You Are Not a Cat! - (Duck and Cat) by Sharon G Flake

About the Book

Cat thinks Duck should stop meowing and start acting like a duck, but Duck doesn't want to be limited to acting like just one animal.

Book Synopsis

For fans of Mo Willem's Elephant and Piggie and Pigeon series, 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 is fun to read aloud and easy enough for newly independent readers to enjoy on their own. 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. Ideal for multiple readings, here is a concise, funny story by award-winning author Sharon G. Flake with playful details in the artwork and humor that never fades.

Review Quotes

"A duck likes to pretend to be other animals, much to the consternation of a very pragmatic cat.... beginning readers can have fun..." --Kirkus Reviews

"Flake, best known for her middle school novels, presents a hilarious picture book that will surely beg multiple readings, with the absurd premise that nothing should be assumed, no matter how obvious. Fans of Mo Willems's popular 'Elephant and Piggie' and 'Pigeon' series will embrace this silly animal tale wholeheartedly. A delightful picture book, ideal for storytime and for supporting teaching units on animal sounds." --School Library Journal

About the Author

Sharon G. Flake won 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 Raff has illustrated several books for children, including World Rat Day by Children's Poet Laureate, J. Patrick Lewis. Her illustrations have also appeared in many newspapers and magazines, including the New York Times and the Washington 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.