Meeow and the pots and pans

In his third outing, Meeow, a black cat who wears a red scarf, collects pots and pans against a pale blue and white checkerboard backdrop. His animal friends wonder what he is planning and soon follow his lead. The chunky animals' gesticulations and guiding questions carry the action forward: "Is Meeow going to bake a cake?" In the end, there's no cooking involved, but a noisy band instead. Engaging characters who learn along with readers lend the series an enduring appeal. Ages 2-4. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

PreS-The star of Meeow and the Big Box and Meeow and the Little Chairs (both Boxer Bks., 2009) returns. In this installment, Meeow and his four perky animal pals browse through a cupboard of pots, pans, and cooking utensils, and each one removes an item. With a wooden spoon, frying pan, fork, mixing bowls, lids, and measuring cups, the playmates form a band. This story reads aloud well. A few vocabulary words for colors are integrated into the text. Helvetica typeface is clear, large, and bold. At times the text is printed opposite the artwork against a solid background; more often it appears with the illustrations. Created from hand-painted line shapes that were digitized, assembled, and colored, the bouncy artwork rests upon pastel blue-and-white checkerboard patterned backgrounds. The last spread portrays Meeow and company in band uniforms playing traditional, rather than homemade, musical instruments. After hearing this story, children will want to experiment with kitchen wares to create their own music. Purchase if the earlier "Meeow" books are popular.-Lynn K. Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Richfield, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.