My Cat Can See Ghosts

The creator of this book has illustrated it using a simple colour pallet and has portrayed the cat in many realistic poses as it wages war on imaginary creatures. She obviously has observed cats closely because all the agility and nuances inherent in cat behaviour are beautifully represented. The text is written in large coloured capital letters; not so useful for young children learning to read but great for elderly relatives with poor eyesight.

Everything about the visual aspects of this picture book are satisfying, but I feel that the verbal elements of the text could have been better. Rhyme is used on every page, but some lines scan awkwardly and because of this lack of a consistent rhythm, it is not so enjoyable to read aloud.

Title: My Cat Can See Ghosts

Author and Illustrator: Emily Joe

Publisher: Beatnik Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-9951180-7-2

RRP: $30

Format: hardback picture book

Publication: April 2021

Ages: preschool

Reviewer: Carola Crawford, English teacher, Karanga Mai Young Parents’ College

How are you recommending this book? Recommended

Opening sentence: Sometimes my cat appears to stare, at something more than just thin air.

You can buy this book here