
Reach for this book when your child is begging for a pet or when you are navigating a transition that requires opening your heart to something unexpected. It is a gentle, relatable story for families considering a new addition or those who enjoy stories about the quiet power of companionship. The narrative follows Miss Perkins, a woman who finds a stray cat named Fitz and insists she is only keeping him until she finds him a 'real' home. However, every time a potential owner arrives, Fitz mysteriously vanishes, leading Miss Perkins to realize that the home he belongs in is actually hers. This book beautifully explores the shift from resistance to acceptance. It is perfect for children aged 4 to 8, offering a comforting look at how love can sneak up on us and how the best relationships are often those we didn't plan for.
The book deals with the concept of being a 'stray' or 'unwanted,' but the approach is secular and very gentle. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on the choice to create a family.
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Sign in to write a reviewAn elementary student who might be feeling a bit guarded or protective of their own space, or a child who loves animals and the 'gotcha' moment of a happy ending.
The book can be read cold. It is a straightforward narrative that relies on the visual of the cat hiding to engage the child. A child asking why someone wouldn't want a pet, or a child who is struggling to accept a new person or pet into their routine.
Younger children (4-5) will treat it as a fun game of 'hide and seek' in the illustrations. Older children (7-8) will pick up on Miss Perkins' internal emotional change and her realization of love.
Unlike many pet books that focus on the excitement of getting a new animal, this one focuses on the adult's perspective of slowly falling in love with a pet they didn't think they wanted.
Miss Perkins finds a stray cat, Fitz, and immediately begins the process of finding him a permanent home. She views herself as a temporary guardian. However, whenever a prospective adopter visits, Fitz disappears. Through these repeated 'disappearances,' Miss Perkins moves from frustration to worry to the realization that she has already formed a deep bond with the cat. By the end, she stops looking for a home for Fitz because he is already home.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.