A sweet, playful story about identity - and what it means to belong. Why, of course Donkey’s a cat. He spends all his time with the other cats on the farm. He licks his fur and pounces, just like they do. He even cuddles with them at nap time. Though, he must admit, sometimes he does feel … a little off. So, when Farmer says to him, “Donkey, you’re acting like a cat!” it gets him thinking. What if he’s not a cat? And if not, then what is he? Will going off on his own help Donkey figure out what he is and where he belongs? Award-winning author Kari-Lynn Winters’s delightful story of self-discovery uses kid-perfect hilarity to deliver the message that every individual has something unique to offer to their community. The contrast between Donkey and his cat friends makes for laugh-out-loud silliness in Kelly Collier’s endearing and amusing art (ever seen a Donkey perch on a fence post?). Pages are filled with spot illustrations, speech bubbles and action words that keep the visual appeal high. Sure to be a story-time crowd-pleaser, this picture book could easily spark discussions about identity, fitting in and belonging. It also works well for character education lessons on adaptability, inclusiveness, initiative and caring.
Kari-Lynn Winters is an award-winning picture book author, playwright, and scholar who enjoys being in the classroom in any of these capacities. She holds a position at Brock University as a full professor of drama-in-education, dance-in-education, and literacy. Her graduate work, which was completed at the University of British Columbia, focused on combining the arts with reading and writing.
When Kari-Lynn began to write children’s picture book manuscripts and submit them to publishers about 22 years ago, people often shook their heads, advising her to write novels instead.
“It is so difficult to get picture books published in these times,” they said.
But Kari-Lynn persisted, continuing to collect, read, research, and write picture books. Her persistence paid off. Today, 31 books (picturebooks, poetry, non-fiction) that Kari-Lynn wrote have been accepted for publication. In addition, she has had academic chapters and articles about multimodality and student literacy published by Heinemann and in The Reading Teacher.
Kari-Lynn says the best thing about writing for children is that she can share silly ideas in funny and interactive ways and that she can talk to children about their own experiences as young authors.
A very good storybook on identity. Cute characters. Amazing illustrations. Effortless story telling.
I know it’s difficult for us adults to explain properly or in a manner that should make the younger kids understand what we understand about identity. It’s such books like this that actually helps the adults to make the kids ‘see’ what we need them to know. It is the story of a donkey which was raised with cats. He believes he’s a cat until he decides to be who he actually is. It’s a learning process and it doesn’t need to be abrupt during the process of identifying who we really are.
Such a good one.
Thank you, Kids Can Press, for the advance reading copy.
Oh man how many ways can I express the love of this book. It's so humorous, cute, and fun,
Donkey believes she is a cat, She does all the things a cat does, cuddling, cleaning etc. However some things are not right, like she doesn't have claws and is scared of mice. Donkey has a bit of an existential crisis when farmer says something that makes her question who she is.
I love the theme of being who you are and the found family. That although donkey isn't family by blood to kitties, it is her family. I also found it hilarious how cats are portrayed in this book. Such as the annoyed disgusted one to the anxiety ridden one.
The illustrations are fantastic in this book. They're super cute and detailed, but the facial expressions had me cracking up.
Im for sure will pick up a hard copy of this book and recommend to all my friends.
Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
I will be posting my review to Instagram at the.littlest.bookworm and retail sites close or on publication.
A cute, wonderful book about identity and community. It's beauty is the different ways you can interpret it, but I think of it as a great example of how you don't have put a label on yourself to have an identity or be just like others to fit in. You can be unique and still belong with your people. YOU DO YOU!!
This book also has some great, hilarious illustrations, perfect for curious eyes of young readers.
I received a complimentary ARC of the book from NetGalley and KidsCanPress for an honest review.
This is a sweet and very funny story about a donkey who thinks he's a cat and what happens when he has a bit of an existential crisis. The commentary by the cats is hilarious, as are the illustrations. The expressions on the various animals' faces are especially funny. Kiddo (8) and I laughed a lot as we read this.
I would definitely recommend it to kids age toddler to elementary school. It would be a great pick for a read-aloud storytime at a classroom or library.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing an early copy for review.
Really cute story about identity,it explains in an easy way not to try to be something you aren’t,to be yourself even if you feel different or scared.There’s beauty in being yourself even if you feel like you don’t fit in.This book explains something complex in an easy,humorous way and with beautiful images<3
I’ve always enjoyed sharing fun picture books with my kids and was sad when they outgrew bedtime stories. Sometimes I get lucky and get to read them with a grandchild. Tonight I enjoyed this book with my 8 year old grandson. WHAT IF I’M NOT A CAT? by Kari-Lynn Winters and Kelly Collier.
Donkey lives in the farmers barn along with the rest of the cats. He knows he’s a cat because he acts just like them. One day the farmer unwittingly lets the cat out of the bag and now Donkey is worried. What if he’s not a cat?
This is an adorable story and filled with wonderfully colorful drawings throughout. It would be a great book for a child that’s already reading and for those not there yet. My grandson really enjoyed it and giggled at Donkeys antics. 5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for allowing me to review this delightful book.
I think this book is a great tool to help teach children about accepting and celebrating differences. The story gently guides the reader through learning that a person (or donkey!) doesn't have to fit neatly into one box, category or label. It's a lovely way of showing the reader that identity is comprised not only of physical traits, but of our actions, our connections, our values, and so on.
Writing-wise, I enjoyed the author's use of sound ("mee-haw" got me every time!) to encourage the child to participate in an active reading process that allows them to be a bit silly and have fun. I also like how the various characters have their own speech bubbles across the pages, again encouraging the child to engage with the story by spotting each bubble and looking at the different emotions expressed by each character.
The illustrations are beautiful and the style is an excellent match for the tone of the story.
Thank you, Kids Can Press, for providing me with this ARC.
"What If I'm Not a Cat" by Kari-Lynn Winters and Kelly Collier is due to be published on 6th June 2023.
This is such a cute picture book, about a donkey who lives with the cats in the barn. And each time the farmer comes in, she refers to everyone as a cat. Therefore, Donkey is pretty sure he is a cat too. And yet, there are things he can’t do, that cats can. So he thinks of all the things he can do, and can’t do, and is worried that perhaps he isnt’ a cat, and thinks he’ll run away. But when he kicks a fox trying to break in, he realizes that he might be a hybrid cat/donkey.
So funny as he tries to do all the things cats do, even sitting on the farmer’s lap.
All about what it is to fit in, and not having to be exactly the same as everyone else. (In fact one of the cats wonders if he too isn’t a cat.)
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
What a sweet and adorable tale about figuring out who you are and where you belong! Donkey lives with the cats in the barn and always assumed he was a cat (he was sure about it because Farmer said so!) But, sometimes, things just felt a little bit...off, until, one day, he has the shocking realization--what if he's not a cat at all??? And if he's not a cat, what IS he and where does he belong?
Young readers will love following Donkey's journey. The story is funny and lively with a very relatable message. The art supports the text well and will definitely hold young readers' attention. This would be a great read for pre-K and early elementary and would make a wonderful addition to school and classroom libraries!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Check out my blog for the full review and consider subscribing while you're there. Award-winning Canadian author Winters, a Brock University professor in education, delivers a sweet story of friendship, acceptance, and learning to value individual strengths and to adapt to change. Illustrator Collier brings the story to life with lively and emotive illustrations. There is plenty of potential for storytime use, especially with older preschoolers and kindergarten classes. My thanks to KidsCan Press for the digital reading copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was such a lovely read! I am going to purchase this read for my daughter and I to read together. "What if I'm not a Cat?" is a funny story of a donkey who believes himself to be a cat. Reading this tale had me smiling the whole way through and found myself snort-giggling at the end.
I really enjoyed the storytelling illustrations which bring to life the humor and tenderness that is Donkey and is fellow felines (who were a hoot).
I recommend this read to be added to your children's library if you are looking for a fun book to bring laughs to your little one.
CHILDRENS ARC REVIEW FT MY DAUGHTER 📖 What If I'm Not A Cat? By Kari-Lynn Winters;Kelly Collier 📖 Pub Date ~ June 6th 2023 Publisher ~ Kids Can Press Our Thoughts ~ loveed it, such a great spin on finding out who you are and where/how you fit in. Such a funny heartwarming story. My daughter laughed throughout the book. As people with cats we thought it was very laughable. It definitely got the meaning of the book across in a way my 7 year old daughter understood. We loved the illustrations they paired so well with the story. 📚 ABOUT THE BOOK 📚 A sweet, playful story about identity - and what it means to belong. Why, of course Donkey's a cat. He spends all his time with the other cats on the farm. He licks his fur and pounces, just like they do. He even cuddles with them at nap time. Though, he must admit, sometimes he does feel ... a little off. So, when Farmer says to him, “Donkey, you're acting like a cat!” it gets him thinking. What if he's not a cat? And if not, then what is he? Will going off on his own help Donkey figure out what he is and where he belongs? Award-winning author Kari-Lynn Winters's delightful story of self-discovery uses kid-perfect hilarity to deliver the message that every individual has something unique to offer to their community. The contrast between Donkey and his cat friends makes for laugh-out-loud silliness in Kelly Collier's endearing and amusing art (ever seen a Donkey perch on a fence post?). Pages are filled with spot illustrations, speech bubbles and action words that keep the visual appeal high. Sure to be a story-time crowd-pleaser, this picture book could easily spark discussions about identity, fitting in and belonging. It also works well for character education lessons on adaptability, inclusiveness, initiative and caring. We appreciate being sent an ebook copy to read thank you! @NetGalley @KidsCanPress #NetGalley #WhatIfImNotACat
We absolutely loved this book, Kennedy has 3 kittens and on is bonded to him. So this was a fun read as his cat thinks he’s a pup sometimes. Kennedy purrs, and sometimes thinks he’s a kitten. He was very interactive with book. The whole book was such a fun and joyful book.
An adorable story about a donkey and its identity. The illustrations communicate the feelings of the characters. A good lesson for everyone about choosing who you are and want to be.
Donkey knows he's a cat. He does everything a cat does! He pounces, cuddles, and certainly sounds like a cat! However, is there a possibility he is not, in fact, a cat? He does feel weird sometimes...
'What If I'm Not a Cat?' is a wholesome story about identity and fitting in. Donkey notices that he is a bit different from the barn cats. This causes him to have an identity crisis he has to overcome! I love how sweet Donkey is! He is very considerate and wants to ensure he is not imposing on other cats' barn space! This self-reflection is a trait everyone should have. The other cats are so dear for accepting Donkey into their group when they don't even know if he's a cat, either! Everyone deserves supportive friends like this when they are going through a pickle! This is a purrfect book for anyone struggling with their identity and trying to fit in. You can learn that it's okay to be different and the importance of making your identity your own! A lovey story mixed with beautiful illustrations equals an excellent book!
Thank you to NetGallery and Kids Can Press for the opportunity to review this book! You guys are quite spiffy!
No, that was definitely NOT me screeching incoherently while reading What If I'm a Cat?. (It was, fur sure.) In a time, where identity has become more important than ever, this book takes a really complicated subject matter, and breaks it down to the most simple components. Donkey has an early midlife crisis of questioning who he really is. He's been surrounded by cats his whole life and truly believes they are his family and exactly who is and where he belongs. Until... HE. QUESTIONS. EVERYTHING. Which makes him sad. And makes the other cats question themselves. One cat even thinks be may he a dog. Multiple times. I may have laughed. (I definitely laughed.) In the end, Donkey realizes he can be whoever he wants. And found family is just as real as blood family. I adored this beautiful book so much and will be purchasing a copy for our library and another for my personal collection.
***Thank you to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for providing me with a review copy.***
My review will be live on my blog - donnasbookblog on 6th June 2023 - publication day!
I thought that this book was very good and very enjoyable!
The story was well written and easy to follow, I read it with my 5 year old daughter, or rather she read the book to me and we both thought that it was funny and she asked the following night to read it again so that was a hit with me as I love when she wants to read a book more than one - its a true sign that it has hit the target audience well.
The writing was great and the illustrations were brilliant and they really brought the story to life.
The book was well laid out, it was nice, bright and the illustrations were wonderful and it is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!
What a sweet, heartwarming book! With my teacher hat on, this would be a great book to read with a class of any age. Younger students would love the silliness of a donkey thinking it was a cat and the playfulness of the text. With an older class, you could use the book to engage students into a discussion about identity and what it means to belong and fit in. My favourite part was the range of responses from the cats when donkey was questioning his identity. I love that there was many different comments, not just no you're not a cat or yes you are. Thank you to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to review this book!
What a charming, funny, and heartwarming read. I absolutely loved joining Donkey on his journey to find his own self-identity, and what it means to belong. I found myself smiling along with the story. I enjoyed the silly illustrations of Donkey doing cat-like things, because cats are all a little odd. I especially love how supportive Donkey's friends are and how welcoming it is to find one's tribe. A great addition to anyone's library.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kids Can Press, for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this story. Sweet donkey, you can be a cat, it's okay!! This was a sweet and funny story about a donkey finding out..that well he is not a cat :( He goes on a journey and finds out that he is perfect just the way he is! :) A great message. Recommended to children for all ages. I can't wait to read this to my littles.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the Arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. #whatifimnotacat #NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for an arc copy in exchange for an honest review
I enjoyed this story. The artwork was cute and simple, and the story was cute. Donkey knows he's a cat...until he becomes unsure. He notices a few differences that makes him question who is really is. His cat family tries to help, but in the end, it's up to Donkey to find his way.
I read this with my toddler who enjoyed the story and I would share this with my Pre-K classroom
This is more than just a book about a cute donkey. This is about identity, about what it means to belong, to know who and what you are and to figure out what it means to fit in. Yes, and this happens to a cute donkey/cat and there are also cute cats (and foxes too!) – the cute donkey absolutely helps when discussing such matters! And the drawings are exquisite too! This is a quick and easy read, but it opens doors for a deeper conversation with your child.
Donkey goes on a fun-filled journey with his lovely, cat family and friends. Join him as he tries to figure out who he really is.
My review:
This book was fun, comical, and illustrated perfectly for what was happening in the story. It engaged readers with its vibrancy and fun-loving adventure. The playful yet gentle Donkey realizes that he doesn't need to be a cat to fit in; he can be "Don-Kitty." Highly recommend it for young readers.
Here we have a story of Donkey the cat having an existential crisis concerning whether or not he is actually a cat. He knew he was a cat because he had been told so, but somehow he doesn’t feel like a cat.
The drawings and characterization of each cat is adorable and I think most young readers would enjoy the confusion Donkey experiences in this book.
Who doesn't want to read a book about a donkey? This book was well done. I love books about acceptance in our differences. The book held my 4 year old's attention from cover to cover. It was a quick read and easy to follow. The illustrations were well done and brightly coloured. The illustrations matched with the wording and caused some laughter.
This was a cute story about a donkey that questions if it is actually a kitty. The illustrations are colorful and fun. I love the cat that questions if it is a kitty or not because Donkey is questioning it's identity.
This book is so fun, I lost it when the kitty is also questioning itself. I had a good laugh reading it and the illustrations are also really lovely. The story tells us about finding our own identity and be proud of whatever we want to be. Thank you NetGalley and Kids Can Press for the copy.