Based on a true story, Ketzel was discovered byMoshe Cotel who was a composer. One day, to take a break, Moshe wanted to clear his mind and then to listen to what he heard on the busy street where he lived. He heard a small, sad sound. coming from a construction site. There he found a tiny black and white kitten. He took the little kitten home and called him Ketzel.

The next day, he moved everything off the top of the piano and placed Ketzel on top. That day they received a letter in the mail from The Paris New Misic Review regarding a contest. The musical composition could be no longer than one minute. Knowing it would be difficult, Moshe didn't think it could be done.

He sat down to play, but could not contain what he thought was beautiful into 60 seconds. Then, Ketzel slowly walked on the piano keys, placing one six-towed paw on the keyboard. Walking acros the keys and pushing them down, she then jumped off the piano and stopped her journey on the keys. Moshe could not believe it! What he heard was astounding. Grabbing a pencil he wrote down the music he heard Ketzel produce. And, it only took 21 seconds to produce a lovely piece of music.

Sending the composition to the judges, he call it "Piece for Piano: Four Paws," written by Ketzel Cotel. The reply received in the mail told Moshe that while Ketzel did not win first, second, or even third place, he did indeed receive honorable mention. Ketzel received a certificate for his unique ability. Invited to the concert hall, Moshe hid Ketzel in his jacket and sat in the very last row of the concert hall.

When a young girl anounced she would play the piece by "Ketzel." The kitten loudly meowed at the sound of her name. She announced this twice and each time Ketzel meowed in response. Ketzel was a huge success. Her reward not only was a certificate, but a royalty check for $19.72. The money was used for cat food.

This was not the end of the story. Ketzel became famous and was played by young pianists hoping for a bright future. Mosh Cozel had a composition, made into a CD, and it was titled "Mews' Musis for Orchestra." and this was based on Ketzels lovey, short-piece of music. The CD was titled Don't Panic! 60 Seconds for Piano.

What a beautiful story of a tiny straggling kitty who climbed up on a piano and walked across various keys which then made a composition.

I really enjoyed the illustrations in this one. The story is also very nicely told -- just the right sort of spare story, with a good amount of interest. ( )

This book is adorable! It's also a true story - Ketzel really did walk across a piano, her owner really do write down the notes she played, and she really did win a special mention in a contest for minute long compositions. ( )

I found this true story very touching and very amusing. Anyone who’s known cats will know that they will climb on and walk on tables, games, books, shelves, people, and pianos.

This is a lovely tale about a young composer who adopts a street kitten and what happens then.

I got a kick out of the contest entry, the royalty check, the cans of cat food, the cat’s theater visit in the story and the real visit, and so much more.

The author’s note at the end is great. I love how this cat became famous and found Morris Moshe Cotel’s life story (before and after Ketzel) interesting. I appreciate the reader is told on what CD the cat’s composition can be heard.

I love the illustrations is this book. I think they’re perfect for the story and find them pleasing. Their art style, use of color, etc. I’m a fan of everything about them.

I don’t cry that easily but I came close to shedding Patricia Polacco books style tears when reading this book.

It’s a winner. Highly recommended for anyone who likes cats, likes piano, likes music, enjoys pathos and humor & whimsy in their picture books, or enjoys reading about the creative process, and also for Jewish readers/listeners.

4-1/2 stars ( )