Book review: ‘Katt vs Dogg’ is a pawesome read

With about 300 million books sold since 1976, author James Patterson makes no secret about his use of co-authors, as with his latest literary offering, Katt vs Dogg.

Penned together with Chris Grabenstein, this hilariously witty tale is set to become an instant hit with what is possibly his youngest audience yet – eight to 12-year-olds.

But this book, which is set in a society defined by the oldest rivalry in the world, is actually for anyone who loves cats, dogs or both.

Katt vs Dogg is about Molly, an aspiring feline actress who idolises film icon Kattalie Portman and songstress Katty Purry, and Oscar, a dog who sees no point in cats except for chasing them up trees.

Making clever use of speech balloons and wryly exaggerated illustrations by Anuki Lopez, there is no shortage of caustic and patchily comical mutual insults exchanged between the two animals when their paths cross while both are lost in the woods.

Putting aside everything they were ever told by their families about the other species, Molly and Oscar join forces to navigate their way out of the wilderness.

“This book is all kinds of entertainment, yet it packs an important message for kids as well as adults,” said MaydaCat, in her review on LibraryThings.

“The authors do a good job of illustrating ways to overcome prejudices and unfounded preconceived ideas.”

As one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time, Patterson’s books and target audience are a clear indication of his deep-seated passion about encouraging children to read.

With a young son who was a reluctant reader, Patterson was inspired to write a range of hugely successful international best-selling books for young readers – including The Middle School, I Funny, Treasure Hunters, Dog Diaries and the Max Einstein series of novels.

However, the road to success was not devoid of potholes and his first novel, The Thomas Berryman Number, was only published in 1976 after being turned down by more than 30 publishers.

James Patterson. Picture: MasterClass

Yet, despite its slow start, The Thomas Berryman Number went on to win the coveted Edgar Award for crime fiction that same year.

In a 2011 opinion piece that he wrote for CNN, Patterson strongly urged parents across the globe to become more involved in getting their kids to read. He recounted how, when they discovered their son, Jack, wasn’t an avid reader, he and his wife made a deal with him.

“He could be excused from chores over summer vacation if he would read every day,” the author said.

Patterson later launched child literacy initiative ReadKiddoRead.com, which offers advice for age-appropriate books for kids of various ages.

Katt vs Dogg, is another notable effort by Patterson to induct kids everywhere to the wonderful escapist world of literature.

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