How to Draw a Happy Cat by Ethan T. Berlin

How to Draw a Happy Cat

by Ethan T. Berlin

A "How to Draw" lesson spins hilariously out of control when Cat just won't stay happy! This relatable madcap read-aloud is immense fun, and perfect for fans of Dragons Love Tacos.

Drawing a happy cat seems like such an easy thing to do. Just follow the instructions in this book! Wait a minute . . . why doesn't Cat look happy? We gave her a stuffy and a cool t-shirt! Uh-oh! Turns out drawing a happy cat is harder than it looks. Now it's the reader's job to find out why Cat isn't staying happy AND draw everything she wants! (That might include skateboards, friends, and yes--even a pizza-flinging catapult.) This clever, often tender, laugh-out-loud picture book breaks the fourth wall in charming ways; will have kids asking for repeat reads; and will definitely have parents nodding knowingly at the escalating cycle of demands. Can you draw a happy cat?

Reviewed by annieb123 on

4 of 5 stars

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Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

How to Draw a Happy Cat is a cute picture book for the youngest readers by Ethan Berlin with illustrations by Jimbo Matison. Released 4th Oct 2022, it's 40 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is such a whimsically appealing little book. It's ostensibly a drawing book, but Cat just won't be satisfied. First she wants a cool t-shirt and a stuffed bear, and soon it's a pizza catapult which Cat needs to be happy!

All of the drawings can be used as fun copyable drawings as an activity with the smalls - as well as a nice bedtime reading book (and handy escape from the 5 millionth reading of Goodnight Moon).

Four stars. Very simple but very fun. This would be a great choice for public or school library acquisition as well as for gift giving and/or home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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  • 31 October, 2022: Reviewed