Homer, the Library Cat

Homer, the Library Cat by Reeve Lindbergh, illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf (Walker Books)
PB RRP $ 16.95
ISBN 9781406338584
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Homer the cat lives in peaceful surroundings together with a quiet lady that lives with him. Each day when the lady leaves, Homer sits quietly at the window. The things he plays with make no noise. Peace and quiet surround him until…

He hears a loud sound which makes him jump – right out of the window and into the rubbish bin which sends another bin rolling as well. Noise follows him everywhere. But he finds a quiet spot in the fire station until…

“Clang! Clang! The fire bell rang.” Homer runs until he comes to a railway cart which is quiet and peaceful until the crew arrive.

Homer goes through doors and marble halls. He finally hears a voice he recognizes. It is the quiet lady in a room full of books and children who are overjoyed to see him. He sleeps through all the stories. He’s so quiet he soon becomes a permanent fixture and is recognized as the Library cat.

This superlative picture book in rhyming verse is written by the daughter of aviator Charles Lindbergh and Ann Morrow Lindbergh. Reeve Lindbergh has written many children’s books which include My Little Grandmother Often Forgets, and Nobody Owns the Sky. The illustrations are equally outstanding. Anne Wilsdorf uses detailed facial expressions and body language to bring the characters to life. The bright, attractive media of watercolour outlined in pen and ink, completes the perfect union of text and illustration.