Mrs. Crump’s Cat by Linda Smith, illustrated by David Roberts (HarperCollins, 2006). The last thing Mrs. Crump needs is a cat, especially a “sneaky, finicky, troublesome, WET, yellow cat with FLEAS.” Or does she? A heartwarming story about hard-earned friendship. Ages 4-up.

From the publisher bio: Linda Smith is the author of: When Moon Fell Down, illustrated by Kathryn Brown (HarperCollins, 2001); Mrs. Biddlebox, illustrated by Marla Frazee (HarperCollins, 2002)(an SCBWI Golden Kite Award winner for picture book illustration); and There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Boot, illustrated by Jane Manning (HarperCollins, 2003).

She was born in Chicago, raised in Grand Rapids, and eventually made her home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with her husband, her eight children, and a number of unusual pets, including a huge pig named Porkchop.

Linda lived a full life in a short time. On June 28, 2000, she passed away after a two-year battle with breast cancer, but she left behind a world of language, love, and good humor that shines through her books.

My Thoughts

Linda Smith’s legacy of children’s writing is an inspiration. She had a particular talent for making stories about adults child-friendly.

Cynsational Notes

Linda dedicated this book to Janie Bynum (author-illustrator interview) and Katie Davis (author-illustrator interview) “for their beautiful friendship, encouragement, and guidance.”

See also Kit Lit: Cat Picture Books from Mercury Boo.