Won Ton - by Lee Wardlaw (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

★ "Perfect pussycat poetry." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "A celebration of the child-pet bond." -Booklist, starred review
★ "Will steal the hearts of readers young and old." -School Library Journal, starred review
● An ALSC Notable Children's Book

Celebrate the 15th anniversary of this critically acclaimed, award-winning favorite--a shelter cat's unforgettable journey to home, told in irresistible haiku

Marking its 15th anniversary, this award-winning and critically acclaimed picture-book classic returns to captivate a new generation of readers. Told through a sequence of witty, emotionally astute haiku, a shelter cat chronicles his journey from cautious observer to confident companion, capturing the universal longing to belong. A standout upon its original publication, Won Ton earned multiple honors and widespread critical praise, and remains a favorite for classroom read-alouds and poetry units. With humor, heart, and a distinctive voice, this timeless story--paired with expressive, elegant illustrations--offers a fresh and deeply engaging exploration of adoption, identity, and the quiet, transformative power of love.

Review Quotes

★ "...[a] wry, heart-warming title that's sure to find wide acceptance in the classroom and beyond." STARRED REVIEW

-- "Booklist" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

★ "Perfect pussycat poetry for anyone who has ever loved a shelter cat." STARRED REVIEW

-- "Kirkus Reviews" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

★ "Perfect pussycat poetry." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "A celebration of the child-pet bond." -Booklist, starred review
★ "Will steal the hearts of readers young and old." -School Library Journal, starred review
● An ALSC Notable Children's Book
● A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
● A Washington Post Best Books of the Year
● A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year
● A Bank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year
● CCBC Best Children's Books of the Year
● Myra Cohn Livingston Award for Poetry
● Lee Bennett Hopkins Children's Poetry Award
● Fancy Feast/Purina Love Story Award
● Winner, Chickadee (Maine) Reader's Choice Award (Picture Book)
● Winner, Beehive (Utah) Children's Book Award (Poetry)
● NCTE/CLA Notable Children's Book in the English Language Arts

-- (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

★ "Won Ton's sweetly humorous story will steal the hearts of readers young and old." STARRED REVIEW

-- "School Library Journal" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

: "...winning drawings [and] perfectly formed haiku."

-- "Christian Science Monitor" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

: "The animal's fear, pride, and gradual trust come across clearly in Wardlaw's poems. Yelchin's pictures match the poems' sensitivity and humor, with the cat's wariness giving way over time to enjoyment of his new environment..."

-- "The Horn Book" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"...loving but unsentimental...Yelchin's sinuous draftsmanship, playful perspectives, and sunny palette provide just the right counterpoint to this tale of a cat with attitude to spare."

-- "The Washington Post" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"...Wardlaw has a fine understanding of the feline mind, and each 17-syllable poem packs a big impact. A surprisingly powerful story in verse."

-- "Publishers Weekly" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"...With plenty of things to love for poetry and cat lovers alike, Won Ton takes an old form and renders it furry... A cheery ode to a boy and his cat, this is one of the books to grab the next time someone asks you for 'fun haiku'. Or really, any poetry in general."

-- "Fuse #8 Productions" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"From the front cover on, this nameless shelter cat steals the show...the charm of the text is that we see everything anew, from the cat's perspective..."

-- "Chicago Tribune" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"Sometimes the full savor of a book only comes through silent absorption. That is manifestly the case with Won Ton. Children old enough to read will get the full force of the harmonious combination of Wardlaw's wry verse and Yelchin's witty illustrations."

-- "Wall Street Journal" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"This is a feast for the senses! The story fills readers with anticipation, nervousness, and the hope of being needed...the perfect companion to poetry month and multicultural literature. Highly recommended."

-- "Library Media Connection" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"Wardlaw's book is wonderfully innovative...compelling yet accessible to young readers...a touching tale made even more dramatic by Yelchin's sublime illustrations, which vary on every page, adding drama emotion, fun, and beauty."

-- "BookPage" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"Won Ton's feisty, playful personality is revealed, creating a sweet story that will resonate with readers young and old."

-- "Cat Fancy Magazine" (10/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Lee Wardlaw is an award-winning author of more than two dozen books for children and young adults, including the beloved Won Ton: A Cat Tale told in haiku, which received widespread critical acclaim upon its original publication, and My Book of Firsts, also published by Red Comet Press. Known for her wit, warmth, and inventive use of form, she brings humor and heart to stories that resonate with young readers. She lives in Santa Barbara, California. Visit her at leewardlaw.com. Eugene Yelchin is an internationally acclaimed author and illustrator whose work has earned numerous honors, including a Newbery Honor for Breaking Stalin's Nose. Trained as a stage designer in Russia, he brings a distinctive artistic sensibility to his picture books, combining expressive line work with emotional depth. He lives in Los Angeles, California. Visit him at eugeneyelchin.com.