Can Cat and Bird Be Friends? by Coll Muir

Abstract

Reviewed by: Can Cat and Bird Be Friends? by Coll Muir Deborah Stevenson, Editor Muir, Coll Can Cat and Bird Be Friends?; written and illus. by Coll Muir. Harper, 2019 [32p] ISBN 978-0-06-286593-9 $17.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 1-2 "Are you a bird? . . . Then I must eat you," says the black cat formally to the white bird he's just encountered. The bird politely suggests that they could become friends instead, noting that he knows lots of cat-pleasing possibilities ("'I know the best car for a cat to hide under.' 'I agree. This is a fantastic car to hide under'"); in turn, the cat offers bird delights such as a hot spot for juicy worms ("These worms are totally tasty!"). They sadly realize they don't have much common ground, though, and regretfully plan to part ways—until they realize they both like painting, so they can be friends after all. While there's validity to the point about friendship coming from sharing experiences rather than categorization, the fun here lies largely in the comically solemn dialogue (conveniently color-coded) and the tour of cat and bird experiences. The speech-only text, repetition, and spare, funny prose make this a treat for beginning readers, but picture-book audiences will relish the goofy friendship story as well. The streamlined digital art adds to the humor: palette is limited to black and white on taupe backgrounds, and while there's some soft shad-ing on and around the added objects, they largely have the crisp-edged simplicity of collage. This hits the sweet spot for dry humor that's still kid accessible, and youngsters looking for a change from the more voluble beginning readers about odd pairings will offer appreciative snickers. [End Page 445] Copyright © 2019 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois