A delightfully silly rhyming picture book about cats, rats, bats, and high fashion.
A happy cat has a yellow mat where it likes to play, rest, and dream about fish.
The cat is content until it sees a rat wearing an enormous pink hat—and wants it. The cat chases the rat and, ultimately, takes the hat. But the rat is not willing to give up so easily. What ensues is a true game of cat and mouse, with the rat and the cat chasing each other and vying for ownership of the precious, gigantic pink hat. Things get even more complicated when the dueling pair is noticed by a bat—who happens to be wearing a fancy cravat. Then the bat decides that it, too, wants the hat, and the cat and the rat lose interest in the hat and instead decide that they want the bat’s fancy cravat. The chase is on as each animal tries to get a hold of the item of clothing it desires, all the while trying to outsmart its peers. This charming rhyming book’s ridiculously humorous premise will appeal to children and adults alike. The colorful pictures are delightfully absurd and enhanced by clever textual design. (Most notably, when the bat speaks, its words appear upside down.) Lynas turns the primer-level language into a deliciously clever, rhythmic text; paired with the vibrant illustrations it makes for an ideal read-aloud. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A delightfully silly rhyming picture book about cats, rats, bats, and high fashion. (Picture book. 2-6)Pub Date: Sept. 21, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5362-2310-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending.
Don’t let the Pigeon ruin his own special day!
Anyone who has ever encountered the title character in any of his books—whether his first, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2003), or one of its many sequels—will understand that the bird’s innate self-love drives his every interaction. Little wonder, then, that he’s thrilled about his own “bird-day.” He has the hat. He has his “FANCY PLUMAGE.” And, best of all, he will get to blow out a candle “on my bird-day hot dog!” As he revels in the knowledge that this day is all for him, comeuppance is lurking. Someone has already blown out the bird-day candle—and eaten half the hot dog. It turns out that the Pigeon’s frenemy, the Duckling, has the same bird-day—as do a slew of newly hatched chicks. The Pigeon’s obligatory eight-panel freakout ensues. “What am I—invisible? I just want to be seen,” he whimpers, and when he receives some much-needed reassurance, he settles down and willingly shares his special day. While the switch from unapologetic narcissism to mature acceptance happens in the record-breaking span of two pages, the book is as enchanting as the Pigeon’s earlier outings. Even as it walks in the footsteps of its predecessors, there’s no denying the fun to be had.
Familiarity breeds a birthday for the ages in this party worth attending. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 31, 2026
ISBN: 9781454999621
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Nov. 22, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character.
Pookie celebrates Easter with a play date and holiday activities.
Pookie’s friend Bean, a gray puppy, comes over for Easter fun that includes lots of bouncing around and egg decorating. After Bean goes home, Pookie gets excited about the Easter Bunny’s arrival and goes to sleep dreaming of a large chocolate egg. Like the other Pookie books before it, this one is told in rhyme from the perspective of a loving grown-up addressing the little pig, which keeps the pace moving and makes for a great read-aloud. Bean and Pookie are realistically—and endearingly—childlike, from Pookie’s pronunciation of yellow as “lellow!” to the joyful mess they make while decorating eggs. There are plenty of sweet and festive touches, such as the bunny ears that Bean and Pookie (and Pookie’s teddy) wear and the daffodils painted on the end of Pookie’s bed. The illustrations include large, full-page images as well as smaller vignettes against solid backgrounds. One page shows Pookie and parent looking out the window at the moon, anticipating Easter’s spoils. For fans of Boynton and little Pookie, this Easter tale is exactly as expected: a touch of playfulness, a relatable story, and comfort in the familiar. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An upbeat Easter outing with a beloved character. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Jan. 31, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-66592-838-0
Page Count: 18
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2022
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