Miss Hazeltine's Home for Shy and Fearful Cats
Age 3+
Picture Storybooks
The conquering of fear is celebrated in this stunning book from two rising stars of picture book making – Kate Greenaway shortlisted Birgitta Sif and Alicia Potter.
From Kate Greenaway shortlisted illustrator Birgitta Sif and acclaimed new author, Alicia Potter, comes a tale with many tails, perfect for cat lovers everywhere! This book is full of scaredy cats. Cats terrified of mice, cats frightened of birds; cats who can’t pounce, cats who won’t purr. Miss Hazeltine takes them all into her Home for Shy and Fearful Cats and she teaches them everything she knows: "Bird Basics", "How Not to Fear the Broom" and how to “Hold your tails high! Arch your backs! Think good thoughts!” But under the bed hides nervous little Crumb... Will Miss Hazeltine be able to help the most shy and fearful kitty of them all? Stunningly illustrated, this is a story about conquering your fears, being brave and finding your moment to shine.
Creators
Alicia Potter is the author of two picture books: Fritz Danced the Fandango, illustrated by Ethan Long (Scholastic) and the forthcoming Mrs. Harkness and the Panda, illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet (Knopf). She is a children's book reviewer for FamilyFun and holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Alicia Potter lives in the USA, in Boston.
Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, Birgitta Sif lived in and around Scandanavia and America while growing up, and worked as a graphic designer in New York before enrolling on Anglia Ruskin’s Illustration MA course. Her debut picture book, Oliver, was endorsed by Amnesty and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Her other picture books include Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance and Snowboy and the Last Tree Standing,written by Hiawyn Oram. Birgitta lives with her family in Cambridge. Find her online at www.birgittasif.com and on Twitter as @birgittasif.
Reviews
Will Miss Hazeltine be able to help the most shy and fearful kitty of them all?
Parent Talk
This delightful book tells a tale of fears overcome but the real pleasure is in the detail as Potter’s words and Brigitta Sif’s illustrations combine to ensure every re-reading has the potential for new discoveries.
Absolutely Dulwich
A quirky charm exudes from every spread: the sight of Miss H as yoga teacher is priceless and the forest scenes (with and without cats) have a real magical feel about them.
Red Reading Hub
The illustrations are a tremendous treat. The gothic theme includes all the details in Miss Hazeltine’s cosy cottage and the woods around it, her pointed hat, her too-large feet, and the huge eyes of all the cats.
Books for Keeps
A heart-warming book […] I felt the message was strong
Juno
It is a really funny book and I give it 10 stars.
Anorak
…amusing and beautifully illustrated.
Your Cat Magazine
The strength of this book lies in Sif’s absorbing illustrations. Miss Hazeltine is brought to life as a warm, spirited and nimble character, a contrast to the withdrawn, crouching nature of the many scaredy cats in her care […] This is a worthy story about patience, courage and wholehearted acceptance of the unique character of each individual.
Inis Reading Guide
This is a magically illustrated picture book with detailed drawings affording plenty of opportunities to talk and share with young readers […] The language is simple and understated and as a result the message remains clear – that kindness and friendship can triumph!
The School Librarian
This is a perfect story for anyone who prefers hiding behind pillows (even Miss Hazeltine has things she worries about), as the cats discover that it’s okay to be afraid, but also easier than you might think to be brave.
BookTrust
