Kids Corner: Macavity by T.S. Eliot and Arthur Robins

It’s been a while since we’ve done a Kid’s Corner post so this month we’re featuring a book I received at BEA from Faber & Faber. This book is perfect children over the age of 3+ and is a great way to introduce your child to poems and/or broadway  musicals. 

Macavity is a poem from T.S. Eliot’s Possum’s Books of Practical Cats, which inspired the musical Cats. The book is the poem written out and beautifully illustrated. Cats was one of my favorite musicals as a child (not so much as an adult) and since most children love animals, it’s a great way to introduce kids to Broadway musicals. The illustrations are bold, colorful, and quite funny. E and I read the book together then listened to the Broadway version of the song.

The book comes out in paperback on July 12. You can purchase your copy at Macavity. Here is E’s review of the book:

Me: What did you think of the book?
E: It was good
Me: What was it about?
E: It’s about a cat and he steals stuff
Me: And why did you like it?
E: I like that mommy got it for me and the author made it just for me [well, she’s right on one count]. And I really liked listening to the song.
Me: Did you have a favorite part of the book?
E: Yes, my favorite part was when Macavity was cheating at cards because he had four cards and he was holding one with his tail.
Me: Would you recommend the book to other people? What would you tell your friends about it?
E: I’d tell them that they should get the same book because it’s a really good one.
Me: How many stars would you give it?
E: 5 out of 5. It’s one of my favorites.

I thought the book was cute but I was surprised by how much E loved it. She was fascinated by the idea of a cat having a secret life as a thief and, for a few weeks, she was convinced that our cat was Macavity at night while we were all asleep. When friends and family came over to visit, she demanded that they read the book, and then would give her theories about how our cat was possibly the real Macavity. What do you think? Here he is sitting next to the book cover (and transporting Daenerys)

Although you all may hate me for this suggestion, I recommend reading McCavity and then having your child watch a clip from the broadway musical. E loved watching them perform the song and comparing it to the pictures in the book. Unfortunately you’ll probably be subjected to months and months of your child singing Andrew Lloyd Weber. I caught myself humming the tune at work. You can see it for yourself here:

I highly recommend this book. Emma loved it. It’s beautifully illustrated with bright colorful images that are cute and funny. It’s a fun way to introduce your child to poems and Broadway songs. You can find your copy here: Macavity

We want to hear from you? Have you introduced your child to broadway musicals yet? Which were your favorites as a child? And those of you brave enough to admit that you loved Cats, which cat was your favorite (I loved Mr. Mistoffelees)?