The Maine Coon's Haiku

In evocative haiku, Michael J. Rosen depicts twenty different breeds of cats—whether mischievous or mysterious, comical or commanding.

Some cats have names that suggest far-off lands, like the Turkish Angora and the Norwegian forest cat. Others allude to places closer to home, such as California’s ragdoll and the Maine coon. Set against Lee White’s graceful illustrations, with intriguing facts about each of twenty breeds at the end, this charming haiku collection for lovers of America’s most popular house pet provides the purr-fect book to curl up with.

Commended for Parents Choice Awards (Spring) (2008-Up) (Poetry) 2015

“Rosen presents one perfect haiku--five-seven-five with a burst of insight--each on 20 different cat breeds. ... Each poem is paired with a beautiful, digitally created full-color illustration by White... This perfect poetical paean to pussycats makes both a fine gift for a cat lover and an excellent haiku handbook. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) The brevity and poignancy of the haiku format perfectly capture the feline essence in this book of verse.... This attractive, delightful volume will enchant cat lovers and is a great selection for those who want to inject some life into their poetry collections. --School Library Journal (starred review) Each exquisitely crafted poem and image captures the personalities of the cats, the diversity of settings, and the quiet magic of each moment. --Publishers Weekly (starred review) Often clarifying and enhancing the verse for young readers, White's digital illustrations combine a sense of spontaneity in line work with strong composition and interesting textures. A worthy companion to Rosen's The Hound Dog's Haiku and Other Poems for Dog Lovers --Booklist There's something about cats and haiku that just seems to go together, as noted poet Rosen demonstrates... --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Rosen's other collections of pet and animal books have been popular with young readers and this adds another volume to the shelf of favorite animal poetry. --Literacy Daily This book would add to the poetry section of any library and any student who loves cats will enjoy this book also. --School Library Connection”

Rosen presents one perfect haiku—five-seven-five with a burst of insight—each on 20 different cat breeds. ... Each poem is paired with a beautiful, digitally created full-color illustration by White... This perfect poetical paean to pussycats makes both a fine gift for a cat lover and an excellent haiku handbook.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The brevity and poignancy of the haiku format perfectly capture the feline essence in this book of verse.... This attractive, delightful volume will enchant cat lovers and is a great selection for those who want to inject some life into their poetry collections.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Each exquisitely crafted poem and image captures the personalities of the cats, the diversity of settings, and the quiet magic of each moment.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Often clarifying and enhancing the verse for young readers, White’s digital illustrations combine a sense of spontaneity in line work with strong composition and interesting textures. A worthy companion to Rosen’s The Hound Dog’s Haiku and Other Poems for Dog Lovers
—Booklist

There’s something about cats and haiku that just seems to go together, as noted poet Rosen demonstrates...
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Rosen’s other collections of pet and animal books have been popular with young readers and this adds another volume to the shelf of favorite animal poetry.
—Literacy Daily

This book would add to the poetry section of any library and any student who loves cats will enjoy this book also.
—School Library Connection

Michael J. Rosen has written and edited dozens of books for children and adults, including the first two books in the Haiku series and Chanukah Lights, illustrated by Robert Sabuda. Many of his books are inspired by his lifelong experience with animals. He lives on one hundred forested acres in central Ohio.

Lee White is the illustrator of several books for children, including The Library Ghost by Carole Boston Weatherford and Sophie’s Fish by A. E. Cannon. Lee White lives in Portland, Oregon.

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