A BOX FULL OF KITTENS

Ruthie, a girl who loves Superman and kittens, is asked to keep her aunt Juanita company. Aunt Juanita is about to have a baby and it’s hard for her to climb the stairs—and she’s hungry. Ruthie, intent on being a superhero, fetches sweet treats—first a cherry piraquero (snow cone) and then a coquito (coconut ices). On Ruthie’s third errand, the owner of the neighborhood deli shows her some kittens. Ruthie is so entranced that she barely realizes her aunt is in labor and misses the chance to really help. Ruthie returns home depressed and, a few days later, attends a party for the new baby. Her aunt announces that Ruthie saved the day with all of her errands, and Ruthie feels super as she holds the little one. This sweet story does a nice job of depicting a Latino neighborhood, but the story itself falls a bit short. Ruthie’s intentions and feelings aren’t always entirely expressed, leaving the reader to fill in the gaps. Still, the appealing watercolors and child-friendly elements will draw many readers in. (Picture book. 3-6)