Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku (Henry Holt and Co, 2011) by Lee Wardlaw, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin has won the 2012 Lee Bennett Hopkins/Penn State University Poetry Award. Not a surprise really. Lee Wardlaw is quite the award-winning author, and Won Ton is so darn cute!
It’s a sweet story of a kitty at an animal shelter. We learn what he thinks and feels about it and follow him as he is adopted and adjusts to his new house, where he finally reveals his true name. I love the illustrations. This is a definite book choice for cat lovers and one easy to read over and over.
I also like how the author gave a bonus in her note where she explains senryu and haiku.
Writers should go check out Lee’s “101 Ways to Bug Children’s Book Author Lee Wardlaw” on her About Me page. Take a look at how many other books she has published, too–you’ll find others you want to read.
Illustrators should check out the beautiful art on Eugene Yelchin’s site. Wow!
