Book Review: The Cat Who Came in off the Roof
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The Cat Who Came in off the Roof
By Annie M. G. Schmidt
Yearling Books. January 17, 2017. 160p. $6.99 (paperback).
Ages 8-12 — Bumbling reporter Mr. Tibble is on the brink of losing his job for writing too much about the exploits of the neighborhood cats, when he spies the lovely Miss Minou, trapped in a tree, quivering with fright at a dog barking at her from below. After he rescues her, she begins feeding him tidbits of news that make his reporting shine. Together the two uncover some pretty shady dealings around town. But where is Miss Minou getting her information from, and will her sources dry up if she chooses her present life over the one that came before?
A perfectly silly story in all the best ways, filled with funny moments caused by Miss Minou’s surprisingly cat-like behavior. I definitely had to suspend my disbelief to enjoy this story, but it made for a pleasant afternoon once I did.
The Cat Who Came in off the Roof and other children’s stories by Annie M.G. Schmidt have been staples of Dutch childhood for decades. David Colmer’s translation captures the charm of Schmidt’s classic feline tale for English-speaking audiences.
RECOMMENDATION: A good choice for readers in the upper elementary and lower middle school grades who are in the market for animal stories to read on their own. It would also make a fun read aloud for the elementary school set. Think 101 Dalmatians or Mr. Popper’s Penguins, but with cats.
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