Bodega cat

A cat named Chip takes readers through his day in this hip, comic-style picture book about a bodega's role in a bustling city neighborhood. From the early morning deliveries with Dominican bodega proprietor Papi to the breakfast rush, taking inventory, and working the register, Chip--self-proclaimed "boss of this bodega"--has a paw in every aspect of the store's operation. In the afternoon, Chip takes a break from supervising to romp and lounge with human brother Damian and the feline "boss" of a nearby Korean grocer, with whom Chip and family share a genial meal at day's end. Chin's attentive watercolor, gouache, and digital art features authentic city scenes, complete with piragua cart on the street corner and an inclusive mix of bodega visitors. A smart feline-centric introduction to an underappreciated N.Y.C. landmark institution: the corner bodega and its cat. Ages 3--5. (Sept.)

A spunky bodega-dwelling kitty describes the ins and outs of a bustling neighborhood market.Life for Chip the bodega cat is full of interesting new friends, great food, hard work, and a lot of fun. A bodega, Chip explains, is a "store that sells a little bit of everything you could need!" From tasty snacks to laundry detergent, the bodega has you covered 24 hours a day. The feline narrator details the rhythm of the day, which includes working diligently through the early-morning deliveries, the busy breakfast rush, the lunch crowd, and the lively after-school hours. Chip helps out around the store, at least in theory, by counting up inventory and lending a paw at the cash register. Of course, the friendly feline is never too busy for a round of hide-and-seek with its many "adoring fans," the neighborhood kids. Characters depicted in the book represent many cultures and ethnicities, including Chip's Latinx human family, headed by Papi, who's from the Dominican Republic. Chin's vibrant illustrations are touched with a graffiti-artist vibe and bring the world of the bodega to life with engaging full-color spreads. Details will feel perfectly executed to those familiar with bodegas already and will quickly transport those who haven't yet had the pleasure. Readers' mouths will water at the delicious-looking food prepared in the bodega's kitchen.This cute cat seamlessly works an education on bodegas into a playful story. (Picture book. 6-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.