Reading Metrics
Description
Old Mister Johnson tries everything he can think of to get rid of a stubborn yellow cat, but the cat always finds its way back home. Adapted from a traditional song, this picture book uses a bouncy, repetitive rhythm to recount the cat's endless return and the man's increasingly creative attempts to send it away. Each effort ends in failure, leading to a series of humorous mishaps that drive the story forward.
Quick Summary
If you've ever had a pet that just wouldn't leave you alone, this silly little story will crack you up. Based on the classic folk song that's been passed down for generations, it follows an old man who tries everything and I mean everything to get rid of a very persistent yellow cat, but the cat just keeps coming back no matter what he does. The repetition makes it perfect for new readers who are building confidence, and kids love the absurdity of the increasingly wild attempts to shoo that cat away. It's great for parents looking for read-alouds with a fun, bouncy rhythm that kids can clap along to or even sing. Younger kids who enjoy silly, over-the-top humor will request this one again and again, and there's enough animal mischief here to keep animal lovers entertained too. If your child likes this, "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" has that same delicious silliness in a cumulative story format.