A Moonbow Best Children's Book of 2023! Selected for A Room of One's Own's 2023 Holiday Catalog!

This is a story about a boy and his very own special, particular, private, and personal cat—a cat he orders around, puts on his lap, and even dresses up and tucks into bed! But the cat has other plans, and its very own special, particular, private, and personal inner life. After all, everyone knows that you can't ever really own a cat... The story's climax, warm and friendly, yet firm, is all about how to claim the space we each need for ourselves. Many children and adults have undoubtedly felt just as this cat does!

Designed and illustrated by the prolific and visionary Remy Charlip, this picture book is about boundaries and independence, identity and belonging, friendship and respect—all told through a playful and witty rhyming text from Sandol Stoddard Warburg.

Meet a little boy who believes his beautiful tabby cat is the most special, particular, private, and personal cat in the entire universe. She is the perfect companion for everything: building fortresses, sharing secrets, and snuggling up for a quiet afternoon nap.

But when his beloved feline friend insists on sharing her affections with other members of the family-snuggling Mom on the sofa, playing chase with Dad, and even sleeping on his sister's bed-the boy starts to worry. Is his cat really all his?

And can a cat be special to everyone without losing what makes her personal to him? Every child struggling with sharing will relate!

With humor, warmth, and delightfully expressive illustrations, this story is a wonderful exploration of unconditional love, the nature of friendship, and the quiet realization that sharing your heart (and your cat!) only makes the bond stronger. A perfect read-aloud for any child who has ever loved a pet just a little too much.