Illustrated by Cameron Bennett
Book Synopsis
This month's Storytime Pup Pick of the Litter is "A CatFish Tale" written by Kathy Brodsky and illustrated by Cameron Bennett. It was awarded the Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year and the International Literacy Association and Children's Book Council Children's Choices Reading List Award. This book is also available in Spanish.
"A CatFish Tale" is about a cat and his best friend Charlie, who is a penguin. Charlie has a fish tank with three fish: Gretchen, Suzie and Hank. Charlie has no children or wife and the fish are a good part of his life.
One day, Charlie decides that he wants to go to college and get a degree. He chooses a school in Wisconsin, which is quite far from his home in Cape Cod. He decides to leave his fish friends behind under the care of his friend, who just happens to be a cat. A cat taking care of fish? Well, the temptation becomes a challenge. While caring for the fish, the cat keeps picturing them lined up on his dish. But, the cat does his best to care for his friend's fish.
One day the cat comes home and sees a bunch of little fish swimming in with the big fish. Now he has fish babies to take care of too. He buys a pen to keep them safe. More babies come in the passing years and they begin to outgrow their tanks.
Eventually the cat has had enough of the feeding and cleaning while caring for the fish. He is also getting very hungry and all these fish are becoming too tempting. He calls his friend Charlie and tells him he will be there in a few days. He bundles up all the fish in containers and bags and he hires a driver.
They drive all the way to Wisconsin and the cat and fish all arrive safely. The fish are now back with their "dad" Charlie.
The cat returns home alone. He is happy to have the fish gone. But, he was also kind of sad. He was sad because, although they were a challenge to care for, they were also his friends. He decided to get a puppy, and ends up getting two!
Click below to watch Storytime Pup read “A CatFish Tale”
Book Review
"A CatFish Tale" is a funny book about unusual friendships. The author is quite talented in her use of rhyme in telling her stories. The illustrations by Cameron Bennett are wonderful! Children will love this fun animal book. I highly recommend this and Kathy Brodsky's other children's books!
“A CatFish Tale” was chosen as the Storytime Pup Pick of the Litter in the March 2017 issue of Story Monsters Ink Magazine (see page 58)
About The Author
Kathy Brodsky is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, writes and promotes quality books that are timely, visually exciting, fun to read, and educational. As a psychotherapist for over 40 years, she is able to tap into universal emotions of people of all ages with themes that are evident in her books.