Crenshaw the book store cat

Did anyone wonder if the book store cat, Crenshaw, was named after the children’s book Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate ? That book is about a giant imaginary cat that provides comfort to a homeless and poor little boy. It just struck me an odd name for a cat and that Arlo reminded me a bit of the little boy in the story. It was also interesting that Arlo was secretly allergic to cats. I took it as meaning that he couldn’t even allow Crenshaw to comfort him.

Our family cat is named Crenshaw. My daughter named it after a TV character.I thought it was funny to read the cat in the book was Crenshaw. I thought maybe the author and my daughter were in the same wavelength 😄. But I do like the possibility that Mr. Henkin named the cat because of the Katherine Applegate book. Interesting take.

As one who loves cats, I was glad to see Crenshaw in the story, but it is odd that Arlo is allergic to cats and does not reveal that. The name was not familiar to me although I have read some of Applegate's books.

I love cats also and was pleased to see a cat in the book. I wish Arlo could have taken more comfort from Crenshaw.

I did wonder if there was a connection to the Crenshaw book, which I haven't read but am aware of. I think Arlo didn't reveal he was allergic to cats because of his need to belong somewhere. And I think he doesn't want to disappoint his father and not take the job.