📖 Overview
Lulu Gets a Cat follows a young girl's journey to adopt her first pet. When Lulu decides she wants a cat, she must first prove to her mother that she understands the responsibility of pet ownership.
The story depicts the careful preparation process as Lulu learns about caring for cats through books and practice with her toy cat. Rosalind Beardshaw's illustrations bring warmth to each step of Lulu's methodical approach to getting ready for a real pet.
This picture book serves as both a guide for children interested in pet adoption and an example of how to work toward a goal. The narrative emphasizes patience, research, and preparation as key elements of responsible decision-making.
👀 Reviews
Readers call this book helpful for families preparing to adopt a cat. Parents report it works well for teaching children about pet care responsibilities and setting realistic expectations.
Likes:
- Clear, step-by-step process of getting ready for a cat
- Diverse representation in illustrations
- Shows patience and preparation rather than impulse pet adoption
- Details about cat supplies and routines
- Gentle, calm tone
Dislikes:
- Some found it too long for very young toddlers
- A few noted the story moves slowly
- Limited action/excitement
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (226 ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (86 ratings)
"Perfect for teaching my 3-year-old what to expect when we adopt," wrote one Amazon reviewer. Another parent noted: "My daughter asks for this book every night and copies the main character's careful preparation with her stuffed cats."
Barnes & Noble readers highlight the book's usefulness in easing children's transition to pet ownership.
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City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems A dog and frog develop a friendship through seasonal changes and life transitions.
How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham A child notices an injured bird on a busy city street and brings it home to nurse it back to health.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts A boy navigates wants, needs, and generosity after spotting the perfect pair of shoes at a thrift store.
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers A penguin follows a boy home and together they embark on a journey to find where the penguin belongs.
City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems A dog and frog develop a friendship through seasonal changes and life transitions.
🤔 Interesting facts
🐱 A real-life rescue cat named Luna served as inspiration for the story, helping McQuinn capture authentic feline behavior in the book.
📚 The author, Anna McQuinn, has written several other beloved books featuring Lulu, including "Lulu Loves Libraries" and "Lulu Loves Stories."
🎨 Illustrator Rosalind Beardshaw and Anna McQuinn have collaborated on multiple children's books, creating a distinctive visual style for the Lulu series.
🏆 The book has been praised by animal welfare organizations for promoting responsible pet adoption practices to young children.
🌍 The Lulu series has been translated into multiple languages and is popular in libraries across the globe, helping children worldwide learn about important life lessons.