My Very Own Special Particular Private and Personal Cat

Selected for A Room of One's Own's 2023 Holiday Catalog!

"A playful, singsongy, almost stream-of-consciousness-like text and bold, minimalist illustrations in a limited palette tell the story of a boy who tries to impose his will on his cat-but the cat has other ideas... This is a very effective communication of the concepts of boundaries, identity, and autonomy, presented in a child-friendly way." -The Horn Book

A Moonbow Best Children's Book of 2023! "Originally published in 1963 and beautifully reissued this year by Enchanted Lion Books, this picture book is about boundaries and respect. When a boy tries to control his cat, he finds out that his cat has its own particular, private, and personal feelings. It's a funny, delightful story about loving someone for who they are, not who you want them to be. But the best thing about this book is the design and illustrations by one of the very best in children's book history: Remy Charlip." -Taylor Sterling, Moonbow

"I'm not sure if this is a story or a poem, but I absolutely love it! This is about personal space and boundaries, but it's also about the uniqueness of being you (and of being me!) and how wonderful it is to share that with a friend (especially when that friend is a cat!)." -Flyleaf Books (Chapel Hill, NC)

"Oh, what a delicious and hilarious read to share! ... This book originally published in 1963 is a delight, and I had great fun reading it aloud... The limited color palette and layout compliment the words as they roll off your tongue. It's such fun and perfect for cat lovers but also those in need of learning to set boundaries." -Shelf Editions (Lincoln, UK)

"Remy Charlip is one of the great creative minds of his time, so I was thrilled to discover this book about a boy, his cat, friendship, boundaries, inner lives of sentient beings, and so much more... This book is full of wordplay, witty illustrations with a mid-century aesthetic, and not-heavy-handed messages about independence, which makes it a very fun read-aloud." -KidsBookRecs