Cats, Superheroes, and Villains Come Together to Make "Katie The Catsitter" By Colleen AF Venable a Fun, Humorous, and Adventurous Read.
- Mikayla Young
- Jan 27
- 7 min read
When a graphic novel mixes cats, superheroes, and villains, you know the story will be anything but ordinary. Katie the Catsitter by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue, delivers a playful, action-packed tale that grabs readers from the first page. This book blends humor, adventure, and heart in a way that appeals to kids and adults alike. If you love stories with quirky characters and unexpected twists, this graphic novel deserves a spot on your shelf.
Book Information
Title: Katie the Catsitter
Series: Katie the Catsitter 1
Author: Colleen AF Venable
Illustrator: Stephanie Yue
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Animals, Action and Adventure
Age Category: Middle Grade, 12+
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: January 5, 2021
Format: Available in eBook, paperback, and hardcover
Format Type: Graphic Novel
Format Read in: Libby ebook
Tropes/Elements: Friendship, Cats
Reading Challenges: Libby TBR, Read Around the World - New York - Setting
This graphic novel is the first in a series, setting the stage for more fun and feline-filled adventures. The combination of Venable’s witty writing and Yue’s expressive illustrations creates a vibrant reading experience.
Book Synopsis
Twelve-year-old Katie faces a summer alone in New York City while her best friend, Beth, is away at camp—something Katie can't afford. Determined to join Beth, Katie tries to earn money but ends up cat-sitting for her mysterious neighbor, Madeline, who owns an astonishing 217 cats. As Katie manages the feline chaos, she suspects that Madeline might be the city's notorious supervillain, with crimes happening whenever Madeline is missing. Juggling cat-sitting duties, a drifting friendship, and uncovering Madeline's secret, Katie learns that heroes don't always wear capes—sometimes, they have cats! With vibrant illustrations and humor, Katie the Catsitter is a playful adventure proving that with the right catitude, anything is pawsible.
My Rating and Review
Rating: ★★★★.5 (4.5 stars)
The characters in this graphic novel are not only realistic but also infused with a delightful sense of humor and a spirit of adventure that captivates readers of all ages. Among them, Katie stands out as a wonderfully relatable protagonist. She embodies the struggles and triumphs of everyday life, making her a character that readers can easily connect with. Her journey is particularly engaging as she attempts to juggle her responsibilities while cat sitting an astounding 217 cats, each with their own unique personality and quirks. This overwhelming task leads to a series of humorous and heartwarming moments that reflect her determination and resilience. The side characters are equally charming, each bringing their own distinct qualities and idiosyncrasies to the narrative. From quirky friends to eccentric neighbors, they enrich the storyline and provide additional layers of relatability. These characters not only support Katie but also help to highlight the various themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of community. As for the cats—yes, all 217 of them—they truly shine in this graphic novel. Each feline is portrayed with a vibrant personality and a unique set of talents that not only entertain but also elicit laughter and joy from readers. Their superhero antics and clever schemes are both hilarious and endearing, making it nearly impossible for readers not to wish for their own team of extraordinary cats. The way these cats are integrated into the story is a testament to the author’s creativity and imagination. The setting of New York City is depicted with remarkable detail and authenticity, brought to life through the stunning illustrations. The vibrant streets, bustling parks, and cozy nooks of the city are illustrated in a way that immerses readers in the environment, allowing them to feel as though they are right there alongside Katie and her feline companions. The backdrop serves as more than just a setting; it becomes a character in its own right, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the story. The writing throughout the novel is characterized by its wit and humor, providing a delightful reading experience. While some plot points may feel a bit predictable at times, they are executed with such charm and enthusiasm that they do not detract from the enjoyment of the story. In fact, the predictability can often add to the comfort of the narrative, making it an inviting read for both children and adults alike. Moreover, the book cleverly weaves in valuable life lessons about the nature of friendships, the inevitability of change, and the idea that one does not have to conform to societal expectations to find happiness. It explores the notion that sometimes the true villains in our lives may be those we least expect, hiding in plain sight. "Katie the Catsitter" by Colleen AF Venable, beautifully illustrated by Stephanie Yue, is a delightful, quick-paced read that is filled with humor, adventure, and heart. It is an ideal choice for cat lovers, animal enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a whimsical story featuring a cast of 217 talented cats. This graphic novel promises to entertain, inspire, and perhaps even encourage readers to embrace their own unique talents and the joys of friendship.
Discussion Questions and Activities
Before Reading
Cover Exploration: Look at the cover of Katie the Catsitter. What do you think the story will be about based on the illustrations? What feelings does the cover evoke?
Character Predictions: Discuss what qualities you think a character named Katie might have. What kind of adventures do you think she will have?
Superhero Discussion: What makes someone a superhero or a villain? Create a list of traits that define each and how they might apply to everyday life.
Cat Characteristics: Research different cat breeds and create a chart comparing their traits. How do these traits influence their personalities in stories?
During Reading
Character Tracking: Keep a character journal where you note down Katie’s thoughts and feelings as she navigates her summer. How do her feelings change throughout the story?
Illustration Analysis: Choose a few pages with significant illustrations. Discuss how the art complements the text and what emotions the illustrations convey.
Theme Identification: As you read, identify themes that emerge in the story such as friendship, responsibility, or adventure. How do these themes manifest through Katie’s experiences?
Dialogue Reflection: Pay attention to the conversations between characters. Choose a dialogue that stands out and discuss its significance and how it develops character relationships.
After Reading
Character Development: Discuss how Katie evolves throughout the story. What lessons does she learn, and how does she change by the end of the graphic novel?
Creative Writing: Write a short story or a comic strip featuring a new adventure for Katie and her cats. What challenges do they face, and how do they overcome them?
Friendship Analysis: Reflect on the friendship dynamics in the book. How do Katie and Beth’s relationship change? What does the story teach about maintaining friendships?
Artistic Expression: Create your own character inspired by the cats in the story. Design a superhero cat with unique abilities and a backstory. Share with the group.
About the Author
Colleen AF Venable is celebrated for her engaging storytelling and innovative graphic novels. She co-created the National Book Award Longlisted graphic novel Kiss Number 8 with Ellen T. Crenshaw and authored the Katie the Catsitter series, illustrated by Stephanie Yue. Her other works include Mervin the Sloth is About to Do the Best Thing in The World with Ruth Chan, The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom with Lian Cho, and the Eisner-nominated Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye series. Before writing, Colleen was a designer at First Second Books and held creative roles at Workman, Macmillan, and Epic! Kids. Now a full-time writer, she splits her time between North Adams, MA, and Brooklyn, NY, and is represented by Holly Root at Root Literary. Colleen uses She/Her/They pronouns.
Fun facts about Colleen include her two unique rabbits, a connect-the-dots tattoo of an invisible giraffe, and a rock embedded in her knee from a slip-and-slide mishap. She enjoys creating humorous song lyrics and co-founded Lumberjack Day on September 26. The "AF" in her name stands for Ann Felicity, her middle names.
Her accolades include a National Book Award Longlist, multiple Eisner nominations, and over 15 State Award Nominations. Her works frequently appear on "Best of the Year" lists and receive starred reviews, with the ultimate praise from her mom.
About the Illustrator
Stephanie Yue, a professional illustrator with a rich background in art and storytelling, grew up in Atlanta, Beijing, and Hong Kong. She honed her skills in New York City and started her career in game design and animation, publishing mini-comics. Since 2008, she's freelanced on diverse projects like comics lettering and website design. In 2010, she joined Barry Goldblatt Literary, illustrating graphic novels and children's books. Her work appears in SpongeBob Comics.
Beyond illustration, Stephanie is a martial artist, scooterist, and travel blogger. She enjoys two-wheeled adventures, culinary exploration, and playful activities like climbing and roller skating.
Stephanie embraced a nomadic lifestyle in 2014, documenting her Vespa travels with daily drawings. In 2020, she converted a cargo van into a mobile studio, continuing her work and travels from it, sharing her journey on her Instagram.
Her published works include the "Katie the Catsitter" series, "Good Night, Bunny," and various contributions to "SpongeBob Comics." Her clients include Random House Graphic, Lerner Graphic Universe, and Disney Hyperion, among others.
Where to Buy the Book
Local Bookstores: Support independent shops by checking their graphic novel section.
Libraries: Many libraries carry graphic novels and may have this title available for borrowing.
Conclusion
Katie the Catsitter is a delightful graphic novel that combines humor, adventure, and heart in a unique narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. Colleen AF Venable's engaging storytelling, paired with Stephanie Yue's vibrant illustrations, creates an immersive experience that captivates from start to finish. The charming characters, especially the relatable Katie, along with the whimsical antics of the 217 cats, make this book a must-read for cat lovers and adventure seekers alike. As the first installment in a promising series, it sets the stage for more feline-filled escapades that are sure to entertain and inspire. Whether you're looking for a lighthearted read or valuable life lessons about friendship and resilience, Katie the Catsitter is a worthy addition to any bookshelf.
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