Picture Book Review: Cat & Dog: a Tale of Opposites by Tullio Corda

Image: Red Comet Press

Cat & Dog: a Tale of Opposites by Tullio Corda. unpgd. Red Comet Press, September, 2021. 9781636550022. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

I just started my 13th year as a middle school librarian after spending 10 years as a K-8 librarian. Even though #nevertoooldforpicturebooks is my motto, I admit I haven't been keeping up with concept books. 

I cannot recall a book of opposites that actually tells a story with a beginning, middle and end. Red cat and blue dog romp on plenty of white space and the text color cues young readers who is doing what. And while there are the expected opposites, there are a couple of surprises - "Oops!" and "Phew!" Then, there's a pair on the cover of the book under the jacket, which parents may not think to look under and which will create a dilemma for librarians who tape those jackets down!

Fun, fun, fun! This one's sure to be a favorite.

My apologies for the tardiness of this review. I read this book back in late July, just as my husband's condition was taking a turn for the worse. He died within the week and I have been trying to adjust to my new reality. My ability to concentrate, focus and be organized has really taken a hit. I hope Cat & Dog gets the readers it deserves.

What's New?

"Stacking the Shelves" is was a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. It seems the blog is gone though, for the link no longer takes you to it. So, I will just continue to post a "What's New? post whenever I receive new books. 

For Review: I had the opportunity to choose from new publisher, Red Comet's debut list recently. The books came in a lovely package:

I can't wait. 

Image: Red Comet Press

Cat & Dog: a Tale of Opposites by Tullio Corda. Translated by Taylor Barrett Gaines. 36 p. Red Comet Press, September 7, 2021. 9781636550022.

Publisher synopsis: Cat and Dog are not the same, in fact they are very different and the perfect subjects for a tale of opposites.

From the start of their day to the inevitable tussle, for these two best friends, everything is opposite. Enjoy their adventures as they fight and play, chase and hide, in an escapade that includes some special storytelling in the illustrations of this deceptively simple book. Tullio Corda depicts a relationship that is familiar to us all and provides a clever surprise ending.

Image: Red Comet Press

Before We Sleep by Giorgio Volpe & Paolo Proietti. Translated by Angus Yuen-Killick. 26 p. Red Comet Press, September 7, 2021. 9781636550046.

Publisher synopsis: Soon, the dormouse must hibernate, and the friends will part. As the time for sleep nears, the fox tries to keep the dormouse awake. Sleep indeed must come, but not before the two friends have shared one last story, knowing they will be together again in the spring.

This gentle friendship story is the perfect allegory for the bedtime ritual. And the reassuring message is clear: “I will be there for you when you wake.”

Each book has a link to activity pages on their web page.

Purchased: Nothing!

What was in your mailbox this week?