I Want a Cat: My Opinion Essay

SLJ Review: ". . .fills a niche for teachers. . ." When cousins Mellie and Dennis decide to get a cat, they consider carefully what breed would be best for each family. For example, Mellie wants a cat that pounces, but Dennis wants a lazy cat, like his lazy dog, Clark Kent. Mellie wants a lap cat, but Dennis just wants a warm body BESIDE him. They consider different cat personalities, family situations, and personal preferences. Mellie writes an opinion essay for her teacher, Mr. Eagle. But will her essay convince her parents to get the cat of her dreams? This story takes a popular subject—kids getting a pet—and adds cats of all sizes and shapes: all writing lessons should be this much fun. In the end, it's the cousins and the cats that keep a reader turning the page. What kind of cat will Mellie choose? Will Dennis want the same kind of cat? This story hits many notes: A family story about cousins, Mellie and Dennis Information on cat breeds Responsible cat ownership Mentor-text for teaching writing Model opinion essay for elementary students Models the writing process, especially the importance of pre-writing or planning before you write Completes the writing process by showing the results of Dennis's essay I WANT A CAT almost makes opinion essays look too easy. See other books in THE READ AND WRITE series: I Want a Dog: My Opinion Essay My Crazy Dog: My Narrative Essay My Dirty Dog: My Informative Essay REVIEWS ". . .absolutely delightful. . ." Joan Miller, Cat Fancier's Association ". . .as informative a cat book as any text out there." Alexis Mitchell, Maine Coon Cat Breed Council Secretary ". . .highly recommended. . .creative and entertaining story." Julie Keyer, Oriental Cats Breed Council Secretary As a cat lover and Maine Coon Cat breeder and enthusiast, I was thrilled with the spot on description and story of this beloved breed. — Alexis Mitchell, Syracoon/Furensics, Maine Coon Cat Breed Council Secretary, Maine Coon Cat breeders of CFA "I Want a Cat: An Opinion Essay" by Darcy Pattison is a delightful book. Being both a teacher who works with dyslexic students, and a breeder of pedigreed cats, I would highly recommend this book to young writers. The importance of good writing skills are stressed by using a creative and entertaining story. It would be a book that I would recommend to my colleagues who teach younger students. I also like that the book introduces several breeds of pedigreed cats, as well as responsible pet ownership in using criteria to determine what breed of cat is best for suited for their families. It is refreshing to see responsible pet ownership presented to younger children. “ — Julie Keyer, Faculty, The Lewis School of Princeton, CFA Breed Council Secretary, Oriental Cats This story hits many notes: A family story about cousins, Dennis and Mellie Information on cat breeds Responsible cat ownership Mentor-text for teaching writing Model opinion essay for elementary students Models the writing process, especially the importance of pre-writing or planning before you write Completes the writing process by showing the results of Mellie’s essay I WANT A CAT almost makes opinion essays look too easy. See other books in THE READ AND WRITE series I Want a Dog: My Opinion Essay My Crazy Dog: My Narrative Essay (forthcoming)