Description: This guidebook gives cat lovers an in-depth look at the history, behaviors, physical traits, and special characteristics of all kinds of cat breeds. Charming photographs, fun facts, and hands-on pet care tips make this is the ultimate cat-alogue! Full color.
Brief description: After working as an editor for several major children's book publishers, Joanne Mattern became the author of numerous nonfiction books for kids. She especially loves writing about animals, sports, and interesting people and places.
Review Quotes: Cat lovers will be engrossed by this brightly photographed resource for identifying, learning about, and selecting breeds, a companion to The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids. Mattern introduces 12 popular feline varieties (and includes additional breeds in a closing section); among them are Birman, Maine coon, Manx, Persian, Siamese, and sphinx cats. The photographs feature multiple cats, providing a reasonably broad understanding of variations within a breed, and Mattern engagingly describes the origins of the breeds (along with a few legends), their traits (such as markings, facial features, and typical personality), and an overview of care requirements before concluding with thoughts on whether each type of cat might be a good fit for a household. While Mattern often encourages readers to adopt their cats, she also acknowledges that breeders are a more likely source for purebreds. Ages 9-12. (Mar.)-- "Publishers Weekly"