Socks

Socks
Beverly Cleary
HarperCollins, 1973 156 pages
Grades 2-6
Animals

Socks, a recently weaned kitten, is sold in front of a grocery store by a little girl named Debbie and her brother George to a nice young couple for 20¢. The Brickers spoil Socks and life is good, until a fateful day when everything changes. It is then that Mrs. Bricker disappears, only to return days later with a new pet whom the couple appears to love more than their old loyal pet. At first life isn't so bad, as Socks gets the dredges of Charles William's bottles, but once it is discovered that the cat is getting pudgy, even this luxury stops. Now Socks has no treats, no affection, and no attention. Making matters worse is a visit from crusty old Nana. After Socks has a hilarious run-in with Nana's wig and bites Mrs. Bricker out of frustration, he is banished to the outside. Living rough is hard for the once adored feline. The final straw comes when Old Taylor, a nasty Tom Cat, tussles with Socks over his food and the Brickers feel compelled to take their bloody charge back in the house. It is then the Charles William says his first word "Ticky" (Kitty). All is forgiven and Socks is welcomed back into the fold. The friendship with Charles William is cemented as the two have a rambunctious naptime together and discover that life is more fun when you share it with a pal.

I loved this cat's-eye view of the world story when I read it soon after it was first written and I still love it now. This month's selection for my third and fourth grade book group, I was curious to see if the book has truly stood the test of time. I asked the kids if they had a problem with reading an older book. They hadn't realized that it was an older book. Once I revealed that it was originally written in 1973, you would have thought that I secretly slipped them instant decaf like in the old Folgers commercials. They were properly horrified, but honestly didn't realize it until I brought it to their attention. This is partly because the copies I handed out had fresh covers. The kids loved the story (with the exception of one girl who is a dog lover and is naturally against cats) and all became very emotional when describing Sock's banishment and run-in with Old Taylor. One little girl told me that she read the book with her cat and he loved it, until the "bad part", when he had to leave the room. The scared cat returned once the sad part was over. Whew! Beverly Cleary knows how to write for her audience in a child-appropriate way with honestly and respect. This book is a great level for kids who are ready to move on from chapter books, but not ready for meatier volumes. It is gender neutral and will appeal to a wide range of readers Socks is also a great read-aloud for classroom and family use. The closing scene of Socks and Charles William romping around during naptime paints such a beautiful picture in my head whenever I read this book and as Socks closes his eyes to contentedly fall asleep, the reader will also close the book and sign a contented sigh at the conclusion of a story well told.