Beth Stern

Yoda, the Persian cat who enjoys caring for the foster kitties his human takes in, returns in this follow up to the eponymous Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens. In this second installment, Yoda meets Buddy, a very special cat who becomes his assistant in caring for the foster kittens. An immediate hit with the little felines, because of his sense of humor and adventurous spirit, Buddy has an important lesson to teach his charges when they begin to bully a new kitten. As a blind cat himself, he knows what it feels like to be different...

Like its predecessor, Yoda Gets a Buddy pairs a sweet story with cute, colorful illustrations, teaching a gentle lesson about accepting difference and disability, and learning to get along with new playmates. As with the first book, co-author Beth Stern is donating all of her proceeds from this title to the North Shore Animal League, where she volunteers. Although I wouldn't describe the Yoda books as particular favorites, I have enjoyed reading them - it probably helps that I love cats, and enjoy most stories about cats. Recommended to anyone who liked the first Yoda book, and to anyone looking for children's stories addressing issues of difference, disability and bullying in a gentle and positive way.… (mehr)

Yoda was one unhappy Persian cat. Taken to the animal shelter when his people could no longer care for him, he was emaciated and unwell, sadly watching all the other cats get adopted. Then one day the unexpected happened: a nice lady named Beth came and took him home with her! Despite this change in circumstance, Yoda remained unhappy, until he discovered four little foster kittens, also being cared for by Beth, who needed a Papa Cat to keep them in line...

Although I tend to avoid children's books authored (or co-authored, as is the case here) by celebrities - it isn't that they are never any good, it's simply that one is a little skeptical of the rigor of the selection and editing process, given the fame of the author - I ended up quite enjoying Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens. The story itself is quite sweet, the ending heartwarming, and I particularly appreciated that the feline hero is based on a real cat that Beth Stern adopted. I also appreciated the fact that Stern is donating all of her proceeds from the book to an animal charity. The accompanying artwork by Devin Crane is colorful and cute, in a cartoon-like way, and adds to the fun. All in all, an engaging tale, one I would recommend to anyone looking for picture-books featuring cats in general, or rescue animals in particular.… (mehr)

Summary: Yoda the cat helps care for the foster kittens. One day a new cat, Buddy, comes along. He turns out to be a big help with the kittens! Through Buddy, the kittens learn it is ok to be different and a disability doesn't mean you are not useful.

Reflection: The illustrations are very nice and rich in color in this book. Nice theme for teachers and parents to teach about differently abled people being useful parts of society. Includes an author's note of the back story of the real Yoda and Buddy.… (mehr)