It’s time for my occasional suggestion for a children’s picture book. I’m not an expert in children’s books, so I never call these reviews. But, I recognize an illustrated story that I enjoy and want to share. Today’s is The Skeleton and the Cat by Brandon James Scott. it’s suggested for ages 4-8. I’m suggesting it to my sister who has a five-year-old granddaughter who likes to dance and has a cat. Her two-year-old grandson who also has a cat also has one mother who is an artist and one who professionally reads to children so they’ll be able to talk about the illustrations. And, I ordered a copy for myself from a local independent bookstore.
First, a little background. Brandon James Scott is an award-winning Canadian author and illustrator. The Skeleton and the Cat is his first book as an author, not just the illustrator. His website is https://www.brandonjamesscott.com/, and he has gorgeous illustrations on that site. But, his Substack newsletter provided a little background about the book. He said he had a hard time with story, so he remembered the books he liked. He modeled his collection of stories about his characters on Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad are Friends. The episodes in The Skeleton and the Cat are stories about a growing friendship between two unlikely characters.
The Skeleton lives by herself. She likes her simple life by herself, tending to her garden, reading books from her library, and drinking tea. When the Cat knocks on her door, and says he’s looking for a friend, she says no and shuts the door. But, the Cat tries again, suggesting he can come in if he tells her a joke she likes. She doesn’t like the joke, but lets him in.
Together, the two eat sandwiches (or try to), pick a book from the Skeleton’s library, dance in the garden, and admire the night sky. There are bones on walls, and skeletons to examine throughout the book. The pictures on the wall change facial expressions as they watch the Cat try to teach the Skeleton to eat. There are fun details to examine on every page.
Scott calls The Skeleton and the Cat part of his personal art project, his Dead Cat project, illustrations he began to put in his sketchbook in 2022. You can find some of those illustrations on his website. I love his Christmas artwork with these characters. The book itself is delightful with five short chapters. It’s easy to read all at once or in pieces. As a cat-lover, I enjoy the artwork and story of this friendship. I didn’t steer you wrong with Kate DiCamillo’s Orris and Timble books. Now, meet Skeleton and Cat in Brandon James Scott’s story of friendship, The Skeleton and the Cat.
James Brandon Scott’s website is https://www.brandonjamesscott.com/
The Skeleton and the Cat by Brandon James Scott. Harper, 2026. 64p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book, but I’m buying my own copy.
