The Language of Cat [Paperback]

It is always good to come across a new name in children's poetry and Rachel Rooney is one to note. Having had more than 60 of her poems accepted for anthologies, Rooney has served her apprenticeship and deserves to have her first collection published in Janetta Otter-Barry's new poety list for Frances Lincoln... Rooney writes persuasively, and often amusingly, about the 'P' word. Other poems are thoughtful, quirky, sensitive, amusing, occasionally edgy. Hers is a welcome new voice; she has alot of talent and has earned the Poet Laureate's positive recommendation on the back cover. 'A box of delights', indeed.

A remarkably assured collection.

Quirky, funny and thought-provoking. This is an entertaining little book to dip into on holidays.

5 Stars: Thoughtful, quirky, sensitive, amusing, occasionally edgy. Hers is a welcome new voice; she has a lot of talent and has earned the Poet Laureate's positive recommendation on the back cover. 'A box of delights', indeed.'

The poems are funny and quirky, with clever wordplay.

The distinctive drawings are a delicate strengthening of the reader's feelings, including admiration.

With wordplay, riddles and poems that are funny, fast-paced, lyrical and thought-provoking, this is an exciting debut from an outstanding new poet.

Wordplay, riddles, fun poetic forms abound in this remarkably assured debut collection… These are poems that will make you laugh and think simultaneously - and ultimately yearn to learn the wonderful language of cat.

This is not a children's poetry book - it's a book of poetry that many children will enjoy, but which deserves a place on the grown-up shelf, too. Many of the poems work on several levels, most are thought provoking, all are clever and illustrate the poet's love of language and wordplay. There are poems about love, about growing up, about ambition, about loss and about the nature of poetry. This is the first solo collection by Rachel Rooney. I am sure it will be the first of many.

Best Children's Books of 2011: What a treat to find 'The Language of Cat' by Rachel Rooney. This debut collection is full of gems that can appeal to both a young reader - and an adult. Rooney makes sophisticated use of language and is at ease with a variety of poetic forms and rhythms. If this sounds serious, it is not. The whole is imbued with a subtle humour, presented with a smile and accompanied by charming line drawings by Ellie Jenkins. Above all 'The Language of Cat' celebrates words and the poet's craft. This slim little book contains treasure. (Ferelith Hordon, Chair, the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Judges 2011.)

This book is brilliant because anyone at any age, can read and enjoy it. It would be perfect for a birthday or Christmas present, and anyone who got it would be very lucky!! I've kept my whole family entertained by reading these poems aloud, and I hope you can share the gift of Rachel's poetry with your family.

A well-crafted, stimulating and un-patronising box of delights, always accessible and constantly inventive.

A delightful assortment of poems in myriad styles.

Rachel Rooney’s poems have a subtle distinctive speaking voice, lighting up shifts of thought and feeling that young readers will recognise but that clichés would conceal.

 'is something rare – a poetry book for children that doesn't patronise its intended audience'