Cat Problems

Kirkus Reviews wrote, "The cat's whiny, self-centered personality is wittily conveyed, but its wry monologue"–which Booklist's Lucinda Whitehurst "hilariously incessant"–[1] "also elicits sympathy [...] Readers who’ve been owned by kitties will laugh knowingly at the protagonist’s shifty mental processes and comical shenanigans".

[3] Deborah Stevenson, writing for The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, added, "John's text comically captures the catlike tendency to shift between languid and demanding, with a little destruction thrown in [...], and the snarky voice will be a dream to read aloud".

[2] They further noted that "innovative book design enhances the visual appeal, with text placement and white space focusing attention.

[2] Booklist's Whitehurst discussed how "Smith’s signature style captures the cat’s every emotion through its expressive eyes and tail and posture".

[1] Whitehurst added, "A final touch of humor comes from the author and illustrator bios, written by William and Lulu, cats who live with John and Smith.