What a Small Cat Needs by Natalia Shaloshvili, translated by Lena Traer
- Cana Clark
- Apr 19
- 3 min read
I love this little cat. Her sweet, surprised face. Her paws! How tiny she is! Those funky gulls on every page... what a delight.
What a Small Cat Needs is kind of a perfect title — it invites you immediately to wonder, "what DOES a small cat need?" The book explains what a small cat needs; a tail, a saucer of milk, an umbrella, a home... and finally, a someone to hold her.
I will admit I had to read the book a few times to really understand the full story. My first read was mostly vibes, but when I had the chance to read the book aloud to other people, I finally got it. Seems obvious that a picture book is meant to be read out loud, but sometimes even I can forget!
The seagulls confuse me, even now, but they are delightful. Some of them wear hats and glasses, and they constantly surround our small cat. Maybe they're there because depicting the small cat all by herself would be scarier. (Being surrounded by seagulls is less reassuring to me, but ya know.) I have another theory, which is that the birds are there as part of the ambiance of the setting. Our small cat is on a small rainy island; thus the gulls, and thus the knit hats.
The story is sweet, and makes the argument that having basic needs met isn't enough; we also need others. But the best part of this book is the art! Cool tones, a surreal atmosphere, and so much texture. Shaloshvili's paintings are unique and dreamlike. Small pops of color stand out amongst the blues, greys, and whites until the special someone finally appears. The someone is a small human, who brings warmer colors like red and orange. They bring a warmth to the small cat's rather blue life. I think this communicates the story even stronger that the words themselves.
Alright, it's time to admire my favorite pages.
Love the way certain words are in a different font. It makes it easier to read and helps you to focus on the most important part of the sentence.
The toes. The blank look. The absurd little bunny run.
If a cat wore a floatie, would she wear it like this?
She's drinking out of a CUP. Ah!
This illustration is fun, even if it took me a couple reads to understand. I think the small cat is using the bathroom. LOL. Go away, seagulls!
Look at her little boots!
This is the spookiest page, although that dog has kinda goofy teeth. Do you see the small cat peeping out the window? Thank goodness for warm, safe homes!
Someone to love is getting closer to returning home to small cat now. Check out the warmer colors and small cat's little ears!
Ah, "someone with a big heart and warm hands" is finally here to cuddle our small cat.
Even the endpapers are lovely — and see how there are warm little homes all over the little island? I love endpapers that further the story and the theme of the book.
What a Small Cat Needs is an atmospheric read with a goofy, unique little main character and a delightful story about how we need others. The dreamy, textured illustrations tell a story all their own and deserve many a page-through. Highly recommend!
Book Info
Title: What a Small Cat Needs
Publisher: Enchanted Lion/Abrams
ISBN: 9781592704774
Author: Natalia Shaloshvili
Translator: Lena Traer
Illustrator: Natalia Shaloshvili
Pub date: Jan 2026
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