He Wakes Me - Hardcover

PreSchool-K-- A little girl describes her cat--his appearance, actions, routine, paradoxes--in a text that is often poetic in its rhythm, images, and repetitive structure. Through childlike observations, the character of the pet emerges, with his freedom resulting from his size, agility, and independence. Wakened by the cat in the morning, the girl follows him throughout the day and at night is patted to sleep with his paws. The watercolor illustrations are varied in size and perspective; some are almost life-size and perfectly picture the cat as he runs, plays, and is cuddled. This large format creates intimacy, allowing the animal to be in readers' laps. Leaves, flowers, quilts, and windows form backdrops for the action. Particularly striking is a nighttime scene of cool blues, moonlight, and a blowing sheer curtain. The text is accessible to beginning readers. A lovely book that expresses affection and respect for a fascinating pet. --Jane Saliers, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In a poetic text resembling a series of haiku, the particular habits and grace of one slim, independent but affectionate cat are vividly evoked (``He goes under. He goes through. He goes everywhere that is too narrow for me''). In illustrations as spare and carefully honed as the words, Davie depicts a little girl and her yellow-dappled pet during a typical companionable day. A joyful, perceptively observed vignette. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.