From the view of his owner, readers follow Fluffikins through a series of cat-caused events from a broken flower vase to a mysterious puddle. Fluffikins’ ignorant attitude is clearly that of a stereotypical cat who may just have his owner wrapped around his silky tail.
I love how Fluffikins’ character, thoughts and response to his owner are all shown by illustrations of his actions, expressions and body language. Fluffikins knows how to give just enough love when needed to get his way, he is confident and mischievous but also reliant and knows it.
The illustrations in this book are beautifully balanced with lots of white space and limited colours.
A fun use of text with open conversation provides the perfect lead into group discussions about Fluffikins and what he’s doing or cats generally and readers experiences with them. A suggestible but open end will leave readers shocked and wondering.
Nicola O’Byrne is an author and illustrator, some of her other books include What’s Next Door, The Rabbit, The Dark and the Biscuit Tin and Open Very Carefully.
Title: Bad Cat
Author/Illustrator: Nicola O'Byrne
Publisher: Nosy Crow, $19.99
Publication Date: 2 June 2020
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 781788005388
For ages: 2 – 5
Type: Picture Book