Pigeon and Cat - a review 7.26.22

A story about compassion, about gift-giving, and about letting others in.  A character who changes.  Characters who know just what the other needs.  This is a beautiful story for young readers today.

Pigeon & Cat

by Edward Hemingway

published by Christy Ottaviano Books

Cat has always lived on his own, in an old abandoned lot.  He has just what he needs and doesn't need anything to change.  But when he finds an egg that is so beautiful he can't even eat it, and he decides to bring it home is when his character starts to change.  For once Pigeon hatches, they form an unbreakable bond.  Communicating through cat-speak and pigeon-emojis (it's really cute), the two help each other out and grow as characters.  Cat gives Pigeon the unconditional love that allows him to flourish and explore.  On Pigeon's explorations, he brings home little gifts for Cat that allow him to explore his artistic side in his abandoned lot.  But when Pigeon doesn't come home after a storm, Cat must venture outside his little area to find his BFF.  While searching for his friend, Cat befriends other community members and shares his artistic side, something he's only shown Pigeon.  Cat learns that the outside world isn't quite as scary as he thought and lets new people into his world. I love that the strays of the world get so much love in this story! But does Pigeon find his way home?  No spoilers, but after all, it is a picture book :)

Just take a look at these beautifully illustrated layouts by creator, Edward Hemingway!  I love the urban colors and the busy-ness of the city!  Hemingway shares he created the illustrations during the height of the pandemic, and just like Cat, he's sharing it now with the wider world!  Kind of a neat parallel!  I love all of the chalk messages throughout the book and it did remind me of what we saw during the pandemic.  It is a beautiful way of sharing a message of positivity and hope with others in your community.

Check out what others had to say about the book:

“A satisfying story exploring heart and home."  —The Horn Book

"A sweet tale celebrating the joys of both personal and communal togetherness." —Kirkus Reviews

Edward Hemingway is the acclaimed creator of many popular books: Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story, Field Guide to the Grumpasaurus, and Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship. His writing and artwork have been published in the New York Times and GQ Magazine, among others. The youngest grandson of Ernest Hemingway, he lives in Bozeman, Montana. He invites you to visit him at edwardhemingway.com.

Twitter: @EdwardHemingway

Instagram: @edwardhemingway

A charming video on the backstory behind Pigeon & Cat:

https://vimeo.com/626765984

This would be a beautiful story to share with young readers at the beginning of the year.

Thank you to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for the review copy!