Written by Catherine Harker
Illustrated by Paul Harvey
Reading level: Ages 3-6 (will also appeal to adults and cat lovers)
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: New Frontier Publishing; (August, 2007)
Have you ever contemplated what makes a shy person stop feeling shy? Natasha, an Australian book written by Catherine Harker, ever so sweetly answered this question which I never realized I knew the answer to. Friendship and comfortable surroundings make you forget about feeling shy.
Natasha is a cat. An unbearably shy cat, at that.
… She has never seen another cat. So she isn’t sure she is one. …
The journey Natasha takes, meeting mice and birds, shows us her uncertainty about her identity. She finds that there is no connection between the house mice and herself. After observing the finches that nest at her house, she discovers flying is too difficult – even with a knitted bird costume. It is only once her owner brings home an orange tom cat named Douglas, that she recognizes herself. With the serenity and enjoyment that friendship brings, Natasha forgets to be shy.
This first time picture book by Harker grows on me every time I read it. Very endearing – Natasha is a sweetheart!
Synopsis: Shy Natasha hides as she wonders about her identity.
She thinks maybe she is a bird?
Eventually Harry solves the problem and Natasha realizes she is not a bird.
The finches are very pleased!
Special note: At this point in time, Catherine Harker’s Natasha can only be purchased in Australia. If you would like a copy, you can visit the publisher’s web site: http://www.newfrontier.com.au