Hero Cat

by Eileen Spinelli

Book Overview

Five tiny kittens cry for their mama, as smoke begins to fill the abandoned warehouse that has been their home. But Mother Cat has left her cozy heap of kittens to go in search of food.

Determined to save her babies, Mother Cat dashes into the burning building and follows the sounds of frightened mewing. In five daring acts, she saves each kitten--a true hero cat!

This story, accompanied by beautiful illustrations rendered in pastel,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761458379
• ISBN13: 9780761458371
• Release Date: January 2012
• Publisher: Two Lions
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.7" x 9.5"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Stunning Pictures, great story!

We found this book at the library this past summer. My 4 year old loved it so much, I bought it for her birthday. She loves to pretend play as Hero Cat! The illustrations are very fitting to the story. This is based on a true story. There is a picture of the real Hero Cat, Scarlet in the back of the book, paws singed from saving her cats. This prompted a lot of questions about what being a hero means and the whole concept of helping others.

Hero Cat is a winner!

Eileen Spinelli's Hero Cat is a delightful book. I have read it aloud to a number of primary classes and the responses have been fantastic. They are amazed that the book is based on a true hero cat, Scarlett, who saved her kittens in a fire on Long Island in 1996. Teachers have also been very enthusiastic about the book. They love the beautiful use of language, and are able to use the book in inspiring children to write about their hero cats. I loved it! Jim

They won't let me take it back to the library!

My two six-year olds and the 2 year old LOVE this book. We have read it many, many times and I see them looking through the book often. All three were captivated with the story and the pictures. They literally sit on the edge of the couch and hop up and down in excitement and anxiety each and every time we read it. This story is very 'real' to them and they relive it at each telling. It has helped them understand a little better the love a mother has for her children (or a mother cat for her kittens). It also provides a wonderful example of courage. They love Hero Cat and ask how she's doing, what made her so strong, and other questions that have opened up some fabulous discussions. We recommend this sweet, touching story to all.

Unquestioned Instinct

Those of us who are fortunate enough to read and seek knowledge about the world around us can only be inspired by this beautiful book from Eileen Spinelli. Instinct is an incredible force that comes from within and we as humans need to be reminded that while we can achieve and do amazing things, that our earth is filled with incredible species that do it just as well, if not better. This book is certainly one for all ages. Thank you for showing the photograph of 'Hero' Scarlett and her gorgeous family.

Brave and True

Eileen Spinelli's simple language creates a powerful story that a young child can comprehend and enjoy. I read this book to a four-year-old friend whose eyes grew wider as the text progressed, yet she never showed fear, only that rapt attention of wanting to know how the story would end. The photo of the real Scarlett also thrilled the young child and made the book even more appealing.