The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered

Ages 2 to 6, Grades P to 1

A funny and meaningful story about a cat that couldn’t be bothered to do anything … anything at all.

March/April 2024 Kids’ Indie Next Picture Book Pick

There is a cat. A cat that couldn’t be bothered to do anything … anything at all. His friends ask him if he wants to play but he doesn’t feel like it. They invite him on adventures to far-off places, but he would rather stay at home. Until one day, a friend asks how he is doing, and the true reason why he’d rather do nothing is revealed. He is feeling sad.

This is a story about feelings, friendship, and the importance of speaking to someone when you don’t feel right. This beautiful socially aware story:Reassures kids that feeling sad sometimes is normalHelps them understand others’ behavior and promotes empathyEncourages them to be more in touch with their feelingsProvides a sense of fun while also broaching a tricky topicBoth children and adults will love the quirky and hilarious cat’s refusal to take part in anything, and the sweet and important message behind this story.

It’s never been more important to introduce kids to the importance of mental health. This bright children’s book is an easy way to talk about feelings and looking out for others. It provides an excellent jumping-off point for at-home and classroom discussions about emotional wellbeing and caring for others.

About the Author

Jack Kurland is a debut author-illustrator from Leigh-on-Sea in the UK. After graduating from Winchester School of Art in 2013, he spent seven years working as a graphic designer. He paused to go traveling for two years, where he realized he wanted to achieve an ambition he’d always had: to create children’s books. He now finds the balance between being a graphic designer, and working on illustrating and writing stories.