★ "Perfect pussycat poetry." –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "A celebration of the child-pet bond." –Booklist, starred review
★ "Will steal the hearts of readers young and old." –School Library Journal, starred review
● An ALSC Notable Children's Book
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of this critically acclaimed, award-winning favorite—a shelter cat's unforgettable journey to home, told in irresistible haiku
Marking its 15th anniversary, this award-winning and critically acclaimed picture-book classic returns to captivate a new generation of readers. Told through a sequence of witty, emotionally astute haiku, a shelter cat chronicles his journey from cautious observer to confident companion, capturing the universal longing to belong. A standout upon its original publication, Won Ton earned multiple honors and widespread critical praise, and remains a favorite for classroom read-alouds and poetry units. With humor, heart, and a distinctive voice, this timeless story—paired with expressive, elegant illustrations—offers a fresh and deeply engaging exploration of adoption, identity, and the quiet, transformative power of love.
Praise
? “Perfect pussycat poetry for anyone who has ever loved a shelter cat.” STARRED REVIEW
—Kirkus Reviews
? “…[a] wry, heart-warming title that’s sure to find wide acceptance in the classroom and beyond." STARRED REVIEW
—Booklist
? “Won Ton’s sweetly humorous story will steal the hearts of readers young and old.” STARRED REVIEW
—School Library Journal
“…With plenty of things to love for poetry and cat lovers alike, Won Ton takes an old form and renders it furry… A cheery ode to a boy and his cat, this is one of the books to grab the next time someone asks you for ‘fun haiku’. Or really, any poetry in general.”
—Fuse #8 Productions
“…Wardlaw has a fine understanding of the feline mind, and each 17-syllable poem packs a big impact. A surprisingly powerful story in verse.”
—Publishers Weekly
“From the front cover on, this nameless shelter cat steals the show…the charm of the text is that we see everything anew, from the cat’s perspective…”
—Chicago Tribune
"Sometimes the full savor of a book only comes through silent absorption. That is manifestly the case with Won Ton. Children old enough to read will get the full force of the harmonious combination of Wardlaw’s wry verse and Yelchin’s witty illustrations.”
—Wall Street Journal
: “…winning drawings [and] perfectly formed haiku.”
—Christian Science Monitor
“Wardlaw’s book is wonderfully innovative…compelling yet accessible to young readers…a touching tale made even more dramatic by Yelchin’s sublime illustrations, which vary on every page, adding drama emotion, fun, and beauty.”
—BookPage
: “The animal’s fear, pride, and gradual trust come across clearly in Wardlaw’s poems. Yelchin’s pictures match the poems’ sensitivity and humor, with the cat’s wariness giving way over time to enjoyment of his new environment…”
—The Horn Book
“…loving but unsentimental…Yelchin’s sinuous draftsmanship, playful perspectives, and sunny palette provide just the right counterpoint to this tale of a cat with attitude to spare."
—The Washington Post
"Won Ton’s feisty, playful personality is revealed, creating a sweet story that will resonate with readers young and old."
—Cat Fancy Magazine
“This is a feast for the senses! The story fills readers with anticipation, nervousness, and the hope of being needed…the perfect companion to poetry month and multicultural literature. Highly recommended.”
—Library Media Connection
