Cat and cartoon lovers, as well as romance aficionados, will lap up this cheerful confection, but it may not offer enough...
A stray cat finds love with a pampered indoor purebred.
Luis, a black-and-white tuxedo cat who was rescued as a kitten from a burning building, is based “(unofficially) at the fire station” but roams freely. His life plying the streets is presented as a positive if somewhat unrealistic one: He finds food and affection easily everywhere. Then one fateful night he takes “a wrong turn” and spies Tabitha, a Himalayan, through a glass door. It’s love at first sight for the two cats, but Tabitha’s owner isn’t interested in allowing the romance to flourish. Luis tries subterfuge, which works briefly, then resigns himself to losing his love. A chance sighting that leads to a heroic rescue turns the tide, allowing for a happily-ever-after ending. Mengert’s retro cartoon-style illustrations have a vaguely Disney-esque feel, particularly in the depiction of Luis and his friends and the backgrounds, which include stylized urban skylines as well as attractive interiors and garden settings. Attitudes are clearly conveyed in the lift of a chin or the proud raising of a tail. The varying skin tones of firefighters and some bystanders add a soupçon of diversity (Tabitha’s owner presents white). Short sentences and occasional repetition give Campisi’s writing a pleasing rhythm, but the relatively lengthy text, predictable plot, and sophisticated vocabulary can make for slow going at times.
Cat and cartoon lovers, as well as romance aficionados, will lap up this cheerful confection, but it may not offer enough substance to tempt them to repeat readings. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-64170-040-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Familius
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2018
There’s nothing especially new here, but the good-natured celebration of books, reading, and libraries will charm fellow...
A porcine hoarder of books learns to read—and to share.
The Book Hog’s obsession is clear from the start. Short declarative sentences describe his enthusiasm (“The Book Hog loved books”), catalog the things he likes about the printed page, and eventually reveal his embarrassing secret (“He didn’t know how to read”). While the text is straightforward, plenty of amusing visual details will entertain young listeners. A picture of the Book Hog thumbing through a book while seated on the toilet should induce some giggles. The allusive name of a local bookshop (“Wilbur’s”) as well as the covers of a variety of familiar and much-loved books (including some of the author’s own) offer plenty to pore over. And the fact that the titles become legible only after our hero learns to read is a particularly nice touch. A combination of vignettes, single-page illustrations and double-page spreads that feature Pizzoli’s characteristic style—heavy black outlines, a limited palette of mostly salmon and mint green, and simple shapes—move the plot along briskly. Librarians will appreciate the positive portrayal of Miss Olive, an elephant who welcomes the Book Hog warmly to storytime, though it’s unlikely most will be able to match her superlative level of service.
There’s nothing especially new here, but the good-natured celebration of books, reading, and libraries will charm fellow bibliophiles, and the author’s fans will enjoy making another anthropomorphic animal friend. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: March 26, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-368-03689-4
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: Nov. 11, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2018
The spirit of Valentine’s Day shines bright in this caring community.
Gobble, gobble! Grab this farmyard story full of Valentine’s Day puns.
The animals on Farmer Jake’s farm are exchanging valentines. Delighted by a card from a secret admirer (“You are like no otter!”), Turkey decides to make clever valentines and surreptitiously deliver them to the other animals. Luckily, he has some punny inspiration for perfect Valentine’s Day messages. “You’re purr-fect.” “You’re dog-gone delightful.” “You’re toad-ally awesome!” As Turkey dons a different disguise for each delivery, the story offers a refrain that young listeners will soon chant. “His costume wasn’t bad. In fact, Turkey looked just like a cat…almost.” (The refrain changes slightly with each disguise.) Unfortunately, the other animals always recognize Turkey and greet him with a pun. But the animals also compliment his valentine and help to create a pun for his next one. Sadly, the animals always know who the valentines are from, so Turkey decides to “gobble, gobble, give up!” Returning home to read his own valentines, Turkey has an idea, and he quickly creates a festive and delicious surprise for the Valentine’s dance. Readers will have to decide if Turkey has finally managed to surprise the other animals. Boldfaced puns within the story are easy to spot, and Turkey’s cards also feature puns along with adorable illustrations. Detailed watercolor and pencil illustrations bring to life a farm filled with loving friends and highlight Turkey’s clever and ever changing costumes. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
The spirit of Valentine’s Day shines bright in this caring community. (Picture book. 4-7)Pub Date: Dec. 13, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5420-2366-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Two Lions
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2022
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