Book Review: A Cat and Mouse Pact

Title: A Cat and Mouse Pact

Author: Nayera Salam

Illustrator: Teresa Abboud

Age: 4-8 year olds

When Matt, the orange tabby cat, sees Millie, the little gray mouse, he can’t decide between being mean or nice. After all, he must catch any mouse who sneaks inside the neat red brick house of old Mrs. Krouse. Millie pleads for a slice of cheese. Matt listens and thinks. They make a cat and mouse pact, build a friendship and become pals.

From beginning to end, children and adults will be intrigued by the book’s message, the enchanting creatures, and the vivid imagery. Book's message: Resolve issues peacefully!

The words used in 'A Cat and Mouse Pact' has a certain poetic quality to it. It is not an outright rhyming book that you so often see in children's books but the author uses repetition, alliteration and yes, some rhyme as well. What this means is that it rolls right off the tongue quite easily when reading out loud to your students or child.

Read this: '"What are you doing, little gray mouse, in our neat little red brick house? Yum, yum, you are sure plump! A delicious snack for a hungry cat!" said Matt to the little gray mouse.' See what I mean? It rolls right off your tongue.

Children will adore the illustrations that accompany the wording. It is full of details and bright and cheerful. Each page gives you a warm feeling and makes you smile. Not only that, the story teaches children how to compromise and get along without being unkind.

After reading, you can discuss with children about the story. Here are some questions to generate thinking and empathy: How Millie the mouse felt when Matt let her go? Was Matt kind? Why? How did Matt felt when Millie came back with her children? Was Matt lonely at the beginning? Was he lonely at the end? How can you tell?

You can get a copy here (my affiliate link):