Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract
Meet Kitty! Kitty wants to play! Meet Cat. Cat just wants to nap. Bold, whimsical artwork and plenty of humor engage little ones in a sly and stylish introduction to opposites.
This deceptively simple concept book introduces readers to grumpy, old, exhausted Cat, who just wants to be left alone, and to happy, new, energetic Kitty, who longs to make friends. In a story told entirely through well-chosen pairs of opposites and drolly expressive artwork, author-illustrator Mirka Hokkanen manages to elevate the humble concept book into a true work of art—one that is bound to have readers giggling and crying for more!
Creators
Mirka Hokkanen is an author-illustrator who likes fun, quirky animal characters and dislikes soggy cereal that’s been left in a bowl for too long. She began her career as a fine art printmaker before transitioning to picture book illustration. She is the illustrator of Four Otters Toboggan: An Animal Counting Book by Vivian Kirkfield and the author-illustrator of the early-reader graphic novel Mossy and Tweed: Crazy for Coconuts. When not holding a paintbrush or a pen, Mirka Hokkanen likes to knit, sew, and explore the outdoors with her three energetic kids. But she dislikes stepping on slugs after rain and getting her socks wet after someone has tracked water in the house. Mirka Hokkanen was born in Finland and has lived all around the world as a military spouse.
Reviews
The concise text, made up entirely of opposite words, is effective, while the digitally created illustrations of the protagonists will make cat lovers smile; together, text and art convey a simple story of the developing relationship between the new fur-siblings. . . endearing.
Kirkus Reviews
Two cats prove a study in contrasts in this humorous look at opposites from Hokkanen . . . After a dramatic chase sequence, the duo finds their way to an understanding—and a cozy, cuddling friendship. But a cheeky final illustration hints that quiet on the home front may not last. . . . a lively, feline-forward concept lesson.
Publishers Weekly
Hokkanen tells a simple, satisfying story while including examples of opposites in a natural-sounding way. . . Color is used sparingly in some scenes and fully in others but always effectively. An amusing, enjoyable picture book for reading aloud.
Booklist
Old or new, grumpy or happy, opposites describe this charming pair of cats as they learn to live with each other. . . . Hokkanen combines an opposites-filled text and digital illustrations to capture the tone and emotion of both cats. . . . Highly entertaining for teaching opposites or for prompting students to add descriptive language to a fun story.
School Library Journal
Author/illustrator Mirka Hokkanen creates laugh-out-loud depictions of a grumpy cat and enthusiastic kitten, turning this concept book about opposites into a gentle tale about love and friendship of the feline variety.
The Virginian Pilot
