Was it a Cat I Saw?

Ages 5 to 9, Grades K to 4

When Hannah, a girl who speaks only in palindromes, hears that a boy's cat named Otto is missing, she jumps in to help. The kids search high and low until they, too, become lost. Hannah saves the day with a forward-and-backward-thinking solution, making a new friend in the process.

Hannah loves palindromes. She even speaks in them! When Otto the cat runs away, Hannah and his owner go on a wordplay-filled quest to find him. But they, too, become lost. To get everyone home, Hannah will need a forward-and-backward-thinking solution. One thing's for certain: She's found a new friend--and if she ever asks his name, she'll see just how well matched they are. Written by debut picture book author Laura Bontje and illustrated by Emma Lidia Squillari, Was It a Cat I Saw? will delight readers who like their language silly and their friendships sincere.

About the Author

Author Laura Bontje

Laura Bontje is an author and editor with a love for wordplay and all the peculiarities of language. Raised in Calgary, Laura now lives with her husband and kids in London, Ontario. She doesn't speak in palindromes.

Illustrator Emma Lidia Squillari

Born in northern Italy to an American mother and Italian father, Illustrator and author EMMA LIDIA SQUILLARI grew up surrounded by picture books, cementing her love of books at an early age. She studied illustration at Bologna's Academy of Fine Arts and has since published books both in Italy and abroad. She enjoys listening to the radio and looking after her houseplants while worrying over her watercolors.