There’s something about smart-alecky cats that makes us all want to chuckle, and Chester is just the kind of kitty that all cat lovers can relate to.
Author Melanie Watt is trying to write a story about a mouse, but Chester, her cat, has other plans. Using a red marker, he changes Melanie’s story to tell another story about his own wonderful self.
Chester by Melanie Watt (Kids Can Press, ISBN: 1-55453-140-3) is hilarious fun for anyone who owns or knows a cat. In the story, Melanie battles it out with Chester. She begins by starting her story about a mouse that lives in a country home. Chester, with his red marker, quickly edits the story and sends the mouse packing. Then, he shows himself moving into his new country home in the story. Melanie, in a fit to show who’s running the show (or story, in this case), writes in a big snarling dog to chase Chester out of the story.
Melanie and Chester go back and forth throughout the story, with Chester naming himself as the most handsome and charming of all cats and Melanie counteracting the falsehoods with threats of drawing the line (which Chester draws for her) and a lovely pink tutu.
Chester, a picture book for children, can be easily enjoyed by anyone who loves cats. Kids will love the sense of humor and the battle over who gets to tell the story. Adults will instantly recognize the arrogance of Chester in their own walking, purring furballs.
