Science Comics: Cats: Nature and Nurture by Andy Hirsch, Mikel Delgado
Published by First Second on August 13th 2019
ISBN: 1250143128
Pages: 128
Goodreads

Another fantastic title in the Science Comics series. This book by Andy Hirsch (a familiar Science Comics author of Dogs, Trees, and Varmints) delves into the mystery of the cat from house cat to jungle beast.  We meet Bean, adorable internet sensation, and learn how she got to be the most viewed kitty on the Web. As Bean tells her story, the reader learns about main motivation for ALL cats: hunting. Cats are carnivores and are made for killing. This killer instinct and humans’ understanding of it speaks to how successfully a person is in living with a domesticated cat. All cats need to hunt to feel fulfilled, it’s in their nature and humans can only change that behavior so much with nurturing. The book is filled with facts about the physiology of cats from their teeth to their claws to their righting reflex (cats always land on their feet). Cat lovers will enjoy the science behind the seemingly mysterious behavior of their pet and comics readers will enjoy the humor, engaging writing, and fabulous, bright illustrations for which this series has become known. These comics are text-heavy and best for readers in grades 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth