What If I’m Not a Cat?

Kari-Lynn Winters. (2023). Illustrated by Kelly Collier


A sweet, playful story about identity – and what it means to belong.

Why, of course Donkey’s a cat. He spends all his time with the other cats on the farm. He licks his fur and pounces, just like they do. He even cuddles with them at nap time. Though, he must admit, sometimes he does feel … a little off. So, when Farmer says to him, “Donkey, you’re acting like a cat!” it gets him thinking. What if he’s not a cat? And if not, then what is he? Will going off on his own help Donkey figure out what he is and where he belongs?

Award-winning author Kari-Lynn Winters’s delightful story of self-discovery uses kid-perfect hilarity to deliver the message that every individual has something unique to offer to their community. The contrast between Donkey and his cat friends makes for laugh-out-loud silliness in Kelly Collier’s endearing and amusing art (ever seen a Donkey perch on a fence post?). Pages are filled with spot illustrations, speech bubbles and action words that keep the visual appeal high. Sure to be a story-time crowd-pleaser, this picture book could easily spark discussions about identity, fitting in and belonging. It also works well for character education lessons on adaptability, inclusiveness, initiative and caring.

  • Picture Book

  • Published By Kids Can Press

About The Illustrator

Kelly Collier was born in Ottawa and grew up in Toronto, Ontario, where she still lives with her husband and daughter. She has an identical twin sister and an older brother. As kids, Kelly and her sister drew all the time, mostly in an effort to “outdraw” their brother. Kelly studied illustration in college and is both the author and illustrator of the Steve the Horse series.

Purchase Links!

kidscanpress.com

amazon.ca

Reviews

  • "Delightful barnyard humor sends the important messages of embracing individual strengths and the power of friendship."

    Kirkus Reviews (March 9, 2023)

  • "Immediate post-read thoughts: wholesome, funny, heart-warming, insightful. I think this book is a great tool to help teach children about accepting and celebrating differences. The recommended age range for this book is four-to-seven years old, and I think the story and illustrations combined will be perfect for this audience."

    The Patchwork Fox (Jan. 10, 2023)

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