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nicktomjoe's review
4.0
A neat retelling of an ancient poem by an Irish monk, with a lovely litter commentary at the end. This https://www.ling.upenn.edu/~beatrice/pangur-ban.html is a translation of the original.
I could be churlish and point out that the monk is incorrectly dressed, the architecture too late - but those anachronisms are a minor detail and do not detract: this is cleverly done, the sinewy movements well drawn, the rheumy, maybe even crabby, stiffness of the scholar-monk cleverly woven into all sorts of coextensive in the books he is searching through.
I could be churlish and point out that the monk is incorrectly dressed, the architecture too late - but those anachronisms are a minor detail and do not detract: this is cleverly done, the sinewy movements well drawn, the rheumy, maybe even crabby, stiffness of the scholar-monk cleverly woven into all sorts of coextensive in the books he is searching through.
daniellesalwaysreading's review
4.0
A lyrical story (retelling of a poem) with beautiful pictures. I especially like that the cat doesn't let the mouse go in the end.
lovegirl30's review
5.0
A wonderful retelling of a beautiful old Irish poem. I have heard this poem "Pangur Bán" before and was so excited to see this retelling. I believe the meaning of this book is very important for children. The simple and elegant narration will make this children's book an instant classic. It is classic, done in a new and fun contemporary and modern way.
The White Cat and the Monk is a cute little poem about a cat and monk, that live together in harmony. This book is great for all the cat lovers out there. It is a very simple story telling about how a cat, hunts, and catches his mouse. While the owner, and human worry about the meanings behind old text.
This book is also about finding knowledge in books, and that there is light in the darkness. It sends a great message. This book is perfect for kids as well as adults.
The illustrations will remind you of a far away time period. They are neutral, with very little color, to make an old world charm. Monastery walls, and minimalist decorations fill this book.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
shighley's review
3.0
When color was added to the illustrations, I enjoyed it a bit more. I understand that the sparse use of color could be representative of the monk's lifestyle. I'm not sure if children would appreciate the monk's quest.
littleelfman's review
5.0
This is a beautiful book with a fascinating story behind it. It is a retelling of the poem 'Pangur Ban' written by an Irish Benedictine monk in the ninth century. I've always been interested in illuminated manuscripts, so Sydney Smith's illustrations really drew me in.
pwbalto's review
5.0
I love this story. "Pangur Ban" is a 9th century poem written by a monk, who compares his patient and solitary studies to his cat's patient stalking of mice. It has so much air in it, so much quiet peace, that it would work as a bedtime book - but it is so timeless that it could prompt let's-look-that-up inquiries into monastic life.
Sydney Smith, who also painted the contemplative Sidewalk Flowers, does AMAZING work here. The book begins with several wordless pages of the cat's progress through the nighttime monastery, the grays and browns of the stone architecture warming as the cat joins the monk in his cell. All the text is painted, in a rounded, brushy calligraphy. Smith shows us the brilliantly colored manuscript the monk is reading, and as dawn breaks, color again filters into the real world of the monastery. SO GOOD.
Gonna work great this year as a companion to The Inquisitor's Tale.
Sydney Smith, who also painted the contemplative Sidewalk Flowers, does AMAZING work here. The book begins with several wordless pages of the cat's progress through the nighttime monastery, the grays and browns of the stone architecture warming as the cat joins the monk in his cell. All the text is painted, in a rounded, brushy calligraphy. Smith shows us the brilliantly colored manuscript the monk is reading, and as dawn breaks, color again filters into the real world of the monastery. SO GOOD.
Gonna work great this year as a companion to The Inquisitor's Tale.
stenaros's review
2.0
Read for librarian book group
There is apparently a poem a monk wrote about the white cat who came into his cell and their mutual search for things? I'd never heard of this poem and wouldn't have minded some form of it being reprinted in full at the end of the book. The illustrations were too simple for the majority of the book--the rendering of the cat I found particularly unfortunate--though they shined on the illuminated manuscript pages.
There is apparently a poem a monk wrote about the white cat who came into his cell and their mutual search for things? I'd never heard of this poem and wouldn't have minded some form of it being reprinted in full at the end of the book. The illustrations were too simple for the majority of the book--the rendering of the cat I found particularly unfortunate--though they shined on the illuminated manuscript pages.
chrislatray's review
5.0
I love this book. Based on an ancient poem, this story—the artwork, the poem, everything—is like a dagger to the heart, a blow that pierces to the core of all my pent-up longings. Strange, for a children’s book. It is just a reminder that for many of us, even when life seems to be going well, sorrow and all its desire to just hole up for the duration is a razor’s edge away. I’d like to end my days like the monk in this story—alone, but with one stalwart, true friend and companion—not rotting in a car at the far end of some abandoned road as I often expect to.