Description: After Arthur holds his cat Zeffo too tight and gets scratched, he must find a new ways to show him love that respect his freedom.
Brief description:
Johan Leynaud is a French artist, illustrator, and author who studied at the Beaux-Arts de Marseille and spends most of his time drawing. He hopes Arthur's Cat, his English-language debut, will help children respect animals as living beings who sometimes need their space. One day Johan watched his niece play with her cat--and Arthur's Cat began to grow in his mind. Follow Johan on Instagram @johanleynaud.
Review Quotes:
"A profoundly thoughtful look at the push and pull needed to forge a truly deep bond."
--Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)
"Leynaud's illustrations invite readers to immerse themselves in the subtext--from enormous furniture to precariously stacked chairs and touches of cleverly placed color, readers behold a toddler's vast world and sense Arthur's love-seeking desperation. A well-translated read for pet owners, parents, and children alike that echoes a common experience while conveying a meaningful lesson about balance, coexistence, and mutually healthy relationships."
--Booklist
"The blend of pencil, ink, pen, and digital art is exceptional...notably the bright turquoise Zeffo, who will likely be just as irresistible to the reader as it is to Arthur....Leynaud's steady and straight-forward presentation of the relationships that can form when there is room for saying no to hugs, pinches, or pats on the head is important for everyone--indeed, the lesson about bodily autonomy may be needed more by adults than young listeners."
--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books