BOOKSIRENS ARC REVIEW: WHAT GEORGE THINKS WHEN HE SITS DOWN BY CAROLINE BELL

MY RATING: PURCHASE LINKS:AMAZON REVIEW: When I saw this book, I had high hopes for it. The cover really captured me, and I really thought it would be a cute little fun but insightful book about a cat, who’s someones beloved pet. Unfortunately for me, this book did not hit any mark. The story was…

MY RATING:

Synopsis:

Have you ever wondered what a cat is thinking?

In this tender, beautifully illustrated picture book, readers follow George—a dreamy, thoughtful cat—as he rests in sunbeams, watches the world pass by, and reflects on quiet moments. The story begins from an outside perspective, then gently shifts into George’s own voice—inviting children and grown-ups alike to slow down and listen more closely… to cats, to stillness, and maybe even to themselves.

What George Thinks When He Sits Still is a calming, poetic experience for cat lovers, gentle-hearted children, teachers, and anyone who finds magic in quiet moments. Whether enjoyed at bedtime or shared in a classroom, it’s a beautiful resource for lesson planning, SEL conversations, and imaginative storytime.

The book also introduces young readers to first- and third-person narration, making it a thoughtful addition to classrooms and homeschool settings.

Aligned with Common Core ELA standards for grades K–3, this book

Narrative perspective (RL.1.6, RL.2.6)Text and illustration analysis (RL.1.7, RL.2.7)Social-emotional learning and mindful reflection

A perfect choice

Curious and gentle readers ages 4–9SEL and mindfulness momentsCozy classrooms or quiet bedtime ritualsCat lovers of all agesTeachers seeking literature for lesson planning or anchor textsFamilies and educators who believe stillness can be magical

Pages: 106
Genre: Picture book, Graphic novel
Publication date: May 9, 2025 by Chantilly Cat Press
Format: Paperback, Kindle, Hardcover
Source: eARC, BookSirens

PURCHASE LINKS:
AMAZON

REVIEW:

When I saw this book, I had high hopes for it. The cover really captured me, and I really thought it would be a cute little fun but insightful book about a cat, who’s someones beloved pet.

Unfortunately for me, this book did not hit any mark. The story was not there; it was repetitive, confusing, and the art was inconsistent, and it does look like AI. Some weird stuff is going on with it. I cannot say for certain, but it does look like it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

If the author really used AI to create the story and/or the illustrations, then this is a big issue in my opinion. This should be clearly stated so people can make informed decisions when picking up a book with such content.

Mind you, this is a book targeting 4+ year olds, and as a mother, I cannot see reading a book like that to my child. As I mentioned, it has no point, and everything is confusing; even the illustrations do not match the text.

Overall, a big letdown, hence my rating is 2 stars only because the colour palette is nice, the rest not really.

Lin's Perspective