In the opening pages of this picture book, a small blond boy explains why his cat Jack was the best cat ever, and then tells how Jack started slowing down as he got old. “Then Jack died. And I miss him.” The family buried Jack in the garden (“I think he would have liked it”) and the boy’s mother tells him they can get another cat. But he doesn’t want another cat, until he meets a kitten named Humphrey. Spitfire Humphrey is nothing like Jack, but “still pretty awesome.” The narrative’s honest, understated, childlike tone, with one or two moments of whimsy, is set against illustrations that also blend blitheness with poignancy. As an aside, the boy’s sister is shown using a wheelchair—something never mentioned in the narrative—in a picture book that offers a comforting, gentle look at the death of a pet. (Ages 3–7)

Toby's cat, Jack, is THE best cat EVER. But Jack is getting old, and Toby will miss his furry best friend terribly when he's gone.

Then Toby meets a crazy cat called Humphrey. In this charming and beautifully illustrated picture book Rebecca Elliott addresses the difficult subject of a child's first experience of the death of a pet with warmth, sensitivity and well placed humour.

Awards:
2012 - DOLLY GRAY CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AWARD - WINNER
2011 JUNIOR MAGAZINE DESIGN AWARDS Most Promising New Talent - SHORTLISTED
2011 NASEN AWARDS (National Association of Special Education Needs) Inclusive Children's Book of the Year - SHORTLISTED
2011 NURSERY WORLD AWARDS Three to Fives New Launch - FINALIST
2010-11 PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE Children's Book of the Year - FINALIST
2012 - KATE GREENAWAY MEDAL - LONG LIST