10 CATS

What can 10 cats and three cans of paint teach us?

A white adult cat and nine kittens of various hues and stripes make up the 10 titular cats. “1 white cat.” “2 black cats.” “3 cats with stripes.” “4 cats with patches.” As the adult cat naps, the kittens play with the three cans of paint (in primary colors, of course)…and suddenly five kittens have red spots. Then six have yellow dots. Seven cats have blue blotches. As red and yellow mix, eight cats find themselves with orange patches. And when blue and yellow mix, nine cats are covered with green splotches. Finally, the adult cat awakens and decides that these “10 multicolored cats” (themself included) need baths. Everyone takes a dip in a tub and towels off. Gravett’s cat and kittens are adorable, with wide, expressive eyes and all the moves (and toe beans) of real felines. The simple text will help kids learn their colors and numbers. Each double-page spread is devoted to a different number and color (or pattern). Pet owners will easily recognize their own kitty companions in the illustrations created with pencil, watercolor, and “a smidgeon of digital fiddle-faddling.” Even those who know their numbers and colors will enjoy this tale, which serves as a fine modernization to Margaret Wise Brown’s Color Kittens (1949), illustrated by Alice and Martin Provensen. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A delightfully messy pussycat rumpus.