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Here Comes Cat #1
Here Comes the Easter Cat
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Picture Books (2014)When Cat tries to replace the Easter Bunny, he soon learns that the job is much harder than he expected-and does not allow time for naps.
A cat with flair to spare, an Easter Bunny with a job to do, and a hilarious break from sticky-sweet Easter fare for fans of Patrick McDonnell and the Pigeon books by Mo Willems.
Why should the Easter Bunny get all the love? That's what Cat would like to know. So he decides to take over: He dons his sparkly suit, jumps on his Harley, and roars off into the night. But it turns out delivering Easter eggs is hard work. And it doesn't leave much time for naps (of which Cat has taken five--no, seven). So when a pooped-out Easter Bunny shows up, and with a treat for Cat, what will Cat do? His surprise solution will be stylish, smart, and even--yes--kind.
A cat with flair to spare, an Easter Bunny with a job to do, and a hilarious break from sticky-sweet Easter fare for fans of Patrick McDonnell and the Pigeon books by Mo Willems.
Why should the Easter Bunny get all the love? That's what Cat would like to know. So he decides to take over: He dons his sparkly suit, jumps on his Harley, and roars off into the night. But it turns out delivering Easter eggs is hard work. And it doesn't leave much time for naps (of which Cat has taken five--no, seven). So when a pooped-out Easter Bunny shows up, and with a treat for Cat, what will Cat do? His surprise solution will be stylish, smart, and even--yes--kind.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 2014
11 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
September 3, 2020
Cat tries his best to outwit the Easter Bunny, but in the end decides to live by the maxim: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Cat's entertaining capers always make for a fun read!
January 24, 2016
This is an incredibly cute book by the author of Interstellar Cinderella, Deborah Underwood.
In this book, a cat and the cat's human (owner? Friend? Both?) have a conversation about the Easter Bunny.
Cats can't talk.
Well, illustrator Claudia Rueda neatly sidesteps this by having Cat hold up signs with pictures that clearly convey what he is trying to say. It's a clever, fun, and cute idea that will delight children.
Cat is jealous of Easter Bunny because everyone loves him. So Cat comes up with the brilliant idea to become the Easter Cat and deliver something special to children on Easter.
When the human narrator shoots down his idea of distributing hairballs, Cat settles on giving out chocolate bunnies... specifically so that he can gleefully imagine children biting off Bunny's head.
http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com...
He goes through a lot of lengths with this plan, including getting a special, sparkly costume and planning on driving around in a motorcycle (so he is faster than Bunny). Everything is all set up. But he is shocked and dismayed to hear that Easter Bunny doesn't get naps. (Cat has already taken seven naps today!)
Then, something surprising happens! Easter Bunny comes along and gives Cat an egg as a gift.
http://static01.nyt.com/images/2014/0...
Cat is touched. And he feels sorry for the poor, tired Bunny. So he gets a sidecar for his motorcycle and drives Bunny around so that he can nap between houses while delivering eggs.
The book has a surprise ending when the narrator learns that
EL FIN.
…
THE PLUSES:
-What a cute idea! Cat is mischievous and just the right combination of naughty and nice that will have children relating to him.
-Children also get excited thinking of holiday switches. It's one reason Nightmare Before Christmas is so popular.
-The illustrations are cute.
-It's super-clever how the human and the cat communicate, and the human is a bit sarcastic and tongue-in-cheek to the cat, which will delight adults and children alike – in a away that is a bit reminiscent of Garfield.
-Surprise ending.
- The children loved this one, giggling and demanding that I re-read it.
THE MINUSES:
People who don't celebrate Easter might not be interested in this storyline. It re-emphasizes Christianity again at the end by
Tl;dr – A huge hit with adults and children. Amazing storyline, cute pictures, and the perfect blend of a mischievous and yet good-hearted MC. Highly recommended.
Ages 0-6
In this book, a cat and the cat's human (owner? Friend? Both?) have a conversation about the Easter Bunny.
Cats can't talk.
Well, illustrator Claudia Rueda neatly sidesteps this by having Cat hold up signs with pictures that clearly convey what he is trying to say. It's a clever, fun, and cute idea that will delight children.
Cat is jealous of Easter Bunny because everyone loves him. So Cat comes up with the brilliant idea to become the Easter Cat and deliver something special to children on Easter.
When the human narrator shoots down his idea of distributing hairballs, Cat settles on giving out chocolate bunnies... specifically so that he can gleefully imagine children biting off Bunny's head.
http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com...
He goes through a lot of lengths with this plan, including getting a special, sparkly costume and planning on driving around in a motorcycle (so he is faster than Bunny). Everything is all set up. But he is shocked and dismayed to hear that Easter Bunny doesn't get naps. (Cat has already taken seven naps today!)
Then, something surprising happens! Easter Bunny comes along and gives Cat an egg as a gift.
http://static01.nyt.com/images/2014/0...
Cat is touched. And he feels sorry for the poor, tired Bunny. So he gets a sidecar for his motorcycle and drives Bunny around so that he can nap between houses while delivering eggs.
The book has a surprise ending when the narrator learns that
EL FIN.
…
THE PLUSES:
-What a cute idea! Cat is mischievous and just the right combination of naughty and nice that will have children relating to him.
-Children also get excited thinking of holiday switches. It's one reason Nightmare Before Christmas is so popular.
-The illustrations are cute.
-It's super-clever how the human and the cat communicate, and the human is a bit sarcastic and tongue-in-cheek to the cat, which will delight adults and children alike – in a away that is a bit reminiscent of Garfield.
-Surprise ending.
- The children loved this one, giggling and demanding that I re-read it.
THE MINUSES:
People who don't celebrate Easter might not be interested in this storyline. It re-emphasizes Christianity again at the end by
Tl;dr – A huge hit with adults and children. Amazing storyline, cute pictures, and the perfect blend of a mischievous and yet good-hearted MC. Highly recommended.
Ages 0-6
February 22, 2014
Brilliant.
This book is about a cat -- a cat who is angry.
Why is he angry? Because of that darn Easter Bunny.
Why everyone love Easter Bunny? Why no one love Cat?
Cat can deliver Easter Eggs, too! In a costume! On a motorcycle!
No, wait...that doesn't work, because Cat gets tired. How many naps does Cat need each day?
Poor Easter Bunny must get tired, too. Maybe they can work together!
Now everyone is happy!
Oh, sorry. That's just a gratuitously cute picture of my cat.
This book is about a cat -- a cat who is angry.
Why is he angry? Because of that darn Easter Bunny.
Why everyone love Easter Bunny? Why no one love Cat?
Cat can deliver Easter Eggs, too! In a costume! On a motorcycle!
No, wait...that doesn't work, because Cat gets tired. How many naps does Cat need each day?
Poor Easter Bunny must get tired, too. Maybe they can work together!
Now everyone is happy!
Oh, sorry. That's just a gratuitously cute picture of my cat.
April 9, 2014
Why does the Easter Bunny get all the fun, attention, and love on Easter?
Cat wants in on the action! But he soon realizes egg deliveries are hard work. A fun story and lesson about walking or hopping in someone else’s footsteps.
I loved the ask & answer pages—alternating words and pictures. The readers get to interact and talk to Cat as the story moves on and the pages turn. Simple, soft pictures on white pages pull readers in, but also urge them to focus on the action and conversation. With facial expressions and signs, Cat explains to us how he can improve the holiday, nap, and become Easter Cat! Haha…My favorite was the motorcycle idea.
A fun, light tale about jealousy, sharing, responsibility and helping.
Recommended.
April 15, 2014
Absolutely love this! So funny and charming. The tone is pitch-perfect. It is clear that both author and illustrator really love and understand cats and their many moods. The resolution was a total, delightful surprise with a "lesson" that is delivered in such a fresh and fun way! I'm still smiling :-)
March 4, 2014
Easter books can be so filled with yellow fluffy chicks, bright Easter eggs, and soft bunnies that the become more than a bit stale. Enter the Easter Cat, a character who offers exactly what was missing in Easter books: cats! Cat wants to be able to do what the Easter Bunny does and deliver chocolate himself. But he’s going to have to figure a lot of things out before he begins: what exactly will be deliver? How will he travel? What will he wear? All of those decisions wear him out so he decides to take his eighth nap of the day, after all, he is a cat. But then he learns that the Easter Bunny never naps at all. Are all of his plans ruined? Perhaps he just needs a little help from the famous Easter Bunny himself.
Underwood of The Quiet Book has created an uproariously funny book this time. Her Cat character doesn’t speak at all, instead the reader quizzes Cat on what exactly he is doing. Cat communicates through his expressions and holding up signs most of which have cartoon drawings on them outlining his plans. The words in the book take on the tone of a parent, making it a real delight to read aloud. The reader can go from cajoling to stern and back again.
Rueda’s illustrations carry much of the storytelling since Cat doesn’t speak. She manages to convey his emotions very clearly on his face and in his stance. Cat is a very enjoyable character with big plans that aren’t very well thought out. This book on the other hand, has illustrations and words that work together flawlessly.
With the humor of Melanie Watt or Elephant and Piggie, this picture book is sure to find an eager Easter audience. Ideal for perching in baskets, this book is good enough to share all year round. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Underwood of The Quiet Book has created an uproariously funny book this time. Her Cat character doesn’t speak at all, instead the reader quizzes Cat on what exactly he is doing. Cat communicates through his expressions and holding up signs most of which have cartoon drawings on them outlining his plans. The words in the book take on the tone of a parent, making it a real delight to read aloud. The reader can go from cajoling to stern and back again.
Rueda’s illustrations carry much of the storytelling since Cat doesn’t speak. She manages to convey his emotions very clearly on his face and in his stance. Cat is a very enjoyable character with big plans that aren’t very well thought out. This book on the other hand, has illustrations and words that work together flawlessly.
With the humor of Melanie Watt or Elephant and Piggie, this picture book is sure to find an eager Easter audience. Ideal for perching in baskets, this book is good enough to share all year round. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
March 11, 2025
This was so clever and fun! I love cats and this perfectly captured their mischievous spirit. 😂
November 23, 2014
It seems dogs aren’t the only rivals for this cat given the title of the latest from author Deborah Underwood, best known for “The Quiet Book” and it’s companion “The Loud Book.” Despite the dominance of cats on YouTube and elsewhere, the “Cat” of this story wants fame that’s beyond the confines of the internet. Cat wants the Easter Bunny’s job, even though its a high maintenance ordeal (the ending will further hammer this home, which I won’t spoil here)
As a dog lover through and through, I found this book charming in my self-made feline rehabilitation program. (That’s a whole other story so I won’t elaborate here!)
The spare and charming illustrations by Claudia Rueda don’t get too cute beyond the expected, and provides warmth and substance to orchestrate this tale that’s simple to read, but HARD to pull off as the author, as a newbie in the picture book landscape from an author standpoint, trust me, it’s harder to pull off than it is to read in this stellar book!
One thing I get concerned with picture books is can the author branch out of the books that made them well known. I haven’t yet read Debroah’s earlier books (yes, I’m in kidlit, but I was mostly focused on novels until couple years ago) but I can say this book safely avoids the dreaded sophomore slump as far as I’m concerned.
Like Mo Willems “Pigeon” series, this book has great kid-participation appeal and gives pre-readers the chance to “Be the Parent” as the narrator is written like you’re speaking directly to Cat, and he responds via facial expressions and holding up various signs (think Wile E. Coyote of Looney Tunes fame)
For those of you who’ve seen the "Maisy" television series (based on the books by Lucy Cousins) you’ll see a similar vibe here, and it just so happens Deborah plans to have future adventures of Cat, and this lit. rat can’t wait! (this is the post-mouser era, folks, at least for some of us…)
Easter may be some time off (At the time this review was written) but it never hurts to plan ahead with seasonal titles.
As a dog lover through and through, I found this book charming in my self-made feline rehabilitation program. (That’s a whole other story so I won’t elaborate here!)
The spare and charming illustrations by Claudia Rueda don’t get too cute beyond the expected, and provides warmth and substance to orchestrate this tale that’s simple to read, but HARD to pull off as the author, as a newbie in the picture book landscape from an author standpoint, trust me, it’s harder to pull off than it is to read in this stellar book!
One thing I get concerned with picture books is can the author branch out of the books that made them well known. I haven’t yet read Debroah’s earlier books (yes, I’m in kidlit, but I was mostly focused on novels until couple years ago) but I can say this book safely avoids the dreaded sophomore slump as far as I’m concerned.
Like Mo Willems “Pigeon” series, this book has great kid-participation appeal and gives pre-readers the chance to “Be the Parent” as the narrator is written like you’re speaking directly to Cat, and he responds via facial expressions and holding up various signs (think Wile E. Coyote of Looney Tunes fame)
For those of you who’ve seen the "Maisy" television series (based on the books by Lucy Cousins) you’ll see a similar vibe here, and it just so happens Deborah plans to have future adventures of Cat, and this lit. rat can’t wait! (this is the post-mouser era, folks, at least for some of us…)
Easter may be some time off (At the time this review was written) but it never hurts to plan ahead with seasonal titles.
August 21, 2015
So much laughter and fun packed into one little cat! Adults, teens, and children will all be entertained by this mischievous, jealous cat who just might surprise you in the end. The illustrations are soft, expressive, and inviting. Cat's comical faces are priceless. The nontraditional interaction between narrator and main character, mixed with a unique voice and humor to be admired, makes this a one-of-a-kind picture book that won't be forgotten and will scream to be reread. This is one of those books that I just HAD to buy as soon as I finished the first read.
March 18, 2014
Cat wants to be the Easter Bunny until he finds out there's no time for naps! Whimsical illustrations and humorous interactions between Cat and the narrator keeps the reader wanting to know what Cat is going to do next.
March 26, 2014
I thought this was funny in a deadpan way, but I have never heard my 4 year old chuckle so hard.
July 22, 2014
Read for Librarian Book Group
Adults with no children in your life! Grab this and read it, just for the five minutes of funny. Great illustrations and fun for any person familiar with cats.
Adults with no children in your life! Grab this and read it, just for the five minutes of funny. Great illustrations and fun for any person familiar with cats.
January 3, 2018
I love Cat. I do believe I've mentioned that before, but it's still true. He's got a bit of attitude and a sweet heart and takes seven naps a day and wants attention. In short, he's a real cat! Add in adorable illustrations with his very expressive face (and signs) and what's not to love?
Like the other Here's Cat books I've reviewed, I think this would make a fun one-on-one read but would be a bit harder as a storytime book. The one-sided conversational nature of the story and it's dependence on the illustrations both make it a great book for kids to fill in details and practice their storytelling (what's Cat thinking? why is he upset?). That's a lot harder to do in a group of twenty kids, give or take.
Still, a series not to be missed!
Like the other Here's Cat books I've reviewed, I think this would make a fun one-on-one read but would be a bit harder as a storytime book. The one-sided conversational nature of the story and it's dependence on the illustrations both make it a great book for kids to fill in details and practice their storytelling (what's Cat thinking? why is he upset?). That's a lot harder to do in a group of twenty kids, give or take.
Still, a series not to be missed!
April 11, 2017
Another installment in Deborah Underwood's lighthearted series about a naughty but oh so relatable cat. Although I certainly smiled throughout much of the reading I do think some of the other cat adventure tales fare better.
December 19, 2017
The illustrations are well done, but it’s not a particularly memorable book
May 3, 2018
Oh my gracious, this book is adorable. I legitimately laughed out loud at the end.
May 3, 2019
Miss nearly 3 loved this and concentrated through the whole book.
March 1, 2021
This book is a great gift for an Easter basket. The illustrator does an excellent job of using expressions in the cast to give context to what the words are saying.
March 17, 2021
Very cute audience participation story about Cat who wants to help the Easter Bunny. Or does he?
March 27, 2024
Holt-Delhi library PJ story time 03-27-2024
April 21, 2019
What a cute and funny picture book. Kids will love this,I did,😍
April 4, 2014
I can't stop smiling when I think of the look on any boy's or girl's face when instead of catching a glimpse of the Easter Bunny making deliveries they see instead a...cat. Yes...a cat. Here Comes The Easter Cat (Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA)) written by Deborah Underwood with pictures by Claudia Rueda tells the tale of a disgruntled cat who longs to replace the revered rabbit.
My full review: http://bit.ly/1owafuJ
My full review: http://bit.ly/1owafuJ
March 7, 2014
I read this one last month but somehow forgot to review/write it down!
Hilarious book - who knew Cat so badly wanted to be the Easter Bunny?
Short text, great illustrations that give a lot of information. Great to use for inferring. Funny ending.
Hilarious book - who knew Cat so badly wanted to be the Easter Bunny?
Short text, great illustrations that give a lot of information. Great to use for inferring. Funny ending.
November 22, 2014
Aha! Laughing on every page. This book deals with identity, work, and helping others.
Really smart and funny narrative format: the narrator/speaker talks to the cat directly, and the cat holds up drawn signs or acts in response. Cleverly done.
Really smart and funny narrative format: the narrator/speaker talks to the cat directly, and the cat holds up drawn signs or acts in response. Cleverly done.
February 17, 2016
I love this grumpy cat! He thinks the Easter bunny is overrated but changes his thinking by the end of the book to be a helpful partner to him. The perspective of a cat is nailed! I loved how many naps cat takes in a day. Funny! Another winner!
March 20, 2014
Here Comes the Easter Cat is a sweet, comical story that had my five year old son giggling and impersonating the Easter Cat's facial expressions while we read. An instant new favorite!
October 2, 2015
Epic. I hope this is the first in the series
September 1, 2017
First sentence: What's wrong, Cat? You look grumpy. The Easter Bunny? What about him? Well, of course everyone loves the Easter Bunny. Why? Because he's nice! He delivers chocolate eggs to millions of kids. It's a hard job. Don't be jealous. Why don't you be the Easter Cat?
Premise/plot: Cat is jealous of the Easter Bunny. He wants in on the action. Will the Easter Cat be competition for the Easter Bunny? Maybe, maybe not. The Easter Cat is a little too fond of naps and not so fond of hard work. But don't count him completely out. Easter Cat has a plan....
My thoughts: I enjoyed Deborah Underwood's Here Comes the Easter Cat. Cat is a lovable character who communicates mainly by signs and also body language. The illustrations are super expressive. Even children who can't read, can tell exactly what Cat is feeling at any given moment. The narrative tone is casual, conversational. I loved, loved, loved it.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
Premise/plot: Cat is jealous of the Easter Bunny. He wants in on the action. Will the Easter Cat be competition for the Easter Bunny? Maybe, maybe not. The Easter Cat is a little too fond of naps and not so fond of hard work. But don't count him completely out. Easter Cat has a plan....
My thoughts: I enjoyed Deborah Underwood's Here Comes the Easter Cat. Cat is a lovable character who communicates mainly by signs and also body language. The illustrations are super expressive. Even children who can't read, can tell exactly what Cat is feeling at any given moment. The narrative tone is casual, conversational. I loved, loved, loved it.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 10 out of 10
November 5, 2020
When Cat tries to replace the Easter Bunny, he soon learns that the job is much harder than he expected-and does not allow time for naps.
A cat with flair to spare, an Easter Bunny with a job to do, and a hilarious break from sticky-sweet Easter fare for fans of Patrick McDonnell and the Pigeon books by Mo Willems.
Why should the Easter Bunny get all the love? That's what Cat would like to know. So he decides to take over: He dons his sparkly suit, jumps on his Harley, and roars off into the night. But it turns out delivering Easter eggs is hard work. And it doesn't leave much time for naps (of which Cat has taken five--no, seven). So when a pooped-out Easter Bunny shows up, and with a treat for Cat, what will Cat do? His surprise solution will be stylish, smart, and even--yes--kind.
A cat with flair to spare, an Easter Bunny with a job to do, and a hilarious break from sticky-sweet Easter fare for fans of Patrick McDonnell and the Pigeon books by Mo Willems.
Why should the Easter Bunny get all the love? That's what Cat would like to know. So he decides to take over: He dons his sparkly suit, jumps on his Harley, and roars off into the night. But it turns out delivering Easter eggs is hard work. And it doesn't leave much time for naps (of which Cat has taken five--no, seven). So when a pooped-out Easter Bunny shows up, and with a treat for Cat, what will Cat do? His surprise solution will be stylish, smart, and even--yes--kind.
December 2, 2017
Cat wants to give the Easter Bunny some serious competition . We discover (through a conversation between Cat and the narrator - Cat is silent - that he'd like to dress up and hand out goodies on Easter, too. Cat has more panache, however, and intends to hand out chocolate rabbits while wearing a sparkly vest and riding a motorcycle. The one hitch in his getalong is naps - cats (and this Cat in particular) need MANY, and there isn't time to nap AND keep up with the Easter Bunny. Then the Bun Himself shows up - also exhausted - and Cat does him a solid by assisting him with the remainder of his deliveries (Easter Bunny naps in the sidecar). Silly and fun with a clever (and snazzy) protagonist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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