make my 6 year old work on reading them. Lots of "UP" usage.
Toddlers will love it, and probably up to the age of 4. Ivan (age 3) sat while I read them, Christopher (age 6) leaned in to listen and look at the pictures. In fact, Ivan wants me to read them again. He keeps seeing the picture as I'm writing this, so I bid you adieu.
October 4, 2012
The illustrations in this book are adorable. I liked how the book centered on the word up. It will make it easier to teach the words to a beginning reader that surround that one stable word.
I would however have put in something to introduce the cat, or the cats name or something like that to form an attachment to the cat.
I know it must be near impossible to only use a few words to write a story and I think that in this case the author did a very good job describing the day of a kitten.
Young children will enjoy the pictures. I think that an older than 5 child will quickly lose interest in the story. But it is still of value to those emergent readers.
I would however have put in something to introduce the cat, or the cats name or something like that to form an attachment to the cat.
I know it must be near impossible to only use a few words to write a story and I think that in this case the author did a very good job describing the day of a kitten.
Young children will enjoy the pictures. I think that an older than 5 child will quickly lose interest in the story. But it is still of value to those emergent readers.
February 8, 2012
These books were both great fun for my 2 year old . The Illustrations were great and nice bright colors that kept our attention . The stories were simple enough that my two -year old's attention was kept on the book and with so few words it will be an easy book for her to understand . I expect she will soon be repeating the words. We both enjoyed reading the books and following the adventures of both the cat and the dog . We look forward to reading more books by Hazel Hutchins. I highly recommend these books for toddlers with short attention spans .
March 3, 2012
Adorable illustrations...fun fun premise...everything in this little cat's life connects to an up...
Even when he falls down...he still lands up...even when he scratches a chair...he covers up...
This is an adorable read aloud for toddlers...
Lucy...my kitty... gives it her kitty stamp of approval...lol...
There will be amazing delight and tons of giggles as you read aloud this book to all of the toddlers you know.
They will want to finger point to the kitten's antics...especially the part where he puffs up!
A fun book to give to a toddler or early reader...
Even when he falls down...he still lands up...even when he scratches a chair...he covers up...
This is an adorable read aloud for toddlers...
Lucy...my kitty... gives it her kitty stamp of approval...lol...
There will be amazing delight and tons of giggles as you read aloud this book to all of the toddlers you know.
They will want to finger point to the kitten's antics...especially the part where he puffs up!
A fun book to give to a toddler or early reader...
March 28, 2012
This is a great little board book! Or at least I imagine it is. In reading this through ADE, the pages are full of fun color and just enough words that I'm quite certain AppleBlossom would be quoting this herself almost automatically. What a cute kitty full of mischief! Full of rhythm and directions, this is even educational too.
*Thanks to Annick Press for loaning an electronic copy through Netgalley for review.*
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
*Thanks to Annick Press for loaning an electronic copy through Netgalley for review.*
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
February 2, 2012
Another board book of Hazel Hutchins that I liked. It still gave the reader many up phrases. But this time It was about little cat since it woke up till soakep up the sun. The colorful pictures were still awesome. I did not get bored looking at them again and again. I am pretty sure all preschool and kindergarten age children will love this board book. I like this Up Cat better than Up Dog. I feel that little cute creature inside was alive.
February 20, 2012
In this simple concept book, children are introduced to the word "up." Repeated use of the word is used on each page as the reader follows a cat throughout it's day (wake up, leap up, etc). The simple illustrations and text make this a perfect book to read to babies and toddlers. The easy text on each page also makes this a great book for beginning readers.
I reviewed an electronic ARC of this book made available through Netgalley.
I reviewed an electronic ARC of this book made available through Netgalley.
December 6, 2012
This book is cute with nice soft but colorful illustrations that should appeal to kids and has a repetitiveness and simplicity that might be soothing. The cats actions will be very familiar to anyone who has ever owned a cat, and so that may appeal to kids who are cat lovers who have and love them as pets. Still it's not a picture book that begs to be read over and over or really stands out from the pack. I'd check it out from the library, but not feel compelled to buy it for my shelves.
May 19, 2014
Up Cat was a whimsical picture book that would thrill any young child who loves the excitement and energy of kittens. The illustrations were crafted with energy and a joyous movement.
I enjoyed the short story for a younger audience who would focus mostly on the drawings to excite them through the story. A very exciting, whimsical read for a young child that conveys happiness and inclusion.
I was given this book,in exchange fir an honest review.
I enjoyed the short story for a younger audience who would focus mostly on the drawings to excite them through the story. A very exciting, whimsical read for a young child that conveys happiness and inclusion.
I was given this book,in exchange fir an honest review.
April 13, 2012
A companion board book to Up Dog, this book explores more ways we use the word up. The cat in this book is less mischievous that the dog (or maybe it’s just better at not getting in trouble). The book is still a delight to read. I really like Hazel Hutchins’ board books and look forward to seeing more.
I highly recommend these books, they are a delight and a joy to read.
I highly recommend these books, they are a delight and a joy to read.
April 21, 2014
What a fun board book! Each page has a brief sentence relating to a cat and containing the word "up". The illustrations are colorful and full of humor. This is a great book for toddlers as well as for pre-schoolers just starting to read or wanting to feel like they are reading. This book will probably earn a chuckle or two from cat-owners of all ages.
January 6, 2013
See more of my reviews at Bettering Me Up.
This is a very cute book about what a little cat gets "up" to all day. He jumps and plays and makes a mess! And finally lays down in the sun for a nap. My two-year-old liked this; my five-year-old wasn't interested.
This is a very cute book about what a little cat gets "up" to all day. He jumps and plays and makes a mess! And finally lays down in the sun for a nap. My two-year-old liked this; my five-year-old wasn't interested.
February 5, 2012
A colorful, fun animal picture book for young children dealing with all of the different ways up can be used in a sentence. I could actually see this being used to help build vocabulary or grammar awareness too.
February 11, 2012
Up Cat by Hazel Hutchins
Illustrated children's book showing how a cat can show the words
describing different meanings of the word up: all snarled up is one
of my favorite as I am a knitter with a lot of yarn.
Love the ending of curl up and soak up the sun-good for an afternoon
nap/read time.
March 7, 2012
A cat’s day is very different from a dog’s day. But they can be picked up and perked up as well. Fun pictures and easy vocabulary make this a great book to check out for little cat lovers everywhere.
December 27, 2012
Inventive uses of the word 'up'. Colorful pictures illustrate a day in the life of a cat as he plays, is aloof and wreaks havoc with his family. This will be a hit with preschoolers and beginning readers.
September 1, 2016
Such an adorable book! We all loved the bright illustrations and the simple text used to describe a kitty's day.
I was given a chance to peruse this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I was given a chance to peruse this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
February 3, 2012
3.5 stars
I liked this more than Up Dog. A good board book for your baby.
I liked this more than Up Dog. A good board book for your baby.
February 26, 2012
Similar to Up Dog, short simple phrases follow a cat through its adventurous day. Toss up, tear up, up to no good. Great for the littles or for new readers.
September 24, 2012
oh my goodness. Zaidee would want this read 1000x time and to act out each cat activity. Very funny....
November 19, 2012
Adorable illustrations, but it does show a kitten doing something dangerous (playing with a ball of yarn.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews