Dewey: The Small-town Cat Who Touched the World
Vicki Myron with Bret Witter, 2008
271 pp.
March 2009
Maybe it's the face on the cover that's made so many fall in love with this book, but it could easily be the story, too. How is it not possible not to fall in love with a tiny, defenseless creature dropped down a library book drop in one of the coldest nights of the year?
Like most pets, Dewey makes a difference in the lives of his many owners— library staff and patrons alike—and eventually becoming so famous that he's featured in print and broadcast media around the world. People drive miles across the U.S. for a chance to meet him. Reading his story, it's easy to understand why.
The back story is about Dewey's savior, Vicki Myron, a single mom who puts herself through school to qualifiy for the top job in her library. Her devotion to her career drives a wedge in her relationship with her teenage daughter. Dewey helps to restore their relationship.
For book clubs, Dewey is the kind of book that will yield personal stories and memories about members' own pets. It's a good choice when you're looking for a break from the heavier reads.
See our Reading Guide for Dewey.