Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed

PreS-Gr 2--Musicians and cat lovers alike will enjoy this charming picture book based on a true story. Moshe Cotel, a young composer, lives alone in a busy, noisy city, but "Everything he heard was music to his ears." One day he discovers Ketzel, a tiny, black-and-white kitten, on the street. He holds her tenderly to his chest and declares, "I will take you home, and we will make beautiful music together," prophetic words, to say the least. When Moshe receives a letter from the Paris New Music Review about a contest to write a composition of 60 seconds or less, try as he might, he is at a loss. Then, Ketzel creeps across the keyboard, inadvertently accomplishing what the composer could not. "Moshe grabbed a pencil and jotted down exactly what he'd heard.... 'Your composition has a clear beginning, middle, and end, is full of heart, and takes exactly 21 seconds to play. Ketzel, you're a genius!'" The feline's "Piece for Piano: Four Paws" wins an honorable mention, and its furry composer actually attends a performance. The watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations depict a busy city, a sympathetic bearded musician, and a simply adorable protagonist. VERDICT A delightful read.--Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Here's a lovely tale of cross-species affection and creativity, based on a true story (recounted in an afterword). While seeking inspiration in the busy streets of New York City, a composer and pianist named Moshe Cotel finds and adopts a stray kitten, bestowing it with the Yiddish name Ketzel (for "kitten"). Ketzel proves more than a companion: when Moshe needs an entry for a music competition restricted to pieces no longer than one minute, the kitten steps in and composes a piece by walking across the keys (Moshe dubs it "Piece for Piano: Four Paws" and gives her full credit). Newman's great affection for her subject is evident, yet she never crosses into cutesiness or sentimentality; her reportorial tone is a perfect match for her down-to-earth, generous hero. Bates, working in hues of parchment and gold, produces some wonderfully warm vignettes, pushing the graceful realism of her watercolor, gouache, and pencil drawings just enough to add a glint of magic to a story that's already one of a kind. Ages 5-8. Author's agent: Elizabeth Harding, Curtis Brown. Illustrator's agency: Shannon Associates. (Oct.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Based on a true incident, this delightfully told story is unlikely and adorable in equal parts. Bates' watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations feature an un-anthropomorphic kitty whose inquisitive and quizzical nature will be familiar to all cat owners. The author's note offers all the answers readers will want. An absolute charmer!
—Booklist (starred review)

Newman's great affection for her subject is evident, yet she never crosses into cutesiness or sentimentality; her reportorial tone is a perfect match for her down-to-earth, generous hero. Bates, working in hues of parchment and gold, produces some wonderfully warm vignettes, pushing the graceful realism of her watercolor, gouache, and pencil drawings just enough to add a glint of magic to a story that's already one of a kind.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

This adorable account is as warm and fuzzy as Ketzel herself and all the sweeter because it's based on fact. The watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations suit the text perfectly, delightfully capturing Ketzel's furriness, the story's charming, lively energy, and Moshe and the "composer's" loving friendship. Truly, the cat's meow.
—Kirkus Reviews

Musicians and cat lovers alike will enjoy this charming picture book based on a true story...A delightful read.
—School Library Journal

Charming.
—The Wall Street Journal

A gifted writer and illustrator join forces to craft a charming picture book based on the true story of composer Moshe Cotel and the cat who became famous for her piano composition...
—The Buffalo News

This charming vignette is based on a true story, which encourages readers to suspend disbelief to enjoy a quirky plot and wonderful illustrations...Recommended for the picture book crowd and cat lovers of all ages.
—Jewish Book World (starred review)