I Want a Cat - (Read and Write) by Darcy Pattison (Paperback)

Number of Pages: 36
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Sub-Genre: Animals
Series Title: Read and Write
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Mims House
Age Range: 9-12 Years
Book theme: Cats
Author: Darcy Pattison
Language: English

About the Book

The story line is simple: two cousins email back and forth about what kind of dog each wants. Dennis writes an essay, and we see the result of his writing efforts. Simplicity is deceiving. In a scant 662 words, this story distills a couple of decades of teaching about writing and packs a whallop

Book Synopsis

The Cat of Her Dreams!

When cousins Mellie and Dennis decide to get a cat, they consider carefully what breed would be best for each family. For example, Mellie wants a cat that pounces, but Dennis wants a lazy cat, like his lazy dog, Clark Kent. Mellie wants a lap cat, but Dennis just wants a warm body BESIDE him. They consider different cat personalities, family situations, and personal preferences.

Mellie writes an opinion essay for her teacher, Mr. Eagle. But will her essay convince her parents to get the cat of her dreams?

This children's picture book takes a popular subject-kids getting a pet-and adds cats of all sizes and shapes: all writing lessons should be this much fun. In the end, it's the cousins and the cats that keep a reader turning the page. What kind of cat will Mellie choose? Will Dennis want the same kind of cat?

This story hits many notes:

• A family story about cousins, Dennis and Mellie
• Information on dog breeds
• Responsible cat ownership
• Mentor-text for teaching writing
• Model opinion essay for elementary students
• Models the writing process, especially the importance of pre-writing or planning before you write
• Completes the writing process by showing the results of Dennis's essay

I WANT A CAT almost makes opinion essays look too easy. But it works on many other levels, as well. Younger kids will be excited to learn the differences between dogs and will laugh at the antics of the dogs. Elementary kids will rejoice in a story of cousins (and will write the best essays ever!). A universal dream - a great pet - becomes an engaging writing lesson.

See other books in THE READ AND WRITE series:

• I Want a Cat: My Opinion Essay
• My Crazy Dog: My Narrative Essay
• My Dirty Dog: My Informative Essay (forthcoming)

WATCH DARCY PATTISON DISCUSS HOW TO TEACH OPINION ESSAYS

In this 20-minute video, author Darcy Pattison explains how to use this book to teach opinion essays: mimshouse.com/writing-opinion-essays/

Review Quotes

Classroom teachers will appreciate this breezy and engaging introduction to genre writing. The story outlines the development of an essay as two cousins, Dennis and Mellie, share what type of dog each would like, covering factors such as size, disposition, grooming requirements, and so on. Facts about various breeds are woven throughout their written communications, and charming pastel illustrations help portray canine physical and personality traits. Dennis' efforts not only earn him an A but also reward him with the pet of his choice: a Bernese mountain dog. The model essay can be used across multiple genres (informational and narrative nonfiction in addition to opinion). The action only covers a couple steps in the writing process (prewriting and publishing), but his picture book is not intended to be a textbook. Students will likely relate to the content, character, and the happy ending. Useful as an introduction to series such as Norwood House's Writing Builders, this can also be useful for teachers showing early elementary students the relevancy, power, and importance of effective writing. Booklist June 2015