The Cat’s Pyjamas Takes on the World

The Cat’s Pyjamas, written and illustrated by Catherine Foreman, is creeping into the international spotlight with publication in the United States in Spring 2012.

 Published by Scholastic New Zealand in March 2011, the picture book features a cat with a different pair of colourful pyjamas for each day of the week, finishing with a delightful twist. Its first print run comprised four editions: English for New Zealand and Australia; American English for Canada, French for Canada, and Maori. It is a fun introduction to days of the week and getting ready for bed.

The international success of the book is a long way from its inauspicious beginnings in the spare bathroom. “One night I drew an orange cat in blue striped pyjamas and really liked him, and over time it developed into the idea of themed pyjamas and having dreams of outer space, the ocean, jungle and so on as a result.

“But when the Cat wears his monster pyjamas, he is rightly terrified and quite sensibly stays awake all night,” says Catherine, speaking from her home near Cambridge, UK.

Catherine (left) and her family are planning to return to New Zealand in late 2011.

The Cat’s Pyjamas

Catherine Foreman

Published by Scholastic New Zealand

ISBN 9781869439798