My Friend May - by Julie Flett (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A little girl named Margaux has a big black cat named May. One day, May doesn't come home for dinner and, although the family looks and looks, they can't find her. Margaux's auntie helps in the search, but she can't stay long because she is packing to move to the city. Margaux will miss her auntie. She also misses May. Will May ever come home?"--

Book Synopsis

From the winner of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Prize and the American Indian Youth Literature Award

I'd like to tell you a rather true story about a big black cat who started out gray. Her name was May.

Margaux and her cat May became friends when Margaux was just six years old. They grew up together, sharing countless memories along the way. But one day, May is late coming home. Where is May? Is she under the porch? Maybe on the roof?

Margaux's nitôsis (the Cree word for auntie) helps search for May in the tall grass. But soon nitôsis needs to leave: she's moving away to the big city, and has to pack her things into boxes. Margaux helps nitôsis, but she can't take her mind off May. Will she ever return? nitôsis is worried, too. But little do they know, May has a surprise in store for both of them!

This fun and heartwarming story with a surprise happy ending invites readers to share their own cat stories. My Friend May is a tribute to love and the balance between all beings, and the experiences and emotions that connect us all.

My Friend May features:

• A glossary of Cree words used throughout the book
• Backmatter content that includes a pronunciation guide

Review Quotes

"A quiet book, one best suited for cozy evenings on the sofa, perhaps in the company of a friendly feline. Best of all, its focus on storytelling might have readers treasuring their own favorite stories of beloved pets, storing them up to share with someone else someday."
--BookPage

"Exceptional....A beautiful and touching story that can be enjoyed on many different levels."
--Youth Services Book Review

"The surprise ending satisfies, and so does its slow, thoughtful buildup....emotionally rich."
--Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

"Matilda and Sweetie fans will enjoy this lovely story....a fun book to share with young readers.... Should we put this on the top of our "to read" piles? Yes, especially if you're a cat lover."
--Youth Services Book Review, STARRED

"A quiet yet affectionate tribute to familial relationships of all stripes....Cat lovers... will particularly enjoy this sweet tale."
--Kirkus Reviews

"From a talented picture book creator....Readers can reflect on great stories of their own encounters with beloved animal friends and share their tales with others....delightful."
--School Library Journal

About the Author

Julie Flett is a Cree-Métis author, illustrator, and artist who has received numerous awards for her books, including two Governor General's Awards, the American Indian Youth Literature Award, and the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award. Her books have been selected for Best of the Year lists by dozens of media outlets, including the Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, the Horn Book, School Library Journal, the Globe and Mail, and Kirkus Reviews. Her critically acclaimed picture books Birdsong, We All Play, and Let's Go! are also published by Greystone Kids.