My Friend May

A great cat story to share along with some hilarious cat videos, My Friend May by Julie Flett encourages readers to tell and write their own pet stories.

Margaux and May are best friends. May, the black cat who used to be grey, loves to explore but always comes home at dinner time until one day she doesn’t. Everyone is so worried but it turns out that curiosity got the best of May.

Julie Flett is my favourite picture book author. Her stories are filled with warmth and they encourage readers to tell their own stories, whether orally or written. In this story, she is inspired by the many cats that have graced her home over the years, including a particularly curious cat who ended up in the exact same situation as May. The simple and thoughtful text makes this a book that will be enjoyed from birth and up. Even adults will be inspired to think of their own cat stories while reading this book.

Julie Flett includes some amazing information at the back of the book about the Cree language, something that you will find in all of her work. The back matter in this book teachers readers all about the Cree language and kinship. I love a book with a teaching moment and this story is a lovely way to include the Cree language into your home and classroom.

The illustrations, also by Julie Flett, are simply magic. While they may seem simple, they have the ability to transport readers to the middle of a summers day in the field with Margaux and May. Her natural colour palette evokes simplicity and ease. She creates an environment in her stories for readers to share and be creative in community.