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goodem9199's review
3.0
Beautiful art. Unfortunately, I don't know what young audience would appreciate.
wrentheblurry's review
3.0
3.5 stars. A monk and his cat each pursue their separate endeavors while enjoying each other's company. It's based on an old poem (Pangur Ban). The artwork is subtle and calming.
jasperellis's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
annevoi's review
4.0
I ordered this book because I appreciate beautiful children's picture books, and the reviews on Amazon suggested that this qualified. And yes: it definitely does.
I also got it because of our newest kitty, Luna—whom I will henceforth call Luna Bán (bán meaning white).
The book itself is, indeed, beautiful: gorgeous illustrations, of a gray-stone monastery, a lively white kitty, a monk poring over his illuminated manuscripts. Pangur catches mice and hunts butterflies; the monk studies his book, "hunting for meaning."
Perhaps more meaningful than the sweetly illustrated book, though, is the true story behind it: in the ninth century, an Irish Benedictine monk, while visiting the Reichenau Abbey in southern Germany, wrote a little rhymed poem about his white cat, Pangur Bán, who shared his small room. "He found similarities in their pastimes. Each was seeking something."
As are we all. No?
Plus, we all get a little homesick when we're far from home. I like to think that played into his poem as well. He missed his little white kitty.
I also got it because of our newest kitty, Luna—whom I will henceforth call Luna Bán (bán meaning white).
The book itself is, indeed, beautiful: gorgeous illustrations, of a gray-stone monastery, a lively white kitty, a monk poring over his illuminated manuscripts. Pangur catches mice and hunts butterflies; the monk studies his book, "hunting for meaning."
Perhaps more meaningful than the sweetly illustrated book, though, is the true story behind it: in the ninth century, an Irish Benedictine monk, while visiting the Reichenau Abbey in southern Germany, wrote a little rhymed poem about his white cat, Pangur Bán, who shared his small room. "He found similarities in their pastimes. Each was seeking something."
As are we all. No?
Plus, we all get a little homesick when we're far from home. I like to think that played into his poem as well. He missed his little white kitty.
lizzina's review
4.0
A really nice way to re-tell an antique poem. I didn't know anything about the story. The illustrations are lovely :)
celine's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
happytreereads's review
it's soft, and quiet, and beautiful. a retelling of an old Irish poem, the original written by a monk about his cat.
the illustrations are so beautiful, and complement the poem so well. i love picture books that make poetry more accessible to children, combining lovely artwork and lyrical words.
i really love this one, because cats, of course, and poetry, and because of the introduction to a wonderful poem, Pangur Bán. <3
the illustrations are so beautiful, and complement the poem so well. i love picture books that make poetry more accessible to children, combining lovely artwork and lyrical words.
i really love this one, because cats, of course, and poetry, and because of the introduction to a wonderful poem, Pangur Bán. <3
turrean's review
4.0
Quiet, meditative, beautifully illustrated. I loved the perfect comradeship of the monk and the cat, easy in each other's company as they pursue their particular tasks. A little gem.