The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered - by Jack Kurland (Hardcover)

About the Book

"There is a cat. A cat that couldn't be bothered to do anything... anything at all. His friends ask him if he wants to play but he doesn't feel like it. They invite him on adventures to far-off places, but he would rather stay at home. Until one day, a friend asks how he is doing, and the true reason why he'd rather do nothing is revealed. He is feeling sad"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

*March/April 2024 Kids' Indie Next Picture Book Pick*
*2025 Paws to Read Purrfect Page-Turner Award*

There is a cat. A cat that couldn't be bothered to do anything ... anything at all. His friends ask him if he wants to play but he doesn't feel like it. They invite him on adventures to far-off places, but he would rather stay at home. Until one day, a friend asks how he is doing, and the true reason why he'd rather do nothing is revealed. He is feeling sad.

This is a story about feelings, friendship, and the importance of speaking to someone when you don't feel right. This beautiful socially aware story:

• Reassures kids that feeling sad sometimes is normal
• Helps them understand others' behavior and promotes empathy
• Encourages them to be more in touch with their feelings
• Provides a sense of fun while also broaching a tricky topic

Both children and adults will love the quirky and hilarious cat's refusal to take part in anything, and the sweet and important message behind this story.
It's never been more important to introduce kids to the importance of mental health. This bright children's book is an easy way to talk about feelings and looking out for others. It provides an excellent jumping-off point for at-home and classroom discussions about emotional wellbeing and caring for others.

Review Quotes

"...convey[s] the message that sometimes the best thing you can do for friends is simply to sit with them."

--Booklist

"A sweet reminder that being honest about your feelings yields kindness and understanding"

--Kirkus Reviews

"Several picture books address sadness, few do it with as much humour or as effectively as Jack Kurland in his debut."

--Books for Keeps

"This bright children's book is an easy way to talk about feelings and looking out for others. It provides an excellent jumping-off point for at-home and classroom discussions about emotional wellbeing and caring for others."

--ACHUKA

STAR Book - "Gorgeous, funny picture book with an important life message"

--LoveReading4Kids

'An expressive picture book with comical images and a wry approach to cats that gives children permission to be sad and shows how to be a supportive friend.'--The Sunday Times

"A group of cats realise their friend is sad when he won't join their games. A sweet and funny reminder about the importance of sharing our feelings."--The Bookseller

A "gentle and funny picture book for young children."--JUNO Magazine

About the Author

Jack Kurland is an author-illustrator from the UK. After graduating from art school, he spent seven years working as a graphic designer. He paused to go traveling for two years, where he realized he wanted to achieve an ambition he'd always had: to create children's books. He now finds the balance between being a graphic designer and working on illustrating and writing stories. His debut book, The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered, was an Indie Next pick in the US, shortlisted for the Indie Book Awards 2024 in the UK, and longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize 2025.