Ketzel the Cat Who Composed

Reviewed by: Sally Holt - Raymond Village Library, Raymond, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 21, 2015

Review

Young musical composer, Moshe Cotel, has entered a competition, Paris New Music Review, and entrants are to write a composition of 60 seconds or less. As hard as he tries, Moshe simply cannot write one any less than ten minutes long. As he is taking a walk one day on the busy city street he comes across a black and white stray cat he names Ketzel.

One day, soon after he brings Ketzel home, Ketzel, while creeping along the keyboard, manages to compose what Moshe has not been able to do, "a composition that has a clear beginning, middle, and end and is full of heart and takes exactly 21 seconds to play." The piece is called, "Piece for Piano: Four Paws." and wins an honorable mention.

At the back of the book is an author's note that explains that this book is based on a true story. Ketzel actually received a royalty check for $19.72 which "was used to purchase cat food."

The illustrations are warm and textural, done in watercolor, gouache and pencil. A truly delightful and charming story.

Anyone who loves the brightness and whimsy of a animal/human relationship will enjoy this book. Cream of the Crop

Overall Book Score: excellent