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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Cute book to read aloud for the kids. Like most books written in this time, I flagged when gender roles were stereotypical, and I changed Mrs. to Ms. as I read aloud.
Socks! The most meaningful book that I read in my childhood. I love Beverly Cleary.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a sweet book, and it was fun to revisit it with my 6-year-old, though it didn't hold his attention quite as well as some other books have. There was a lot in it that he found confusing and needed explained. However, it also turned out to be a timely read for our family, since we have a new baby. When Socks is sad at the end of Chapter 2 because he thinks the family loves the new baby more than him, my son wisely said, "I don't think they love the baby more. I think the baby just needs a lot because he's a baby." So it opened up good opportunities for conversation. On the whole, I think Cleary leaned a little more in the direction of making this a relatable book for adults than one meant to engage a child. Then again, maybe it would have been more engaging if we had a cat in our lives right now, as Cleary's descriptions of a cat's activities are spot on. I enjoyed the read but it wasn't a favorite.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
A really delightful book. Beverly Cleary is one of the greats of children's literature, and she has a good understanding of cats as well as kids! I loved this story as a little girl and I love it now, too.
It’s a story that’s been done many times, pet/older sibling/“king” of the household ‘s life is turned upside down by the arrival of a newer/younger “replacement” and the friction that follows until the end reconciliation.
Pretty accurate and believable portrayal of the cat’s perspective.
Pretty accurate and believable portrayal of the cat’s perspective.