A little kid called Tad and his parents and little baby visit an animal shelter where they adopt a dog he names Cat. But naming the dog Cat might not be the best idea because the dog will suffer a lot as a result of being called Cat. Talking to other animals and birds, the dog learns that a Cat can be a mean and nasty creature — it would chase a mouse, go after the birds, gives the goldfish no peace. Deep inside, the dog knows it's not anything like it.

A Dog Named Cat tells the story of what the dog did to change its name from Cat. Anne Toole has created a story in verse that young readers will enjoy, a story with a powerful lesson: we can always choose not to be what others call us. The story is well-illustrated, and crafted in beautiful verse. The rhymes sing out to the heart with a beauty of their own. The characters are enjoyable and young readers can easily connect with the dog, understand its frustration, and the pain of being called something one isn't. A Dog Named Cat is delightful, the kind of story that is best for discussion in a classroom.

A delightful children’s book with important life lessons describes A Dog Named Cat by Anne Toole, illustrated by Richa Kinra. The story begins with a typical family; Mom, Dad, the little boy, Tad, and a baby. They journey to the local animal shelter and choose a dog. The baby pointed at the dog and said “cat.” So, they decided to name the puppy Cat. Cat was soon informed by other animals in the house and yard that he could not be a cat, as his behaviors were different than a cat’s would be. Soon Cat became sad and mad. His plans to let the family know how upset he was did not work. But, an opportunity came along where he was a successful dog, and Tad changed his name. Many lessons are communicated in this charming story.

The use of poetry, with rhyming words at the ends of phrases and sentences, is an effective mechanism in the writing of children’s stories. Children enjoy and remember these repetitious sounds – and soon are “reading” along with a parent. Richa Kinra’s lovely illustrations enrich the story and are stimulating to a child’s imagination. Anne Toole has written an engaging children’s book. She displays a good grasp of what entices a child to want a book read over and over again. In the meantime, she is also imparting essential lessons. Every child will learn how making fun of someone’s name can be hurtful; how a name does not define a person; how a person can forge his/her own identity, no matter what others say. Excellent children’s book!