Gravett’s humor generally runs from giddy to Gothic; in this story, it’s toward the sweeter end of the spectrum.

– Publishers Weekly

A master of animal countenance, Gravett pairs an expressive cat with a busy kid and winks at the difference between textual and visual message...the shrewd and skillful art implies sly underlying affection even when the cat’s nonplussed, worried or asleep. Even Matilda’s cat would like this.

– Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"[Matilda] resembles Sendak’s Max both in her furry outfit and clamorous demeanor...The contradiction between the text and the put-upon cat’s comical expressions is the real hoot here, and young pet owners will particularly relate to Matilda’s desire to have her cat behave according to her whims."

– BCCB

"Gravett’s charming pictures of the determined girl and her skeptical cat are full of funny details as the two struggle to figure out what they have in common."

– New York Times Book Review

*"The interplay between Emily Gravett's text and artwork are as humorous as the interactions of Matilda and her cat...Every child will be able to relate to Matilda's comical attempts to lure in her cat, and her complete inability to do so."

– Shelf Awareness, starred review

"The energetic watercolor artwork is pure Gravett, with plenty of visual jokes and with characters—girl and cat—who express their feelings with every fiber of their being."

– School Library Journal