Hat Cat

When Hat the cat’s doting human friend doesn’t come home for a while, will a young visitor offer the lonely kitty a taste of freedom? A gentle, touching story for cat lovers of all ages.

Ever since the old man found a little kitten under his hat, the two have been the best of friends. There are always plenty of kitty rubs and food and talk to go around. Every day, Hat watches as the old man goes outside to sit and feed the squirrels with nuts he places on top of his hat. But Hat the cat is not allowed to join him. What if Hat ran away, or chased the squirrels – or worse? Then, the old man leaves and does not come back the next day, or the one after that. When people come by to take care of Hat until the old man returns, will one little girl give Hat the chance he’s been hoping for?

Troy Wilson’s tender prose, along with Eve Coy’s charmingly detailed illustrations, bring readers a sweet story about companionship, love, and trust.

Wilson is a canny storyteller who uses rhythmic changes and repetition to make each beat right . . . . Anyone who’s been unfairly maligned will derive special satisfaction as Hat eventually gains a chance to prove himself in this gentle picture book. Publishers Weekly
This gentle tale of a kindly old man who dotes on squirrels and his kitten is moving in its simplicity. Rendered in soft color washes, the realistic illustrations create a quiet atmosphere. . . . A sweet peek at the bond between a man and his cat. Kirkus Reviews
Charming pastel watercolors and colored pencil illustrations depict a cozy, plant-filled home and an amiable relationship between cat and human. School Library Journal
An affecting, reassuring portrayal of found family. Booklist
Human help, and a little mutual confidence, save the day in this lovely story about returning the trust that our pets give to us. Foreword Reviews

Troy Wilson is the author of The Sinking of Captain Otter illustrated by Maria Chiodi, Little Red Reading Hood and the Misread Wolf illustrated by Ilaria Campana, Liam Takes a Stand illustrated by Josh Holinaty, and Dog vs. Ultra Dog illustrated by Clayton Hammer. He lives in Canada. Find Troy online at troystory.ca and on Twitter as @troystorytoo.

Eve Coy is a freelance illustrator and animator. She studied animation at Edinburgh Art School and went on to work as an animator and story artist. Eve embarked on a masters in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. During this time she was twice highly commended in the Pan Macmillan prize. She is a resident artist at Prema Art Centre, and co-director of Paper & Clay Ltd. She is the creator of Looking After William and The Huffalots. Eve Coy lives in the Cotswolds. Find Eve on Twitter as @evescoy and on Instagram as @eve.coy.

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