Friday, February 1, 2013

PPBF: Comet's Nine Lives


Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Fridays, where we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.



Alright...winter is dragging on, so here is one that will take us on a summer holiday!





Author/Illustrator: Jan Brett
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Date: 1996

Ages: 6 to 11 primarily, but all ages would enjoy it!

Genre: Fiction, but based on an actual location.

Themes: Nantucket, lighthouses, cats, islands, summertime.

Jacket Flap:  Like all cats, Comet knew he had been born with nine lives. But he'd never thought much about it until the day he lost life number one in a flower garden on Nantucket. He'd spent lazy days wandering all over the island, not calling any one place home. Now he knows it is time to settle down. But Comet's lives begin to disappear all too quickly, as he gets into one humorous predicament after another. Then comes the day of the big hurricane...

Beautiful island scenes--sandy beaches, hillside flower gardens, seaside trails, villages, and the sea itself are set within exquisite shell borders. Once again Jan Brett brings her originality and charm to a familiar setting as she inhabits her Nantucket with colorful canine residents, among them a shaggy sheepdog captain who travels throughout the story and into the borders looking for a friend to live with him and his lighthouse cat.

Why I like this book: First of all, I love everything Jan Brett has written and illustrated. I think her art is my favorite among picture book illustrators. Second, I LOVE Nantucket Island...my favorite island in the world! I visited there every September for three years during my college days, and each time, was caught in a hurricane. What memories!

In this picture book, Jan illustrates various locations on the island. As a matter of fact, the bookstore where I purchased "Comet's Nine Lives" is pictured on its pages. I feel as though I have taken a vacation after reading this account of an adventurous cat on a scenic New England island.


Online activities:


Jan Brett author studies (includes activities for all her books).

Lesson plans including cats, hurricanes and Nantucket, here.



Can you smell the salty air and feel the island breezes?



6 comments:

  1. I love your personal memories related to the location, Jarm. I also don't think I haven't loved everything I have come across by Jan Brett.

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    1. Thanks, Joanna! Yes, Nantucket has a special place in my heart...

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  2. I could use a 'trip' to NE! Nice pick, Jarm!

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  3. Love Jan Brett -- somehow I missed this clever story about nine lives. Love the idea and the location.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Pat...yes, Jan has so many books out there, it's difficult to keep track of them!

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I would love to have you comment...thanks!

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