You Are Not a Cat! [Hardcover]

This clever and hilarious story stars Cat, who starts out perfectly content and relaxed, and Duck, who infuriates him by meowing like a cat instead of quacking like Cat thinks he should. Written completely in dialogue, this minimalist text by award-winning novelist Sharon G. Flake (in her debut picture book) is fun to read aloud and easy enough for newly independent readers to enjoy on their own. Anna Raff's humorous and deceptively simple artwork highlights the characters' personalities, showing Duck's quirkiness and good humor and Cat's rising frustration as Duck impersonates a variety of animals, refusing to concede that he is, indeed, a duck. Duck's silliness will appeal to children who enjoy pretend play, and older siblings will relate to Cat's annoyance as Duck refuses to leave his side. This concise, funny story is ideal for multiple readings, with playful details in the artwork and humor that never fades. A duck likes to pretend to be other animals, much to the consternation of a very pragmatic cat.... beginning readers can have fun... —Kirkus ReviewsSharon G. Flakewon the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award for her first novel,The Skin I'm In, and is a two-time Coretta Scott King Author Honor winner. Her books have sold a combined total of more than half a million copies.You Are Not a Cat!is her first picture book. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Visit sharongflake.com.

Anna Raffhas illustrated several books for children, includingWorld Rat Dayby Children's Poet Laureate, J. Patrick Lewis. Her illustrations have also appeared in many newspapers and magazines, including theNew York Timesand theWashington Post. Before her career as an illustrator, Anna was a designer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and several children's book publishers. She lives in New York City. Visit annaraff.com.US