A review by nstump
The Cat with Seven Names by Tony Johnston

In an urban neighborhood, it can be difficult to know your neighbors, but in this neighborhood there are six people that don’t know they have something in common, a very large cat. He goes by the names of Stuart Little, Kitty Boy, Placido, Mooch, Dove, and Mouse. One day this multi-named cat scares everyone by walking in front of a moving car! Each of the cat’s “owners” calls their name for him, and even a new one comes into the picture, Regis. The car was owned by his original owner who had been looking for her kitty. Finally reunited she takes him with her, but promises that the cat will be back to visit. All of the people in the neighborhood that called after the cat start talking and bonding over different things, such as books, war, and food. The story is beautifully illustrated with water colors, and is could be easily read to students in kindergarten or first grade classes to show how even the smallest things can bond people together.