An illustration style that I absolutely love, a subject that I adore (cats!) and an important message. However, the execution felt a bit rushed, which made the message less impactful in my opinion.

While I loved the messaging, I don't think it was executed well at all. I agree that there are many instances where people are reduced down to their looks and given superficial compliments (especially women), but this book was irritating for me to read and I can't imagine myself reading this to a classroom of children. Fiona immediately became irritated with the appearance-related praise instead of it grating on her over time (like it would for most people). I feel as though children may get the wrong idea with this book and take it as a black and white messaging: being told you're pretty is bad and its insulting. In reality, being paid superficial compliments when paired with deeper ones is an ideal balance (in my opinion, anyway). Cancel me if you want, but I like being called pretty by my husband or being told that I'm cute. There would be a problem if my other qualities are being completely ignored, but I truly feel as though a balance of the two are important.

Because of this, I would not read this in my classroom.

Thank you to 4U2B Books & Media for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A light and cute read, I had a great time and it reads super fast.

Fiona gave me the vibes of Marie the kitten of the Aristocats, who through different scenarios wants to prove that she is more than just a pretty kitten.

I highly recommend it, you will have a great time.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for providing me with this ARC.

Fiona is a cat with strong opinions and she does not want to be valued for just her beauty, She is often disappointed when she does something wonderful, like a kill a mouse, that her people compliment her by calling her pretty kitty, not fierce or clever. This would be an excellent book to talk about the things we value and praise with students. The charming illustrations are wonderful compliment to fun text. .

The artwork in this is gorgeous--really well done. Fiona the cat is many things, but her people keep saying how pretty she is! How frustrating for her. I imagine many little girls can relate.

While the artwork of Fiona and the Peculiar Praise is bright, clear, and gorgeous I don't think the message it's trying to send works very well. Praise makes everyone feel good and feel seen. But calling someone cute or beautiful or any other similar adjective shouldn't be seen as a bad thing. That's all some want. Maybe it's small. Maybe it's vain. But it can also be important. I do applaud standing up for your accomplishments at the same time. Anyway, it's a cute picture book and I think most kids will enjoy it.

Fiona is full of fantastic qualities and abilities, but much to her confusion is only praised for her looks. This book is a wonderful lesson for girls and boys (and adults) alike that there is much more to a person (or a cat) than their appearance. :)

This engaging story follows Fiona (AKA Queen Fiona) who is not so happy about the compliments her owners give her.. Specifically, she would like to be seen as more than cute. Fiona has a unique POV that will draw children into the story and make them laugh as they follow her antics and though process upon receiving different compliments.

A sweet, colorful look into the mind of a housecat. It really did tug at my cat-mom heartstrings and reminded me of my own little feline. I thought some of the text could have been smoother, I noticed some missed opportunity for a good rhyme to keep the pace. With that being said I think it still highlighted a topic that's important and often looked over...adults giving clique, overly used praise to children. Was Fiona adorable, lovely, etc? Absolutely. And when it comes to children, we often jump to use these types of descriptors too. But as adults we should take a moment to think of internal traits as well...is that child being brave? helpful? empathetic? We are all so much more than what is seen on the outside and I think that's what the story is trying to portray.
Not to mention that the illustrations are stunning with such soft shades of color. I'll be looking into more work done by the illustrator!
Thank you to 4U2B Books & Media for access to this book.

Reading challenge category – 2025 Flourish and Blotts: Curse Breaker – Goblins: Non-human main character

Why do her humans keep complimenting on her looks and not seeing all of the other FABULOUS parts of her?! Because she's adorable. A cute and fluffy book about noticing actions and not just appearances. With some haughtiness :)

FIONA AND THE PECULIAR PRAISE by Rennie Dyball is a contemporary, children's book focusing on a white cat names Fiona, and the 'praise' she doesn't like.

Fiona is a white cat who struggles with the 'praise' directed at her including cute, gorgeous, pretty etc. Fiona is a cat-she hunts, she plays, she prowls, and Fiona wants to be commended on her abilities not her 'looks' but eventually, the the family realizes Fiona is more than a pretty face, she are also smart.

FIONA AND THE PECULIAR PRAISE is a fast paced, quick read with an underlying message for younger children about self-esteem. Fiona doesn't want to be liked for her looks but for who she is and what she can do...although...the story starts with the cat calling itself a 'Queen' and wearing a tiara, so there is a bit of a mixed message .

With colorful images and easy text, FIONA AND THE PECULIAR PRAISE is a fun read with a hidden meaning.

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1816501484

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7691851151

My 10 year old daughter and I loved this book, Fiona and the Peculiar Praise. We love cats and love books about cats! :)
Such a great message that there are more to people (and cats) than their appearance.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reading Copy.

Fiona and the Peculiar Praise is a “purrfect” little book with a message about being more than just your looks. Fiona is an adorable kitty, but she’s also so much more! I love how expressive Fiona is and how accurate her cat behaviors and attitude are! With dynamic artwork, simple wording, and a quick paced plot, this children’s book is a fun read for kids and adults alike.

Even as an adult, I loved this book. The illustrations are amazing! The message is such a good one for anyone. Our looks do not have anything to do with who or what we are as a person. I love Queen Fiona of Apartment 4C! Thank you to NetGalley and 4U2B Books & Media for the free copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

Okay, so I absolutely loved this book! I've never related so much to a fictional character...or cat so much in my life. I am sure most of us have been in a situation like Fiona's. Where we have received praise that seems to be aimed at our physical attributes instead of the things that actually make us who we are.

I think this book has a good message and one that we often overlook. It's wonderful to be beautiful, but what makes us who we are is more than skin deep. Our intelligence, our kindness, our helpfulness and so much more those are the things that are truly worth being praised for.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

As a mom with a daughter who's absolutely obsessed with cats, Fiona and the Peculiar Praise was a total hit in our house! First off, the illustrations are just gorgeous – seriously, so soft and expressive, they really bring Fiona to life. But what I loved even more is Fiona herself. This isn't just another "cute kitty" story. Our clever queen of Apartment 4C is tired of just being called pretty. She wants recognition for being smart and brave and helpful! And honestly, who can't relate to that? It's a really sweet and funny reminder that what's inside, and what we do, is way more important than just how we look. My daughter (and I!) were rooting for Fiona the whole way. Definitely recommend this one for any little cat lovers who know they're more than just cute!

A very clever and dare I say "cute" children's book that reminds us to not only think about ways we are special beyond our looks but to also remember to let others know you see them for more than what is on the outside. Sure someone maybe be cute but I bet they are also smart, swift, or strong as well. If you don't know then maybe it's time to take a closer look.
I love how this book set up and went about teaching a very important lesson. It was just shown as do this or that but taught using first person thoughts about how others are seeing the main character, Fiona. It's so very clever and very effective. The artwork is so beautiful that it draws the potential reader to the story, it's the surprisingly modern, needed in the world message that will keep this book on their minds for years to come. I hope we get to see more Fiona and her endeavors!!
First book by this author but I'm hoping it won't be the last.
I jumped at the chance to review a free copy from NetGalley!

Thank you to NetGalley and 4U2B Books & Media for providing me with an early copy of the book.

The book's cover and synopsis caught my attention when I first requested it. The story itself is enjoyable. It follows a house cat named Fiona (Queen Fiona) and her daily routine at home. The illustrations are cute and cozy, keeping me engaged, and I know they will captivate young readers as well.

Now, I felt the message the story was trying to convey was nice but not executed properly. Fiona wants her human family to see her as more than just beautiful. I felt the story needed more development in the middle to enhance Fiona's character and help us understand why she wanted her family to see her as a smart cat, too.

Overall, it is a cute story, and I wouldn't mind more stories in this world. I know the kids will like it.

Queen Fiona of Apartment C is pretty. Everyone around talks about her looks. She is not happy about that. Finally, her sister Lou says that Fiona is smart! That makes her happy.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This is my own opinion about this illustrated children's book. It is a quick read that should keep a child's attention. The author, Rennie Dyball uses the story to concentrate on intelligence over pretty looks, etc. I laughed out loud at one section. The illustrations by Maine Diaz are delightful and brightly colored. It's a nice book for young children.

This was lovely story I admittedly picked up because I have a dog named Fiona (who is both beautiful and smart). My kids are grown, but it is definitely something I would purchase for a gift. I loved the story and especially the message about being recognized for your inner strengths, rather than just your looks.