Mayhem ensues as Poppy-the-girl attempts to navigate the wilds of the wilderness as a cat . . . and her free-thinking, groundbreaking kitty has had it with his owner's timidity. He's out to put the purr in perfectionist and take over middle school—as Poppy.
Hilarious and unexpected, Don't Trust the Cat is a coming-of-age adventure that will keep readers cringing, cracking up, and reconsidering what it means to be a good person.
EMPATHY READ: This book is a sneaky way to talk about empathy with kids. Both cat and human learn a lot about each other and change over the course of the book. Each becomes a better being because of their unusual experience.
DEEPLY FELT: This book has a funny premise and is packed with hysterical scenes, but it's also grounded and emotional. Readers will sympathize with all characters and leave the book feeling like they made friends while reading.
CAT SHENANIGANS: When Poppy's cat takes on Poppy's body, she wants to transform Poppy's life, turning her from a timid kid into someone who believes in herself. Like most cats she has good intentions, but things don't always go according to plan.
LEARNING NEW WAYS OF COMMUNICATING: For anyone who has ever wanted to communicate with their pets, this novel might make you think twice! Poppy and her cat come to meet in the middle, but they have to learn a lot about communication along the way.
EMPOWERING: Friendships are often messy, but this book shows that it's important to never lose sense of yourself within a friendship, and that sometimes it is necessary to stand up for yourself even to your best friends.
- A smart, funny book for girls and boys of all ages!
- Cat owners and cat lovers
- Parents of tweens, teachers, and librarians looking for chapter books for 5th graders or reluctant readers
- Gift or self-purchase for kids seeking self-empowering books with humor
- Fans of Frindle, the Mr. Terupt series, the Wayside School series, Katherine Applegate, and R.J. Palacio books
“The humor is light and gentle, the empathy each character learns is warmly conveyed and believable, and the deep love between these two protagonists are all strong selling points for fans of animal books, as well as readers who don’t mind a dose of magic mixed in with their realistic middle-grades fiction.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
“The friendships and families are realistically complicated and rewarding, and the writing is playful and nimble, sure to draw in reluctant readers. A wonderfully funny and empathetic exploration of evolving friendships and growing confidence.” — Booklist
“There is plenty of humor throughout, but it’s the realistically imperfect friendships that give the book depth and heart.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Tracy centers themes of empathy and understanding, as well as learning to push one’s boundaries….It’s a lighthearted adventure that will appeal to anyone who’s ever wished to walk in their pet’s paws.” --Publishers Weekly
“Humor and plenty of misadventure make this an enjoyable read…humans and cats alike demonstrate, through comedy and angst, that worthwhile relationships aren't necessarily easy.” — Shelf Awareness