Catawampus: The Story of a Crooked Cat

"Catawampus was a crooked cat.
It so happens he was born like that."

Catawampus is a friendly stray cat who longs for a family of his own, but worries that his crooked, bent front legs will prevent him from ever being adopted. He has been managing the best he can while living on the street, until the fateful day he is caught and taken to the shelter. Scared, overlooked, and bullied by the other cats, he sadly hides away from everyone. Until one day when he comes up with a bold plan - to make a little bow tie for himself to wear at the next adoption day! Surely then, he thinks, no one will even notice his disability. But when his plan goes awry, he believes all is lost...until an unexpected kindred spirit steps in to save the day.

Can Catawampus find the courage to pursue his dream of a home and family?

And will people be able to look past his disability, and see all the love he has to share?

Young readers will cheer on Catawampus as he bravely faces his fears and learns how the power of friendship can make a dream come true when you least expect it. With a rhyming text and bright watercolor illustrations, Catawampus's story encourages children to celebrate differences, accept one another, and show compassion for people and animals alike.

FIVE STARS. "This clever and touching tale is a timely reminder of the beauty in our differences and the importance of love... I highly recommend this gem of a book!"
-Helene Marie-Hélène Fasquel for Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

"...Lori Hoffman Penna's equally engaging, colorful cat illustrations present fine visuals that also impart underlying messages about diversity and acceptance. Libraries that choose Catawampus for elementary-level collections and parental read-aloud opportunities will want to point out that this is more than an exceptional story about cats. It's ultimately about life and love."
-D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review