Chester by Melanie Watt

from goodreads

3 stars

Well, it has been a successful library program so far. My oldest won one of the weekly draws which was dinner for the family at Panago pizza (some of the yummiest pizza around). Out of all the weekly prizes available, this one was probably the best one to win. I mean, what mom wouldn't love a night off from cooking. Two pizza's, two salads, and a drink, for free! Yes please! So thank you wpl and Panago! Both of you officially rock.

Synopsis

While Melanie tries to write and illustrate a story about a mouse in the country, Chester and his red marker take over, making the story about him, Chester.

My Thoughts

If I was rating this just for me, it would be a 4.5, I thought the pictures and story were clever and I loved how persistent the cat was to make the story about him. But since I am rating this for my kids too, I had to give it lower. My seven year old thought this book was hilarious. She loved how the cat changed everything and how the mouse was looking peeved and loved how the cat wore a tutu near the end. My five year old looked at me at the end and said "what the heck! That was dumb, I don't get it." So  for seven and up a great book. Younger, not so much.

I liked how the author didn't mind poking fun at herself. She was making this a fun story about the writing process and her cat. It's nice seeing someone having fun with their work and not being completely serious about it.

There were some times when it got a little annoying, and I thought to myself "hello, keep your stuff up from the cat, he his a menace!" (But then, I am not the biggest cat fan in the world, so perhaps that is why I didn't find his antics as lovable as others might.)

As with the other Melanie Watt book I have reviewed, this is a great book for older/more savvy children who have a better understanding of how relationships etc. work. It is not a book I would read to younger children. This really is a book that is better if the child reads it themselves as there are lots of little things written around the page which does not make it a real linear story, so not as conducive to reading aloud.