Review - Cat Wishes

Cat Wishes
by Calista Brill
illustrated by Kenard Pak
Date: 2018
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this playfully subversive fairytale, perfect for fans of Jon Klassen, the ever-skeptical Cat learns that wishes can come true—just not always in the ways we expect. At turns sly and sweet, this clever story about friendship will leave no doubt that true magic lies in our connections with others, not just the wishes we make.

There's no such thing as a wish.

Or is there?

In this playful fairy tale, ever-skeptical Cat learns that wishes can come true—and not always in the ways we expect. After all, true magic lies in our connections with others, not just in the wishes we make.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This one was just okay. Yes, it is like a fairy tale. We have a talking snake that grants wishes, and a cat that reasons like a human. It's a simple story, and while I liked the twist at the end that wraps everything up and brings the cat his wishes, I just felt like something was lacking. I'm not sure if it was something to do with the illustrations, or if it was just the very short nature of the story.

This isn't the worst picture book I've seen lately, but I have a feeling it's going to end up being pretty forgettable for me.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.67 out of 5