Mr. McGratt and the Ornery Cat

Joan Buchanan is a children’s writer and storyteller. She is the
author of Taking Care of My Cold!, What If I Were in Charge?, Nothing
Else But Yams for Supper!, and The Nana Rescue.

Marilyn Helmer is a gifted writer. The mark of such a writer is one who
writes in a variety of styles with success. Helmer’s award-winning
book, Fog Cat (1998), about a little girl who gains a stray cat’s
trust, resonated in a moving way. In her new book, we chuckle and belly
laugh at the antics of a very ornery stray cat, who shreds Mr.
McGratt’s newspaper and won’t go away. Grumpy Mr. McGratt gives him
away—three times. But each time the prospective owners gives him
back—the cat is too ornery for them! Then Mr. McGratt discovers that
since the cat arrived his problems with some local birds and a
neighbor’s dog have disappeared.

The lyrical text with its occasional rhyme is both satisfying and
funny. The story’s ending works well as we come to love the cat and
irascible Mr. McGratt.

Martine Gourbault’s illustrations move well. Full of action,
character, and interesting details, they are a good match for the story.
Highly recommended.