By Jack Kurland (author) , Jack Kurland (illustrator)
"Gorgeous, funny picture book with an important life message"
Paperback In Stock £7.99 £7.19
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February 2024 Debut of the Month
The cat at the centre of this story can’t be bothered to do anything, anything at all. His cat friends suggest all sorts of activities, from going to a party or exploring, to a trip to Mars and playing the trombone. No matter how exciting or unusual these suggestions, they get the same response every time, ‘I can’t be bothered’.
It’s only when one of them asks, ‘What’s up, Greg?’ that things change. Greg is feeling sad: ‘All I want to do is nothing.’ Showing high levels of understanding and empathy, the friends ask if they can do nothing with him. And they do, the not quite final page showing them lying down like Greg.
We know that’s exactly the support he needed. The text is simple enough for the youngest child to read and understand and the images – black and white Greg, slumped and fixed while his friends, all depicted in the brightest of colours, leap joyfully across the pages – convey so much about the nature of sadness and how best to help.
This insightful yet light-hearted kids’ picture book is a lovely reminder to look out for our friends and think about our feelings.
Read the full description
There is a cat. A cat that couldn’t be bothered to do anything … anything at all. His friends ask him if he wants to play but he doesn’t feel like it. They invite him on adventures to far-off places, but he would rather stay at home. Until one day, a friend asks how he is doing, and the true reason why he’d rather do nothing is revealed. He is feeling sad.
This is a story about feelings, friendship and the importance of speaking to someone when you don’t feel right.
This beautiful socially aware story: Reassures kids that feeling sad sometimes is normal Helps them understand others’ behaviour and promotes empathy Encourages them to be more in touch with their feelings Provides a sense of fun while also broaching a tricky topic
A picture book about a black-and-white cat who keeps turning other animals down when they ask to join in with their games and adventures. At first, he seems to be the kind of cat who just wants to stretch out, lie down and do nothing at all. But when the others ask him what's wrong, they discover the real reason for his behaviour: he feels sad and all he wants to do is nothing.
The other animals respond thoughtfully and cheer their friend up. Their words and actions contain lessons about how we respond to others who are feeling low. The black and white cat and the bright colours of the animals contrast, showing the message in a clear, visual way that’s easily understood by all ages.
Finally, the book has a light-hearted twist ending that will have kids smiling and giggling.
Both children and adults will love the quirky and hilarious cat’s refusal to take part in anything and the sweet and important message behind this story.
It’s never been more important to introduce kids to the importance of mental health. This bright children’s book is an easy way to talk about feelings and looking out for others. It provides an excellent jumping-off point for at-home and classroom discussions about emotional wellbeing and caring for others.
'A group of cats realise their friend is sad when he won’t join their games. A sweet and funny reminder about the importance of sharing our feelings.' - The Bookseller
Jack Kurland is a debut author-illustrator from Leigh-on-Sea in the UK. After graduating from Winchester School of Art in 2013, he spent seven years working as a graphic designer. He paused to go travelling for two years, where he realised he wanted to achieve an ambition he’d always had: to create children’s books. He now finds the balance between being a graphic designer and working on illustrating and writing stories.
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A very simple look at what feeling down might look like in our friends
At first the cat just comes across as moody as he turns down all his friends' offers to play. But as the story goes on, the friends realise that there is more going on behind the cat's grumpiness and he needs their help and empathy.... Read Full Review
Both me and my son enjoyed reading this book.
Both me and my son enjoyed reading this book. It might look simple but it is very attractive and easy for my almost 6 years old son to read it by himself. The story is short, nice and fun. There is a meaning in the book which is easy and important for a child to understand.... Read Full Review
My favourite thing in the book was the colours of the other animals.
My favourite thing in the book was the colours of the other animals
I was sad when he was sad
It was funny because they got his name wrong, his name was actually Gareth
This insightful yet light-hearted kids’ picture book is a lovely reminder to look out for our friends and think about our feelings. There is a cat.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered and determined it is suitable for children aged 0-6 years old
The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered features in the following genres: Books for Babies and Toddlers, Recommendations, Debuts of the Month, Featured Books for 5+ readers, PSHE: Health , Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Body and health, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Star Books, Animal Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Stories about Family and Friends, Featured Books for 3+ readers
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered was written by Jack Kurland and published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books an imprint of Quarto Publishing PLC
The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered has 40 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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