This heartwarming true story is for children who love animals and are curious about how small acts of kindness can impact a whole community. It celebrates finding belonging.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is grieving the loss of a pet, or to gently introduce the topic of a pet's life cycle. It's also perfect for a sensitive child who loves animals and needs a story about finding one's place. This book is the true story of Dewey, a kitten abandoned in a library book drop on a freezing night who is adopted by the librarian and becomes the heart of his small Iowa town. It explores themes of love, community, belonging, and the profound sadness of loss. The story is told with warmth and gentleness, making it a comforting read for children ready for a longer chapter book that deals with real-life emotions, including grief.
A kitten is found nearly frozen to death at the beginning of the story but is quickly rescued.
Sensitive Topics
The primary sensitive topic is the death of a beloved pet. The approach is direct, realistic, and secular. Dewey's decline in health, his cancer diagnosis, the decision to euthanize him, and the author's and community's subsequent grief are described in detail. The resolution is not ambiguous; it is a realistic depiction of loss that is ultimately hopeful, focusing on celebrating the love and joy Dewey brought to so many and the legacy he left behind.
Ideal Reader
An animal-loving, empathetic child aged 9 to 12. It is especially suited for a child who is emotionally mature enough to handle the topic of pet loss. This is an excellent choice for a child who has recently lost a pet, or whose family pet is aging, as it provides a model for processing grief and celebrating a life. It would also resonate with a quiet child who feels like an outsider, as it highlights how one small, quiet being can make a huge difference.
Parent Prep
Parents must preview the final few chapters (particularly Chapter 17, "A Time to Say Goodbye"). These sections deal frankly with Dewey's illness, the physical signs of his decline, and the difficult decision to end his suffering. The descriptions of grief are raw and emotional. A parent should be prepared to read these chapters with their child and discuss the feelings they bring up. A parent has just had a conversation with their child about their aging family pet. Or, a beloved pet has recently died and the child is struggling to process their sadness. A parent might also choose this book if their child feels lonely or disconnected, to show how kindness and connection can form in unexpected ways.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect most with the charming and funny stories of Dewey's antics and his loving personality. They will feel the sadness of his death keenly and will likely need significant parental support to process it. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the book's deeper layers: the narrator's personal struggles, the context of the Midwestern farm crisis, and the more complex themes of how a single animal can become a symbol of hope and resilience for an entire community.
What Makes It Special
Unlike fictional animal stories, Dewey's story is true, which lends it a unique weight and poignancy. Its scope is also unusual; it's not just about one family's pet, but about a community's shared love for an animal. This communal aspect of both the joy and the grief is what sets it apart. The memoir format, told from the adult librarian's perspective, also offers a reflective, gentle tone that is very effective for this age group.
Read plot summary
In the small town of Spencer, Iowa, librarian Vicki Myron discovers a half-frozen kitten in the library's book return box. She nurses him back to health and names him Dewey Readmore Books. Dewey becomes the official library cat, and his charming, intuitive personality brings joy and comfort to library patrons and staff. He seems to have a sixth sense for who needs him most, from a quiet girl in a wheelchair to stressed-out adults. The book chronicles his nineteen years of life, his rise to local and then international fame, and the profound impact his presence had on a community struggling through economic hardship. The final chapters cover his illness and death, and the town's collective grief.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Vicki believed Dewey had a special sense for people who needed him most. Can you think of a specific time in the book when he did this? Why do you think animals can sometimes be so comforting?
2
When Dewey became famous, people traveled from all over just to see him at the library. What was it about a simple cat that you think made people so happy and hopeful?
3
The whole town of Spencer grieved together when Dewey died. Why do you think one small cat could have such a big impact on so many different people?
4
The book starts with Dewey being rescued from the cold. How did that single act of kindness change not just Dewey's life, but the life of Vicki and the whole town?
