Cross-Country Cat

by Mary Calhoun

Book Overview

What kind of cat would go sliding off on skis, and who'd believe it anyway? When the family accidentally leaves Henry, their sassy Siamese, behind at the ski lodge, he takes matters into his own paws in this beguiling adventure.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688065198
• ISBN13: 9780688065195
• Release Date: September 1986
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 7.8" x 9.9"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Childhood Favorite!

This was a favorite book of mine growing up. I still have my old copy in a box somewhere. I never grew tired of hearing how brave Henry was, slushing through the snow on his skis. I wish I could find a newer hardbound copy. A true classic is hard to forget. Excellent choice for any child, boy or girl, over age four.

Enchanting

I bought this book 20 years ago for my niece, before I had my own children. I love cats (I had a siamese at that time), I love cross country skiing, and I love Colorado (the author was from Colo. the scenes look exactly like Colo. mountains and snowstorms). I felt like the book was written just for me! Of course you don't have to be just like me to enjoy this book. The illustrations are beautiful and realistic (I love how the clothing is so 1970's). The story is told from the cats point of view and it shows sweet and authentic cat relationships (the man in the story is grudging in his admiration for Henry). Despite the language that a previous reviewer quoted and disliked, this book is very positive and appropriate for children. Henry is a great role model that overcomes doubts and solves his own problems. My children always laughed at the parts the reviewer quoted and had such distaste for, and they are not insensitive children. Most people can relate to the frustration you feel when you're trying something you don't know how to do. If you love cats - buy this book - it's enchanting!

A favorite....

I love this picture book. My mother read it to me so many times (well over 20 years ago!) that I memorized the text! I loved cats as a child and was delighted with the story of Henry ("One smart cat") shushing along the snow on skis and poles he fashioned himself. The author tells the story so matter of factly that it seemed so real.This is also a beautiful book to look at. The water color illustrations of the snowy landscapes are very well done. I remember this book fondly and look forward to sharing it with my own children.A great story to read out loud!

CUTE

Sorry to hear this is OOP. Another great read-aloud story. The adventures of Henry as he tries to make his way back home after being left-behind on the family vacation are both cute and funny at the same time. Anyone who loves cats will enjoy reading this book. This is definately one of our "family-favorites". If you can get your hands on a copy I would definately grab this one.

Better than "Cats!" I read it again and again!

When my baby sister (now a grown woman) was about four and I was about fourteen, this was our favorite book. I'm sure I read this book to her fifty times and wouldn't be surprised if the number were double that. I never once grew bored with the story. The artwork is charming, the story is entertaining, the characters are engaging. Our favorite part is Henry's song which our family would sing together not only when we read the book but sometimes while travelling in the car or doing chores together. The Cross Country Cat is a permanent part of my family's culture and among my fondest childhood memories.