A curious kitten explores the variety of cuddles to be found across a broad spectrum of the animal kingdom. From a peacock’s ticklish cuddle to the encompassing embrace of an octopus, the kitten’s search spans sea and land. After one final—and cautious—examination of a porcupine’s cuddle, the kitten settles upon the best cuddle of all, from his new baby brother. The combination of Cabrera’s playful language—a frog gives “squidgy, quidgy” cuddles—with the lavishly colored illustrations will make this a much-requested favorite among the preschool set. Cabrera’s full-bleed paintings are heavily textured, with overlays of paint and visible brush strokes adding depth to the illustrations. The welcoming wide-eyed and friendly expressions on the array of critters featured, from cozy to exotic, are endlessly inviting for young readers. An engaging approach to encouraging sibling acceptance, this tale will hold appeal even for those without younger siblings. (Picture book. 2-5)
