Mirka Hokkanen

First sentence: Cat! Time for a bath! Cat? Where's Cat?

Premise/plot: Kitty and Cat are back for another adventure. In this one the concept being taught is shapes. Cat is avoiding the dread B-A-T-H. But will Cat be successful? Will the others be successful when it is their turn for a bath?

My thoughts: I liked it well enough. Kitty and Cat are both cute. The story may not be "fresh" or "new" but it is still fun enough.

If your little one loves cats, then I'd recommend reading this one. (Especially if you can get it at your local library). The great thing about picture books is that you can preview before you buy (if you buy in person) or look at the sample pages if you are buying online.… (meer)

A New Family Member!

When an older grumpy cat, suddenly has a kitten come live with him, all kinds of things happen. The kitten’s high energy keeps the older one on his toes—when he can stay awake, that is!

As the new kitten invades his space, the grumpy cat has his tale bitten, and a fish bowl dumped on top of his head. Children will laugh at the things the little cat causes to happen to the big cat.

Just when it seems the big cat would be happy for this new cat to be gone, things change when the grumpy one takes mercy on the small one.

Youngsters will appreciate how things change between the two cats, and will love to hear the story. It is a good opportunity to point out that changes may not seem good at first, but sometimes things can get better than before if given the chance.

The wonderful illustrations, done by the author, make the five-star story even funnier. Over-sized and hard backed, this picture book will become a favorite of children aged two through six years old.

Thank you, Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.… (meer)

First sentence: Old
new
big
little
grumpy
happy
energetic
exhausted

Premise/plot: The story is NOT lacking in this picture book starring two cats--an older cat and a kitten. Yes, the text is super-simple. But the illustrations are SO expressive, the story is communicated in just a few words per spread.

My thoughts: I loved this one so much. It may be one of my favorite picture books of the year--so far. I have a feeling that whatever book I nominate for Cybils this year, it will likely star a cat. I highly recommend this one to cat lovers of all ages!… (meer)