Pigeon & Cat

by Edward Hemingway (Author)

Pigeon & Cat
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Pigeon and Cat form a lasting bond in this poignant picture book about compassion and friendship.

In an abandoned city lot, Cat lives alone in a cardboard box. He leaves only to find food. One day, Cat discovers an unbroken egg too beautiful to eat. Soon, out pecks Pigeon, and they become fast friends. Cat is happy to share his box with Pigeon. But when Pigeon flies far away from where they live, Cat must brave the city in order to rescue his friend. This journey will forever transform his understanding of home. This heartwarming story explores unlikely friendships, the creative spark within us, and how to give comfort and kindness in small, impactful gestures. It is also a celebration of urban community.

Select format:
Hardcover
$18.99

Kirkus Reviews

A sweet tale celebrating the joys of both personal and communal togetherness.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

K-Gr 2—Cat, in collared shirt, suspenders, and pants, is an angry hermit that lives in a cardboard box in a vacant lot. In this cartoon representation of the urban decay of a city center, Cat learns the importance of friendship and community by saving the life of Pigeon. Pigeon and Cat learn about each other through speech bubbles that hold emojilike icons; Pigeon heals, then flies away from the abandoned lot and brings back gifts for Cat that readers will recognize as chalk, crayon, and other supplies that can be used in service of art. Cat is resistant to traveling the world beyond his abandoned lot, but celebrates the gifts with rebus drawings on one of the walls facing the abandoned lot. However, one day Pigeon flies away and does not return; thus begins a growth opportunity for Cat, opening the curmudgeon's heart and leading to a joyful reunion with Pigeon. The exquisite, vibrant handcrafted oil paintings on board are paired with 10-20-word texts on Pigeon's and Cat's thoughts and actions. VERDICT A splendid paean to the power of art to heal, and the trifecta of friendship, persistence, and inclusivity to rebuild community. A delightful book.—Vi Ha

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Praise for Tough Cookie:

What if the candy-studded cookie in the classic 'Gingerbread Man' tale actually tasted terrible...that's the clever premise of this entertaining story.—The New York Times
Edward Hemingway

Edward Hemingway is the acclaimed creator of many popular books: Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story, Field Guide to the Grumpasaurus, and Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship. His writing and artwork have been published in the New York Times, Nickelodeon Magazine, and GQ Magazine, among others. He lives in Bozeman, Montana. He invites you to visit him at edwardhemingway.com.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780316311250
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Christy Ottaviano Books-Little Brown and Hachette
Publication date
June 20, 2022
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039220 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Values & Virtues
JUV039070 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Homelessness & Poverty
Library of Congress categories
Pigeons
Cats
Friendship
Picture books
Animal fiction

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