Tag Archives: Cats

Elem. – Trim Saves the Day

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Hopkinson, Deborah. Trim Saves the Day.  Peachtree, 2024. 978-1-682-63293-2. 45 p. $14.99.  Grades K-2.

Trim is a seafaring cat who lives on a sailing ship with his owner, who happens to be the captain. One day he hears the captain discussing how the entire crew must pitch in and do their jobs. The feline decides to help his friends with their chores. Penny the dog is swabbing the deck, and Trim tries to assist by using his tail as a mop and meowing as he works. This is too much for the dog, because Trim is too noisy and has gotten his hair all over the deck. Next he meets Jack the parrot who helps the captain steer the ship. When Trim jumps on the captain’s shoulders, the rolling sea causes him to lose his balance and block out the captain’s view, while loudly meowing in his ear. The little cat has no luck in helping the ship’s artist or the cook. Down in the hold, Trim wants to patrol the area like Princess Bea, but it’s the rat’s naptime. The cat is sad that he was not able to help any of his friends and decides to take a bath under a cask of water. Suddenly, the feline feels a plop of water and the cask begins to leak even more. If this continues, the ship will be in trouble. Can Trim use his vocal talent to raise the alarm and call “all hands on deck” before it is too late? This is the third book in the Trim series, which is based on a real cat from the early 18th century who sailed with the British explorer, Captain Flinders. The back matter provides more information and a photograph of a statue of the pair. There are charming illustrations of the animal characters, but interestingly the captain’s face is never seen.

THOUGHTS: This easy chapter book series will appeal to animal loving novice readers, who will eagerly await the sailor cat’s next adventure.   Elementary librarians definitely will want to add this easy reader series to their collections.

Historical Fiction

Elem. – Where Have You Been, Little Cat?

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Jones, Richard. Where Have You Been, Little Cat? Illustrated by Richard Jones. 1st American ed., Peachtree, 2023. 978-1-682-63564-3. $18.99. Unpaged. Grades PreK-1.

When a small gray cat arrives home, her owner asks her all about her day. Her owner wants to know where she’s been, who she’s met, what she’s seen, and how she felt about everything. Was she scared? Was she happy? Was she brave? Beautiful illustrations, rendered in paint and edited in Photoshop, portray imaginative scenes that will delight young readers and inspire them to come up with answers to the owner’s questions.

THOUGHTS: The cat owner’s questions are reminiscent of questions one’s parent or caregiver might ask when their child arrives home, making this an endearing title. The emphasis on how the cat felt about her experiences throughout the day makes this an excellent choice for teaching self-awareness and social-emotional learning. Pet owners and cat lovers will especially enjoy this book.

Picture Book         

Elem. – No Cats in the Library

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Emmons, Lauren. No Cats in the Library. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2024. 978-1-665-93368-1. 32 p. $18.99. Grades PreK-2.

In this heartwarming picture book, a stray creamsicle kitten named Clarisse discovers “a magical building where people walked in empty-handed and came back out with books!” That’s right – it’s the library! Clarisse is determined to get inside, but the children’s librarian is having none of it. Finally Clarisse discovers the book drop, and with a few acrobatic maneuvers, she’s in! Disappointed that she can’t read the books that are full of squiggly dark lines, Clarisse finds a girl in the children’s book section who is happy to read aloud to her. The magic of a read-aloud turns lines on a page into fabulous stories. Knowing a good idea when she sees one, the librarian announces that read-aloud cats are welcome in the library and just like that, Clarisse has a new home! Author and illustrator Lauren Emmons’ artwork is rendered in appealing shades of tangerine, teal, and cream. There is diverse representation among the library patrons: people of various ages, ethnicities, and physical abilities are depicted enjoying everything the library has to offer. Repeated readings will reward readers with little details such as the collar that appears on Clarisse after the librarian makes her announcement. 

THOUGHTS: There’s just something about adorable animals and libraries that go so well together! Readers will delight in reading No Cats in the Library over and over.

Picture Book

Elem. – In the Night Garden

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Berger, Carin. In the Night Garden. Neal Porter Books, 2023.  978-0-8234-4986-6. Unpaged. Grades K-1. $18.99.

This picture book is a wonderful addition to the genre of bedtime stories. Using simple text, the author describes the wonders that can be found outdoors after nightfall, as observed by a young girl’s black cat. In the darkness, some creatures are winding down their day, but Mother Nature is still busy as fireflies illuminate, stars twinkle in the sky, and bats flap their wings. Even though the evening is quiet and shadowy, a survey of the garden is a treat for the senses, where one can see a brilliant harvest moon, feel the wind blowing snow, smell the moonflowers, and hear crickets chirping, even as Mother Fox hurries her cubs home to bed. As the story comes to a close, the cat and the girl are fast asleep in bed, likely to be joined by readers lulled to sleep by the author’s soothing prose. The superb illustrations were created using the technique of collage. Cut paper was “…made from hand, using found ephemera and scraps of paper…”.  Even though the background color of each page is black, the colors of the flora and fauna are vibrant, which creates a reassuring and calming tone. 

THOUGHTS: Readers and listeners will want to experience this charming picture book again and again either as a bedtime story or in a story circle.  They especially will be interested in finding the black cat pictured on every two page spread. This book is highly recommended for elementary collections and could be a Caldecott contender.

Picture Book

Elem. – Early Animal Encyclopedias (Series NF)

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Early Animal Encyclopedias. Abdo Books. 2023. $32.95 each or $197.70 for set of 6. Gr. K-4.

Hinman, Bonnie. Farm Animals. 978-1-09-829042-9.
Hulick, Kathryn. Dinosaurs. 978-1-09-829040-5.
MacMillan, Kathy. Cats. 978-1-0982-9039-9.
Miller, Marie-Therese, PhD. Dogs. 978-1-09-829041-2.
Ventura, Marne. Horses. 978-1-09-829043-6.
—. Sharks. 978-1-09-829044-3.

The reviewer read the book Cats from the Early Animal Encyclopedia series. This book is a beginner’s guide to cats. Cats is an early reader encyclopedia brimming with cat information. The book is organized alphabetically by breed name and discusses the appearance, behavior, and history of said breed. In addition, a map is included to show from where each breed originated. Filled with information, this book is a cat-lover’s dream.

THOUGHTS: This title is a great beginner encyclopedia about cats. Each breed is outlined in the same format, making it easy for readers to find a flow with the information provided. This book is filled with nice photographs and easy-to-read text.

500s-600s Animals

Elem. – Squash, the Cat

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Mayer, Sasha. Squash, the Cat. Random House Studio, 2023. 978-0-593-56653-4. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-3.

Squash is orange and round, and when he sits up, he kind of looks like a squash (the food); that might be how he got his name. While Squash is a fan of naps, his best (human) friend Maggie is a “wild-playdate kind of girl.” Together they team up to begin each day perfectly, and they are the best duo for many situations (curbing conflict, winning more playtime, finishing dinner, and walking the dog). When Squash tries to rescue Maggie from “being devoured by a GIANT SNAKE!” things fall apart (literally). Squash and Maggie have lost their dynamic duo connection, and now Squash can’t eat, can’t sleep, and even can’t face Maggie. Will Squash and Maggie find their way back to being “perfect-for-each-other best friends,” or are they destined to live the rest of their lives separately?

THOUGHTS: Readers will adore this cat and human friendship and will laugh at the ridiculous things they do together then root for Squash and Maggie to make up after a mistake. Highly recommended for elementary collections.

Picture Book

Elem. – Carina Felina

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Deedy, Carmen Agra. Carina Felina. Illustrated by Henry Cole. Scholastic, 2023. 978-1-338-74916-8. Unpaged. $19.99. Grades PK-3.

Oh, Carina Felina. The cat who believes, “I do what I like and earth what I wish.” Carina Feliina. She behaves badly and eats anyone who objects, from the parrot whose crackers she consumed, to the florist whose lilies she destroyed. When the oxcart man objects to her bad behavior, he, too, is consumed.  No one in her community seems to be safe from Carina Farina… until she meets two clever crabs who decide to take a stand and rescue those she has eaten. Carina Felina learns her lesson and becomes a very picky eater. Back matter shares the history of the Carina Farina story, the pronunciation/meaning of Spanish words included in the story, and a recipe for Cuban Crackers.

THOUGHTS: Carina Felina has much for young readers to love. Henry Cole’s illustrations bring the story to life in a boldly colored village filled with expressive characters. Portions of the text repeat and rhyme as the story builds, inviting developing readers to join in the reading. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the story, adding to its Caribbean feel and appeal to those who love language. Carina Felina is just naughty and arrogant enough to keep the pages turning as readers ask “What next!?,” and the crabs are unlikely heroes that make the reader think about cleverness hidden in small packages. The premise of the story will be familiar to those who have sung about the Old Lady and the Fly, but different enough to feel fresh and new. Recommended to those looking for a fresh take on an old favorite as well as those seeking books that incorporate Spanish language into storytelling.

Picture Book 

YA – Scurry

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Smith, Mac. Scurry. Skybound Comet. 2023. 978-1-534-32436-7. 333 p. $14.99. Grades 7-12.

Scurry is a tale of tiny critters and high stakes with jaw-dropping artwork by author and illustrator Mac Smith. In a world without humans, a colony of mice led by an Elder Council must learn to survive despite scarce food and seemingly endless winter. Wix is a skilled and savvy scavenger, while Pict has been raised by her father Orim to one day lead the colony. Meanwhile a duplicitous mouse named Resher has concocted a scheme to eliminate his rivals and seize power. Threats outside the colony also abound: vengeful cats, vigilant hawks, and mysterious wolves. When Wix and a team of mice venture out to scout a new location for the colony, Resher sets his plan in motion with disastrous consequences. Wix and Pict are swept up in an epic journey to return home and reunite the colony as new friendships and alliances are forged with creatures both large and small. Debut graphic novelist Mac Smith excels at illustrating motion, which adds drama to Scurry’s many close calls. Mice escape extended cat claws by a fraction of an inch, a hawk swoops down with deadly talons, and a thumbtack doubles as a deadly weapon in page after exciting page.

THOUGHTS: Mac Smith’s webcomic has transitioned beautifully to the graphic novel format. Readers will be overjoyed to see “to be continued” on the final page of this fantastic volume!

Graphic Novel

Elem. – This Little Kitty

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Obuhanych, Karen. This Little Kitty. Alfred A. Knopf, 2023. 978-0-593-43514-4. Unpaged. $18.99  Grades PK-2.

Kittens and cats romp across the page as the characters in This Little Kitty navigate their day, from breakfast, to playtime, to naps, and mischief. The cats take center stage in Karen Obuhanych’s illustrations, interacting within simple settings that support the text, but maintain the action of the story. Repetition and rhyme in the text will appeal to young and beginning readers and those who enjoy word play.

THOUGHTS: This joyful text certainly will appeal to young readers and cat lovers. Its strength lies in the illustrations–the cats in the book are expressive and are portrayed with unique personalities while maintaining a simplicity that will engage a young audience. Recommended for collections looking to appeal to cat lovers and young readers.

Picture Book 

Elem. – Tig and Lily: Tiger Trouble

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Thompson, Dan. Tig and Lily: Tiger Trouble. RH Graphics: Random House Children’s Books. 2023. 978-0-593-48628-3. $10.99. Grades K-3.

Lily, the fiercest animal at the zoo, is a tiger. She knows that she is a tiger until she meets Tig who… is a tiger? But why does she look like a house cat?! No matter how many times Lily tells her that she is not a tiger, Tig informs her that she is a tiger and that maybe one day Lily can be a tiger too! An unusual friendship is born between these two cats as they learn about what it means to be a tiger and a friend.

THOUGHTS: A fun graphic novel about a unique friendship! Readers will enjoy reading the fun bantering back and forth about whether Tig is a tiger or not!

Graphic Novel