This one just misses its target audience - the sentences read like they were aimed at adults but the whole story is definitely aimed at kids. The illustrations are fun, but the overall message that looking at the world from a different perspective is just negated at the end when

Spoiler

the entire town conforms to a new way of thinking together. It's still groupthink.

This one just didn't work for me.

Delightful from beginning to end. A fun read aloud that could spark some interesting discussion from primary students.

In this lovable story from Jason Carter Eaton and Gus Gordon, a peculiarly crooked cat saunters into a new town. As the townspeople spot the newcomer and are pulled from their routines, a refreshing change in perspective inspires connection and new insights. Gordon’s charming illustrations paired with the humorous and thoughtful story make for a delightful package.

The Catawampus Cat is my Patronus.

Cute illustrations. An off-kilter cat causes many people to look at their days/problems differently. As soon as everyone is off-kilter, the cat straightens up.

The Catawampus Cat is all askew and teaches the townspeople how to change their perspectives and experience the world in a new and exciting way, which (in my opinion) inadvertently shows children how unique people are of different backgrounds, orientations, genders, etc.

The cat arrived in town one day and no one noticed at first. Then a grocer noticed the cat who walked entirely askew, crooked to the world. He and his wife tilted their heads to match and discovered her lost wedding ring, romance blossomed. Soon others in town were tilting too. The barber discovered a new haircut, a housepainter created modern art, the librarian pulled a different book out and found a new passion, and a young boy discovered a new way to look at math. The town entirely changed, rebuilding their houses to be crooked and having their cars made that way too. They named a day after the cat and threw a big event. But in the end, the cat had a new way once again of looking at things.

Eaton’s writing is playful and fresh. He embraces thoroughly the impact of a crooked cat on an entire city, one small change after another building to an entire shift in the society. The picture book looks not only at how one individual’s point of view can change the world but also about how being flexible enough to look at the world from a different viewpoint can change an individual and improve a life. The entire book is hopeful, funny and joyful.

Gordon’s illustrations are a mix of collage and painting. With lighthearted cartoon style, they are immensely appealing. Done in subtle colors, they combine vintage clippings, photographs of objects and loose-lined illustrations.

A winsome picture book, this one can be used to spark discussion about our own catawampus approach to life. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

A simple silly reminder that changing your point of view can bring great rewards, plus an askew cat! What could be better?