Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech

There’s a fat black cat up in the tree by the bus stop. And Jack? Well, Jack hates that cat.

Or so he says.

Told entirely in verse, this tender, funny novel follows young Jack as he navigates the world of words, sounds, and silence under the patient guidance of his teacher, Miss Stretchberry. What begins as one boy’s grumbling about a spiteful feline slowly unfolds into something far deeper—a story about poetry, family, and the quiet ways we learn to love.

A companion to the beloved Love That Dog, this little book proves that big emotions can live in the smallest of pages. Sharon Creech, winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal, has a gift for capturing the way a child sees the world: messy, honest, and full of surprise.

Here’s what makes it special:

• Written in accessible, free-verse poetry that invites even reluctant readers in
• A gentle introduction to poets and poetry for young minds
• A heartfelt exploration of family, listening, and discovery
• Perfect for reading aloud on a rainy afternoon

It’s the kind of book you can finish in a single sitting, then turn back to the first page and start again. We’ve had more than one reader linger by this shelf, surprised at how much a story about a cat can make them feel.

Cozy up, salt air drifting in, and let Jack win you over—one line at a time. We think you’ll fall for that cat, too.

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