Member Reviews
This was a little too scattered for me. It seems like Meow has ADHD, but we aren’t given any explanation. Cute illustrations.
Amusing book about thinking differently. My daughter and I had fun reading it. I loved the illustrations, it would make children engaged for sure.
This was a cute book about a kid nicknamed Meow, who’s is definitely not a cat. Because cats lick their butts. This story and pictures on this book were cute and I liked how the character wanted to listen, but didn’t listen the same way other kids did, and often got in trouble for it. My son was able to relate to this and loves cats so this was the perfect book for him. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for giving me a copy of this e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Meow Is not a Cat was a really silly book. Meow was a funny character who had a unique way of thinking. Unfortunately, this book didn't really make any sense to me or my young readers. The fact that a child jumped into a monkey enclosure was a bit disturbing. We did think that the grumpy cat was the best part of the story. The illustrations were great and helped to visually tell parts of the story that the writing didn't.
I appreciated the sentiment of this story, that kids who think differently can make contributions from outside of the box. However, the story seemed a little too all over the place. The illustrations are fun.
Great illustrations, cute story, not the best ever. I enjoyed it but there was something missing. Maybe it is my adult brain reading a picture book, but it seems to me that Meow is neurodivergent, possibly ADHD (I recognize some of the behavior from my own...). I wish, if that were true, that maybe it was explained a little...
I am always pleased when I read a book and a child I know will love it immediately comes to mind. Even better, when I get to the end and am still convinced. This is a simple story with a lot going on. Meow doesn't do things in quite the same way as the other kids, which sometimes leaves others losing their patience. When a school trip goes a bit wrong, thanks to Meow's creative thinking, it's this thinking that ends up solving the problem and leaves Meow's classmates and teacher realising that the usual way of doing things doesn't have to be the only way.
This was a sweet and silly look at a little girl who is called Meow, but she stresses that she is NOT a cat. She wears a cat hat and marches to the beat of her own drum. This can be challenging when her teacher wants her to follow directions or behave.
Students who have trouble staying in sync, or who have the wiggles or who like to be different will feel seen in this book about a little girl who has so much charisma. Finally, when the class field trip goes awry, Meow uses her creative thinking to solve the problem.
This would be a good introductory story to talking about neurodivergence, recognizing each other's strengths, and working on those wiggles for good purposes.
I recommend this book for teachers, therapists, and librarians.
Meow is Not a Cat was a short and fun read, with beautiful illustrations and an endearing protagonist. I picked up this book because I have younger cousins, and thought it might be fun to eventually read with them upon publication. I think the story had a lot of promise, but ultimately despite its brevity, I was confused since the story moved so fast. I felt like the ending was rather rushed, and I'm not sure that the intent of the lessons prevalent in this story will be effectively received by young people reading this.
Note: I am an autistic, ADHD non-binary person.
*Thank you to Netgallery for the eARC of this book*
(TW: Teacher frustration with neurodiverse child)
What a charming little gem! Great representation with Meow being neurodiverse and (as the book description hints) gender non-conforming/non-binary! The illustrations were really cute - done in a way I think kids will find engaging and entertaining.
Some parts seemed disjointed, like how a banana cannon seemed to appear out of nowhere? But all in all, I'd highly suggest.
I loved this book! It is the story of Meow- a school going boy, who wears a cap with cat ears, and processes things a little differently than his classmates. I didn't understand the point of the story until I finished reading it, realizing it's general message is that it's okay to have a unique (out-of-the-box) way of thinking and although it gets you in a different place than expected, it can also get you out of problems
Meow does things differently from the other kids and they are also not a cat. I read this book to my 5 year old and he was smiling throughout the story. He found the story to be very silly (in a fun way).y view as a parent is that the illustrations are great and the overall message is good. We are a nuerodivergent household in many way so having a story about a kid that moves through the world in their own unique way and seeing the value that can bring. I did find the beginning of the book a little confusing to read but it became easier as the story progressed. Overall, very cute story, good pace and great illustrations.
Meow does not identify as a cat. Meow is portrayed as a gender-neutral child who sees and acts differently than others. Interpreting and following specific instructions results in creative and imaginative ways of behaving and responding to them.
This silly and entertaining story will make kids laugh. Meow's out-of-the-box antics invite kids into the story. A life lesson is nestled amongst the hilarity... don't judge but understand that others may interpret the world in a different way than you to do.
The illustrations are very well done. They are full of action and detail which draws kids deeper into the tale. Reading "Meow Is Not a Cat" together can spark conversations about different behaviours, acceptance, and following guidelines.
This book is a comical way to encourage parents and teachers not to lose patience with kids who display hyperactivity. Kids love that they can take it upon themselves to be in charge and I'm sure young readers will cheer Meow on and find the book very amusing and entertaining. When you look at the book through the eyes of a child it will be a delightful whacky read.
The art in this book is graphic novel style, which really works for the story. I love the fact that what Meow does and says "just comes out different." Not wrong, Just different.
This is an adorable book. with beautiful pictures. I really enjoyed the color combinations. The story is short and silly. I love the little cat- reminds me of a cat I lost recently. I can see this being a fun book for my little nieces and nephew to read. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC version to read in exchange for an honest review.
I like this picture book.
The art is absolutely cute.
It can be a fun picture book with young guys.
Nice idea but it needed better characters. Also, it's a bit unrealistic.
I really enjoyed the illustrations and look forward to seeing more art from this author.
Sweet and silly. A nice short read that I'm sure very many small children (that are, in fact, not cats) will enjoy.
This is a cute book with nice illustrations.
The book is light-hearted that touches on neurodiversity and how peoples interpretation of things can differ. It is quite basic but good for younger children.
Thank you to NetGalley, FDI Publishing, and the author and illustrator for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
This book was cute and I can see how it would get many laughs from children. As an adult, I felt like it was a bit confusing. In the beginning, I felt like it was going to be a book about thinking and interpreting ideas differently and would focus on how being neurodivergent is an assent and okay. Then the story took a weird turn and turned into a visit to the zoo and monkeys stealing bananas and then the teacher was magically okay with everything even though Meow (the MC) started all of the antics. It just wasn't quite what I had expected.