Pigeon and Cat written and illustrated by Edward Hemingway is an engaging and thought-provoking story about the friendship between a lonely but kind-hearted cat and a young and energetic little pigeon. The setting is an abandoned lot all fenced in with a “keep out” sign. This is where Cat lives all alone in an old cardboard box.
One day, when Cat goes over the fence in search of food, he finds an overturned bird’s nest with a perfect egg resting in it. Cat takes it back to his cardboard box and waits for a little bird to hatch. When she does Cat welcomes Pigeon to the world and hunts for something for her to eat.
After the inquisitive little Pigeon learns to fly she decides to explore the big city beyond the fenced in lot. The double page spread showing her flying over skyscrapers, apartment houses and bell towers captures her absolute delight. She goes to the city everyday and brings back a treasure for Cat such as a piece of red chalk, pencils, pieces from store signs and a variety of buttons. Cat begins to decorate his lonely place with the things from the city. It turns out that Cat is quiet the artist as he turns the walls in his dismal lot into a beautiful work of art.
The most beautiful part of this story is how Cat and Pigeon together develop a community for lonely city animals. Young readers 4-8 years of age will enjoy the final double spread of the dazzling and new animal shelter: each of the stray animals has their own cardboard box home decorated in lively colors. Some of the animals are walking through the grassy paths, others are playing soccer and still others are preparing for a party----- and all are welcome!
Pigeon and Cat written and illustrated by Edward Hemingway is a lovely story about the power of friendship to ease both loneliness and homelessness (Christy Ottaviano Books/ Little, Brown and Company, 2022).
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Activity Questions for Pigeon and Cat
For younger children-----The last illustration in this book is filled with marvelous details. Try to find the following: white party lanterns, a ladder, an All Are Welcome sign, a soccer ball, a smiley face wearing sunglasses, little mice, Cat and Pigeon together with a red heart, a dog taking a picture on a cell phone, a dog wearing a black top hat and an ice cream truck.
For older children: Pigeon brings Cat treasures from the big city. Look at all 16 treasures available on one illustration in this book. What does Cat do with these treasures? Identify all sixteen and find them in the final illustration. If you were to bring Cat treasures from your city or community what would they be?
Have you ever made something lovely, funny, or just plain wonderful out of found objects? Found objects usually include things that you notice on the playground or in a park or in your own backyard. Draw a picture of your found objects when you first saw them and a picture of what you transformed them into. Have fun!