• Age: 5 to 7
• Grade: k to 2

Narrated by a cat-loving little girl, this story is a hysterical romp through a family's pet adoption dilemma. Poor Dad does not like cats, and he voices his opposition to the steady stream of stray cats that always seem to wind up on his doorstep—thanks to a cat-loving Mom who wants to save every stray she finds. In an effort to win Dad over, the little girl hides a tiny stray kitten in her hood and convinces Dad to just give it one small squeeze. Dad manages, with trepidation, to stick out his pinkie and pet the creature. But now that five cats have taken over his favorite chair, he becomes desperate and makes a visit to the pound. Dad returns happily with a big, fat puppy—everyone gets something that they want. With hilarious ink and watercolor illustrations, this picture book demonstrates the resourcefulness, love, and compromises of a pet-loving family.

Thad Krasnesky's profile page

Phyllis Root is the author of BIG MOMMA MAKES THE WORLD and many other award-winning books for children. She says, " Aunt Nancy is my grandmothers and aunts — women who never let the world get the better of them — all rolled into one." She lives in Minneapolis.
David Parkins has illustrated numerous books for children, including WEBSTER J. DUCK by Martin Waddell and Egyptian Diary by Richard Platt. He lives in Lincoln, England. C

David Parkins' profile page

P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class=MsoNormal>"He may rant and rave, but ultimately this softhearted dad lets the strays stay. David Parkins' hilariously detailed pictures add to the fun and the surprise ending."  —Baltimore's Child

"The rollicking rhyming tale with its comical pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations is an enjoyable read-aloud for pet lovers."  —Horn Book

P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none" class=MsoNormal>"This light comedy . . . spotlight[s] family dynamics. Energetic rhymed couplets relay how Mom and kids repeatedly bring home stray cats, driving Dad crazy . . . spirited cartoons depict animals and humans with amusingly exaggerated facial expressions . . . The buffoonlike father's antics should prove kid-pleasing."  —Publishers Weekly

"This is a funny book with a riotous rhyming text and illustrations . . . that seem to leap right off the glossy white pages in visual hyperbole. It makes a great read-aloud. In fact, once you've read it, you'll long for the chance to share it orally. Even if you don't like cats this book will tickle you." —Puget Sound Council

P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>"This is a rhyming picture book about our love affair with animals—a book for reading together, but it easily opens discussions about what we like/dislike, getting along, flexibility, and being open to change."  —The Reading Tub.com

"Parkins visualizes this comic opera with cartoon-like pen and ink and watercolor illustrations of cartoon-like characters displaying exaggerated behavior. Dad in particular is portrayed in lively vignettes."  —Children's Literature

"This book expertly combines a comic, rhyming text with hilarious cartoon illustrations to create a completely enjoyable romp."  —School Library Journal

"That Cat Can't Stay [is] an absolutely adorable book and exactly how the Viorsts once wound up with four cats."  —Judith Viorst