The cat wants cuddles

K-Gr 3--What can be more satisfying than snuggles with your pet? What if that pet is a cat who, frankly, fights you and your request for cuddles at every turn? A black cat named Kevin weaves and dodges his owner's attempts at affection and attention at every turn of the page--until he gets a glimpse of the family dog enjoying a happy moment of receiving the very cuddles he has been avoiding. Kevin observes the family dog in the warmth of a lap, which the illustrator surrounds in colorful hearts and a satisfied smile on the dog's face. Readers will be tickled to see how Kevin worms his way into the embrace of his owner, but will not be surprised when Kevin's independent streak returns. The author uses colorful imagery to illustrate all of the ways in which Kevin denies the adoration of his owner. From the constant grimace Kevin wears on his face, to thought bubbles that clue readers in to the curmudgeonly cat, this is a humorous look at the high price of love. VERDICT A one-joke idea is elongated into a funny story that will have readers charmed.--Katie Callahan, Montgomery County Public Sch., MD

Does Kevin the cat want a cuddle? Probably not--but maybe. Kevin does not want cuddles…right now. Yes, Kevin may be cute, but this black cat with white snout and paws does not want a tickle or (perish the thought) a cuddle. Kevin wants a bath--self-administered, of course, and without spectators! Maybe if Kevin hides in the laundry or on the bookshelf…no luck. Grumpy Kevin surely does not appreciate being called a "big cuddly fluffball" (that is fluffy winter fur, not fat). Kevin escapes out the window. But back inside, the dog looks like he is enjoying the cuddle he is getting while Kevin is sitting out in the rain. Dang! Maybe Kevin does want to be cuddled. Once the dog's knocked out of the human's lap, cuddles are nice--for a second, but then it's too much! Kevin needs space--don't humans understand a cat's need for space? Crumble and Gifford deftly capture a kitty's love/hate relationship with its humans, and their funny take will resonate with human kitty lovers of all ages. Humans who just want to be left alone will also identify with Kevin. The amusing cartoons focus on Kevin's sour expression, which rarely changes throughout the cat's futile attempts to avoid affection. Kevin's human is represented only from the shoulders down; their hands are pale. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An entertaining Australian import, especially for cat lovers. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.