Description
From School Library Journal Grade 4–8—Myron's best seller about the resident cat at the Spencer Public Library in Iowa has been adapted for middle grade readers. The references to most of the author's personal problems, which peppered her adult book, have been removed, and Dewey's story stands on its own. The anecdotes remain the same, with some concessions made to the experiences of younger readers: explaining, for instance, who Alf and Spuds McKenzie were, or pointing out that "back in the day" TV cartoons were only seen on Saturday mornings. Dewey's special brand of "pay-it-forward" love has immense appeal, and fans of animal stories will immediately gravitate toward the book, with its handsome reproduction of the feline's now-famous portrait on the cover. As Myron's anecdotes show, the joy and comfort that Dewey provided to countless patrons over 18 years was not something that could be cataloged, or indexed, or highlighted in a trustee's report. But it was real and evident to the staff and library regulars. Dewey will no doubt have young readers pining for their own library cats, but astute readers will also pick up on the message that a town's heart beats strongest in its library.— Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From Booklist From the opening chapter, when librarian Vicki Myron finds a fragile, freezing kitten in the book return, children will be hooked on her heartwarming story about Dewey Readmore Books. Eliminating most of Myron's personal story as well as observations on economic and social change found in the adult book on which it was based, this shorter children's adaptation focuses squarely on Dewey. His job description, a list of his likes and dislikes, and other funny pieces from the original reappear here. Anecdotes such as Dewey's fascination with rubber bands, his bizarre behavior during a bat invasion, and his finicky eating habits are ideal booktalk material. So are descriptions of Dewey's tender, intuitive interactions with people of all ages and backgrounds. Final chapters cover Dewey's declining health and eventual death with grace and sensitivity. Part cat story, part library story, this appealing adaptation will charm even reluctant readers. Grades 4-8. --Linda Perkins Vicki Myron was born on a farm fifteen miles from Spencer, Iowa. At the age of thirty-four, she graduated summa cum laude from Mankato State University and she has a masters degree from Emporia State University. She worked at the Spencer Public Library for twenty-five years, the last twenty as director. She lives in Spencer, Iowa. Her website is www.deweyreadmorebooks.comBret Witter has collaborated with Vicki Myron since 2006 and has enjoyed every minute. Raised in North Alabama, he currently lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife and two children, Lydia and Isaac. Read more
Features & Highlights
- In the tradition of
- Marley: A Dog Like No Other
- , this is the story of a cat who was more than a pet, and the amazing effect he had on the people around him. This middle-grade adaptation of the Grand Central bestseller
- Dewey
- features an 8-page photo insert, including exclusive, never-before-seen photos of the Dew! Now everyone's favorite library cat can inspire a new audience of young readers with his story of courage and love. Abandoned in a library book drop slot in the dead of winter, this remarkable kitten miraculously endured the coldest night of the year. Dewey Readmore Books, as he became known, quickly embraced his home inside Spencer's public library, charming the struggling small town's library-goers, young and old. As word of Dewey's winning tail, or rather his tale, spread, the library cat gained worldwide fame as a symbol of hope and proof positive that one small cat could change a town, one reader at a time.
