Mrs. Katz and Tush

February 9, 2009
An elderly widow and a scrawny, abandoned kitten provide each other with love and comfort in this gentle picture book. Lonely after her husband's death, Mrs. Katz appreciates the frequent visits from her young neighbor Larnel and his mother. Things begin to look particularly bright when the boy offers the runt of a litter of kittens to Mrs. Katz. Larnel helps the old woman care for her new tail-less pet--``Tush''--and in return Mrs. Katz shares freshly baked kugel and stories of her Polish homeland and her Jewish heritage. Tackling some of the same themes as in her earlier Chicken Sunday , Polacco again offers prose rich with images of the struggles and triumphs of her immigrant ancestors; Mrs. Katz's experiences are nicely paralleled by Larnel's knowledge of his own African American family's difficulties. Unfortunately, passages in the latter part of the book that explain the Passover holiday seem tacked on and a bit heavy in their message. Polacco's vibrant pencil and wash illustrations evoke the ethnic flavor and human warmth that are central to the story. The overall effect is a vivid portrait of characters who are hopeful, proud and compassionate. Ages 4-8.

February 28, 1994
Zesty art and sensitive storytelling light up these two books, the first about an elderly Jewish widow and her young African American neighbor, the second set in Amish country. Ages 4-8.

July 1, 1992
K-Gr 3- A warm, lovingly told story about an intergenerational relationship. It is the beginning of a long friendship between Mrs. Katz, widowed, childless, and lonely, and her young African-American neighbor, Larnel, when he presents her with a scraggly kitten. On his daily visit to the elderly woman and her pet, they talk about Mrs. Katz's husband, her arrival in the United States from Poland, and the similar experiences of Jews and African-Americans. Larnel accompanies her to say kaddish at her husband's grave, and attends her Passover seder. When Tush has kittens, Mrs. Katz feels fulfilled, a bubee (grandmother) at last. The final illustration shows an adult Larnel with Mrs. Katz holding his baby, and the story ends with him and his family visiting the woman's grave. Mrs. Katz's dialogue reflects her Yiddish background without being obtrusive. The charcoal and watercolor illustrations are in Polacco's usual style, with large areas of white space emphasizing the characters rather than their surroundings. The character portrayals are vivid and lively, with a hint of humor. Polacco pays careful attention to detail, even to the age blemishes on Mrs. Katz's hands. A fine book for group or individual sharing. -Susan Giffard, Englewood Public Library, NJ

April 15, 1992
Ages 5-9. As in Polacco's "Chicken Sunday," this picture book celebrates both diversity and connection. In a multicultural city neighborhood, a lonely old Jewish widow named Mrs. Katz is helped by those around her and especially by an African American boy, Larnel, who brings her a runty kitten to love. She names the tailless kitten Tush. As Larnel visits Mrs. Katz, she shares her memories of her happy marriage and of immigrant struggle, and she draws Larnel into her traditional celebrations. She speaks in a strong Yiddish idiom ("Larnel, your people and mine are alike. Trouble, we've seen"). The characters are idealized--not a cross word spoken ever--and there's not much development other than the usual twist of the cat being lost, then found, then having kittens a few months later. But Polacco's bright double-spread watercolor paintings are exuberant and individualized without a trace of glamor. The smiling neighbors, in the building and in the crowded local deli, are realistic portraits. Larnel's an eager, gangling boy, but he is a listener and supporter most of the time; the focus is on Mrs. Katz, who's a lumpish, lively, emotional old lady. Their scenes together are full of energy and love. The last page, set years later, shows Larnel holding Mrs. Katz holding his baby. It's an elemental picture of human family. ((Reviewed Apr. 15, 1992))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1992, American Library Association.)

January 1, 1992
An African-American boy gets to know his neighbor, an elderly Jewish widow, when he gives her a kitten to adopt. As they spend more time together, Mrs. Katz teaches Larnel about Jewish holidays and customs and about the Jewish experience of slavery and freedom. Polacco's skillful art illustrates a warm story of an unusual friendship.

(Copyright 1992 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)