Crenshaw

 

Shirley J.                   Juvenile Fiction                  Like Harvey the 6ft. Rabbit, Crenshaw is a 6ft. Cat

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate      272 pages

I love the story about Harvey the 6 foot tall rabbit so I also loved this story about Crenshaw who happens to be a 6 foot tall cat.   Crenshaw is kind of like the cat in a hat, only not so mischievous.   Crenshaw is "here" to help a little boy named, Jackson, who's family is going through some really hard times (ie. living in their car, not a lot of food, more).  Not an uncommon occurrence as his parents being sort of hippie types they have an altruistic way of dealing with life and joking through the difficult days ( who needs a t.v. anyway when there are free parks to enjoy outside!), but, that doesn't feed a hungry child's belly nor a dog's either.   As things were getting really bleak, Crenshaw showed up in Jackson's life.   An imaginary friend that Jackson didn't conjure intentionally but who showed up on his own when Jackson was at his lowest to do odd things to make Jackson feel better and to support him emotionally as a friend during tough times.  Jackson's dog could see Crenshaw and adored him always trying to be by him and get Crenshaw to play ball with him.  Crenshaw didn't particularly like dogs he told Jackson but for the most part tolerated Jackson's dog.  This is a sweet, sad, yet uplifting story that I think would make an excellent film and I hope someone has the good sense to make one of it.   I recommend this book to all ages, Moms, Dads, Grandparents, etc. read this one even to young listeners, kids, I think you will really enjoy this story and adults, treat yourself.  I think we all could use a Crenshaw in our lives now and then.   Comforting as your favorite stuffed animal friend only better because he can talk and interact with you.  Good book.