A stray kitten changes the way the watchman sees nighttime in this tender book based on a true story, illustrated by Strictly No Elephants artist Taeeun Yoo.
The night watchman hugs his wife and kids and drives to work. All night he is alone. Every hour he makes his rounds.
He sees the stars twinkling. He hears the sounds of the night: ki-DEE ki-DEE ki-DEE shhhhheeeeeEEEERRRROOOOooooommmmmm Woof! Woof! Woof!
Meeeoooow.
When he is joined by a stray kitten, the night suddenly seems different. Has the kitten found a new home?
Kitten and the Night Watchman is inspired by the true story of author John Sullivan meeting a stray cat while working as a night watchman. The cat, Beebe, was John’s companion for seventeen years.--from the publisher
40 pages 978-1481461917 Ages 4-8
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A poetic story of kindness with a dash of suspense this story brings the night alive as a nightwatchman's ordinary workshift reaches a new depth of living. On this night the man makes his dependable rounds and is gifted with the visit of a small kitten. The two companions carry out the duties together until the kitten suddenly disappears. The watchman's imagination comes alive as he hears the all too close sounds of a dog, a train and a car or two.
A story of heart and compassion this gentle poetic cliffhanger brings listeners closer to their own feelings of connection and care for others, kitten or otherwise.
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
Reviews:
“Every life and job is unique; this book’s take on the job of a watchman is empathetic, poetic, and a joy to look at, cute kitty and all.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“[Illustrator] Yoo sets a lovely mood, taking readers from sunset to dawn through washes of orange, pink, and blue, the watchman’s compassionate demeanor assuring them that all’s well.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
