
Reach for this book when your child is feeling like a bit of a misfit or when you find yourself constantly tidying up after a whirlwind of a kid. It is the perfect remedy for those days when behavior has been less than perfect, offering a humorous way to say, I love you exactly as you are, even when you are a mess. The story introduces Angela Throgmorton and her cat, Old Tom, who looks more like a scruffy orange monster than a pet. Despite Tom's penchant for chaos, filth, and bad behavior, Angela provides him with a home and unwavering affection. It explores themes of unconditional love and the beauty of unconventional families. It is ideal for children ages 5 to 9 who appreciate slapstick humor and need a gentle reminder that they do not have to be perfect to be cherished.
The book handles the concept of adoption and found family metaphorically. While Tom's origin is a doorstep abandonment, the tone is entirely secular and humorous. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing that belonging is about choice and commitment rather than blood or behavior.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA child who feels like the black sheep of the family or a student who struggles with impulsivity. It is also perfect for the child who enjoys gross-out humor or subversive art styles.
Read it cold. The illustrations are the star here: Leigh Hobbs's scratchy, expressive style tells half the story. Parents should be prepared to spend time looking at Tom's facial expressions. A parent might reach for this after a day of high-conflict parenting, specifically when they feel guilty for being frustrated with a child's messy or disruptive nature.
5-year-olds will love the physical comedy and Tom's weird appearance. 8 or 9-year-olds will better appreciate the irony of Angela's primness vs. Tom's anarchy, as well as the deeper message of unconditional love.
Unlike many pet books that feature cute animals, Old Tom is intentionally ugly-cute. It subverts the trope of the well-behaved pet, making the caregiver's love feel more radical and earned.
Angela Throgmorton lives a quiet, orderly life until she finds a mysterious basket on her doorstep. Inside is Old Tom, a creature that is ostensibly a cat but resembles a chaotic, jagged-toothed gremlin. The book follows their life together as Tom creates messes, behaves badly, and tests Angela's patience, only to be met with her steadfast care and a warm bath.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.