They All Saw A Cat
A Review by Amanda Kendall
Bibliography:
Wenzel, Brendan. 2016. They All Saw A Cat. San Fransisco: Chronicle Books. 1452150133
Wenzel, Brendan. 2016. They All Saw A Cat. San Fransisco: Chronicle Books. 1452150133
Plot Summary:
One cat walks through the world and is seen by many, but each time seen differently. Finally, the cat looks into the rippling waves of the water and sees itself for the very first time.
Analysis:
Brendan Wenzel's ingenious concept is perfectly executed in They All Saw A Cat. The repetitive lyrical language on each page flows seamlessly throughout the book. The well placed text on each page directs the reader's attention to the illustrations which play a large role in this unique story showcasing how one's perspective is changed by circumstance.
The illustrations are complex, dynamic, and thought-provoking. Each page standing alone as a unique perspective from each creature. The viewpoints are more clearly conveyed through the variety of mediums used in the artwork. From colored pencils to charcoal, magic marker to watercolor, each page begs the reader to ponder their outlook of the world and the creatures they encounter. Diverse perspectives are presented in relation to size, visual acuity, and primal instincts giving children an opportunity to see through the eyes of another and opening the door to conversions around our differences and points of view. Brilliant.
Awards & Reviews:
Brendan Wenzel's ingenious concept is perfectly executed in They All Saw A Cat. The repetitive lyrical language on each page flows seamlessly throughout the book. The well placed text on each page directs the reader's attention to the illustrations which play a large role in this unique story showcasing how one's perspective is changed by circumstance.
The illustrations are complex, dynamic, and thought-provoking. Each page standing alone as a unique perspective from each creature. The viewpoints are more clearly conveyed through the variety of mediums used in the artwork. From colored pencils to charcoal, magic marker to watercolor, each page begs the reader to ponder their outlook of the world and the creatures they encounter. Diverse perspectives are presented in relation to size, visual acuity, and primal instincts giving children an opportunity to see through the eyes of another and opening the door to conversions around our differences and points of view. Brilliant.
Awards & Reviews:
- 2017 Caldecott Honor Book
- 2017 ALSC Notable Children's Book
- 2016 School Library Journal Best Book
- 2016 New York Times Notable Children's Book, Picture Books
- 2016 New York Public Library Best Books for Kids, Picture Books
- 2016 Editor's Choice, Books for Youth, Young Readers, Fiction by Booklist
From Publishers Weekly: "This is Wenzel’s first book as both illustrator and writer, and it’s marvelous—no matter how you look at it."
From The Boston Globe: "The cat comes across more animals — a bee, a flea, and a snake among them — and what lifts these encounters from the realm of nursery rhyme into fizzy, inspiring picture book stratosphere is Wenzel’s extraordinary delivery of a high concept."
From School Library Journal: "From the endpapers to each clever composition, this title invites interaction and thoughtful looking, always allowing the child to discern meaning."
Connections:
More Caldecott Honor Books from 2017:
- Steptoe, Javaka. Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. 0316213888
- Brosgol, Vera. Leave Me Alone! 1626724415
- Weatherford, Carole Boston. Freedom in Congo Square. 1499801033
- Ellis, Carson. Du Iz Tak? 0763665304
- Use to introduce point of view and discuss different perspectives.
- Use as an introduction to a science unit on adaptations highlighting the different ways many animals see the world.
- Write a story from the perspective of one of the creatures who saw the cat.
- Create a perspective art project with a variety of mediums for another animal that sees the cat.
