A One-Sided Relationship

One-sided relationships are challenging especially for children and their pets, and Johan Leynaud captures these feelings perfectly in his book Arthur’s Cat, translated from French by Sarah Ardizzone. Leynaud’s simple color palette of pastels and use of white space help capture the relationship between Arthur and Zeffo. 

What Arthur Wants

Arthur loves his turquoise cat, Zeffo. Arthur wants to read books to Zeffo, brush Zeffo’s fur, feed him “din-dins” and do everything with Zeffo. And Zeffo, like most cats, does not feel the same way. When Arthur hugs Zeffo a bit too much, Zeffo lets him know with a big scratch, ending in Arthur’s tears.

What Zeffo Wants

Zeffo wants and needs the freedom to be a cat. He wants to climb, scamper, hide, and come close enough to “almost let himself be petted.” Can Arthur learn how to treat Zeffo? 

Can they make it work?

When Arthur starts following Zeffo around by giving him enough space to be a cat, Zeffo starts showing more interest in Arthur. It takes time for Arthur to learn how to treat Zeffo, but his efforts are rewarded! The facial expressions of both Zeffo and Arthur show their emotions and help tell the story.  It’s clear when Zeffo is unhappy or Arthur is sad, or when Zeffo starts warming up to Arthur. It’s beautiful that children can see the relationship evolve through the illustrations, as well as the translated text.

A Must Read for Kids

Arthur learns that having a pet doesn’t mean that he gets to do whatever he wants to the pet. At first, he learns that lesson from Zeffo the hard way. But when he decides to notice Zeffo’s boundaries, the two are slowly able to bond. The thoughtful back and forth of Arthur and Zeffo’s relationship not only shows how children can interact with pets, but with others. 

Two-Sided Relationships

Zeffo and Arthur show that it’s okay to have boundaries and to respect each other’s space and needs. In order to have a balanced relationship with others, you can communicate your needs with each other. Arthur’s Cat is an insightful and relatable story for kids on pets, needs, and relationships.

For Further Reading...

Check out reviews of Megan's two books, A Squirrely Christmas and The Missing Piece, as well as her guest post on interviewing.

Megan K. Palmer is a creator, writer, book reviewer, educator, and adoptive parent. She’s obsessed with tears, laughter, puzzles, and the writing process. Perhaps it's because they go together at times. She’s the author of A Squirrely Christmas and The Missing Piece, a Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold Winner. She graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with an Ed.M. in Human Development and studied Elementary Education at Brigham Young University. Her life is full of four kids, two pets, hiking, planning, and traveling. More info can about her be found at megankpalmer.com.