The Best Cat in the World
Illustrated by Ronald Himler, Ages 4-8
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., February 2004
 
Victor and his mom and their cat Charlie are a family. But Charlie is old, and when he dies, Victor is too sad to think about getting another pet. With some encouragement from Charlie's vet, Victor adopts a new kitten named Shelley. At first Victor is disappointed that Shelley acts differently than Charlie, but as he grows to love her for who she is, Victor realizes that every cat is "the best cat in the world."