A purple stuffed cat comes to life at night in this early reader utilizing fifty-eight distinct words, all listed at the back of the book. As she explores the world outside her little boy's house, the cat encounters many different kinds of animals, and after observing them all night long, returns home just in time for her boy to wake up...

Originally published in 1981 with artwork from the talented Krystyna Stasiak, and then reprinted in 2016 with new illustrations by Kate Cosgrove, The Purple Pussycat is the third beginning reader I have read from author Margaret Hillert in the last few days. I sought it out specifically for the Stasiak illustrations, which I greatly enjoyed. The text itself is very basic, and although the story idea here has interest, the narrative leaves a bit to be desired, sometimes feeling rather choppy. Fortunately, the visuals are just lovely, with a beautifully vivid color palette and an almost folk-art sensibility. Recommended to fellow Stasiak fans, and to anyone looking for (very) beginning readers featuring magical toy adventures. ( )

huh
Not sure why this was on my to-read list. ?áI guess maybe I wanted to read something by Hillert, or else I thought the pussycat would be some sort of SF alien or something. ?áBut it's just a toy that goes outside into the woods while the child is sleeping. ?áVery simple beginning-to-read book. ?áOwl, raccoon, oppossum, mouse are not named, just drawn nicely. ?áChild could be interpreted as either boy or girl. ?áCute enough, but not special. ( )

When this pussycat cannot sleep, it sets out on a night journey. Along the way, the pussycat meets nice animals. The connection I have is that this book seems like a life journey. Along the way people meet other people and sometimes become friends.