Mimi lives in a hat on the streets of Zurich, Switzerland. Other cats advise her to look cute and purr in order to find a cozy home with a human, but Mimi scoffs at them. "For a cat with the soul of an artist, only an artist will do." When Mimi meets a Dadaist, she's found her human equal-but her sound poems and collections of found objects don't impress him. How can Mimi convince the Dadaist to take her in? Author's note about Dada. Further reading. Full-color mixed media illustrations.
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• Introducing the reader to Dada through Mimi’s eyes is a kid-friendly approach to a sophisticated concept. The author’s note adds to understanding, by giving examples of Dada performances and artwork.
• The energy, quick pacing, and moments both touching and humorous keep the reader engaged.
• In addition to depicting Mimi’s story, Shelley Jackson’s artwork provides an excellent example of the art movement that it covers.
• There is so much to look at on every page! Jackson’s collages incorporate musical scores, newsprint, dictionary entries, and photographs—serving as a constant visual echo of Dada’s playful and inclusive sensibility.
Mimi, a stray cat, intends to make her home with Mr. Dada, an artist who believes "Art...is anything!" But he isn't convinced that Mimi is the right pet for him ("Do I look like the kind of man to coo 'Kitty, Kitty'?") until she demonstrates her Dadaist artistry by balancing a fish on her head. Mixed-media illustrations are fittingly random and whimsical. Reading list, websites.