Mrs. Katz and Tush (Reading Rainbow)

As with many of Patricia Polacco's books, Mrs. Katz & Tush starts with a friendship, adds a simple story line, seasons it with an understanding look at a particular culture or two, adds a dash of humour, and ties it all together with illustrations that enrich the story (other examples, among many: Babushka Baba Yaga, Just Plain Fancy and Chicken Sunday). In this story the lives of two very different neighbors are drawn together through a small, tail-less kitten named Tush (the name itself brings giggles to the 4 year old set). Larnel, dragged along by his mother to visit an elderly widowed neighbor (and the picture of him in his chair shows you all that you need to know about how he feels about being there!) surprises himself by feeling compassion for lonely Mrs. Katz. He brings her the runt of a litter of kittens, saying that nobody else wants it. Mrs. Katz reluctantly accepts the kitten, on the condition that Larnel will help her learn how to care for it. He agrees, and a life-long friendship is begun. There are so many great parts to this book- the growing understanding about the things that we have in common, no matter how disparate our backgrounds, messages on ethnicity, on generational relationships, and so on- that you could get the idea that this is a 'good-for-you' book. But at it's heart Mrs. Katz & Tush is the work of a master storyteller and illustrator, and is a story that the children ask for again & again & again. Ours are still savouring it after 3 years, and show no signs of growing weary of it. The illustrations- especially some of the expressions- are some of Polacco's best efforts. Don't miss this one!

I borrowed a copy of this book and used it to read to pre-schoolers when I was a Home Visitor for Head Start. I love this author and have bought many of her books. I like the story, it shows people from different backgrounds having great relationships and friendships. I still remember Mrs. Katz saying about her cat" Oh Tush you're such a person!"

Mrs. Katz was "such a person!" A Jewish immigrant from Warsaw, Poland, she came to America to make a new life. She couldn't speak English and was lonely until she met her husband Myron. Unfortunately, they were not blessed with children and now, as a widow, Mrs. Katz is all alone. A young black boy and his mother befriend her and when a cat has kittens in their basement they bring the last little kitten to Mrs. Katz to keep her company. The kitten has no tail so her name becomes Tush. Since she has never had a cat before she needs help every day to learn about kittens and Tush becomes "such a person!" to her. The lovely story of two people from different backgrounds who discover that their ancestors have much in common is one of those books that you will keep and reread. The little boy learns the history of the Jews and his family adopts Mrs. Katz as their own bubbe. Tush also adds to the family with kittelehs of her own. They celebrate Passover together. The little boy becomes a man and brings his wife and children to see their bubbe. When Mrs. Katz finally dies, they say Kaddish at her grave where the stone reads that she was their very own and dearest bubbe. Highly recommended!

I'm a Librarian, working with kids. They all love this story and adore the illustrations. No matter what culture you're in, this beautiful look at an old woman and a little boy (and a very cute cat) will warm your heart. Highly recommended.

Another wonderful story from this author! I'm now collecting and really wished they would consider creating a boxed collection. Everyone of Polacco's (usually taken from her life) has a wonderful Truth to discuss with the child you share the story with! Most have me silently sobbing but they are happy tears. She illustrates her own books and is a wonderful artist. Such an artist!

Omg, what an incredibly warm, meaningful, and fun story. This story has such depth, as do all of Patricia Polacco’s books. We giggled at Mrs. Katz’s reason for naming the cat Tush. We got teary-eyed at parts. And we smiled through much of it. It evokes all kinds of emotions. This is much more than a storybook, it is true children’s literature. What a fantastic author/illustrator!

Lovely book. My granddaughteroves it

Gorgeous illustration, beautiful story and perfect normalization of diversity.

Patrica Polacco is a wonderful author. I have used her for author studies in the primary grades.