People think Meow is a cat. But she’s not. She gets bored easily and doesn’t always listen, but that doesn’t mean she’s a cat.
Her teacher, Ms. Snickety, gets impatient with her because Meow doesn’t do what Ms. Snickety says. But Ms. Snickety’s directions aren’t always clear to Meow.
Ms. Snickety doesn’t lose her patience with the other kids, because they all seem to understand what their teacher is saying and do what she wants without having to think about it.
But when the class goes to the zoo and the students have bananas, the monkeys steal them all. Meow isn’t happy about that and thinks that the monkeys should share the bananas, so she decides to teach them that sharing is caring.
While things don’t always go as planned when Meow is there, they always seem to work out in the end, and there is never a dull moment. Meow brings her own twist and lots of spirit and fun to everything she does.
Author Kelly Tills has crafted a story that has lots of charm, lots of fun, and lots of individuality. The bright illustrations by Max Saladrigas bring Meow to life, along with the adorable cat who helps set the record straight about the qualities of a real cat. This short book will offer neurodivergent kids the chance to see a character as quirky as they are.
I really loved how Meow is celebrated for her spirit and her creativity. While she struggles with some of the restrictions of school, she can also find ways to be herself within the strict rules of the school. While it’s not said outright that Meow is neurodivergent, her behavior makes it known. I think all kids know someone like Meow, and reading this book may help them better understand why there are kids at school who act up or who always get extra attention from the teacher. I think that Meow Is Not a Cat could offer acceptance and understanding for the kids who struggle with the rules, both for the kids who are in class with a Meow and for the Meows themselves.
Egalleys for Meow Is Not a Cat were provided by FDI Publishing through NetGalley, with many thanks.
