Meindert Dejong

The Last Little Cat Meindert Dejong

Meindert DeJong, winner of the 1954 Newbery Award for 'The Wheel on the School', wrote this delightful tale five decades ago. Now ?The Last Little Cat? is back in print to delight both children and adults.

The last little cat was born in a kennel, surrounded by dogs and dog cages and dog noises. The little cat was always half cold and half hungry - until the day he fell into the cage of the old, blind dog. Then, for a while, the last little cat was warm, and well fed.

But how could such a small cat know that the barn doors are closed at night and that there are people in the world who do not want to help a helpless kitten?

The story of how the last little cat found a home, and not only a home, but the perfect home, again confirms Meindert DeJong?s place among the finest writers of his or any day.

This tale is loved by children from kindergarten to grade two and is often used as a reader in grade two. It uses simple, direct language which repeats rhythmically and artistically, and the author has a fine ear for language and content.