Cat & Cat adventures

Anthropomorphic orange tabby Ginny and one-eyed calico Squash, who live with their human in a big city apartment, "are not ordinary cats... They are magical cats on a mission./ To eat as many snacks as possible." When the snacks run out, Squash proposes making an unlimited snack potion using ingredients from three magical locations--but an accidental spell prematurely transports the cats to Mewmaid Ocean, the first location, breaking their wand in the process. Unable to return home, the two seek potion ingredients in the area, running into a lively cast of magical creatures, including Coral, a mercat; Kumi, a volcano fox spirit; and Queen Lotus, a bun-fairy. As the final ingredient leads them to a parched enchanted rainforest, the duo encounters a quandary. Debut author Yi maintains an even, if predictable, pace, injecting the dialogue with high energy. Along with lessons in friendship and putting others first ("Sure things didn't go according to plan... But we had lots of fun!"), bright backgrounds, steady linework, and sparse text will keep this graphic novel series starter absorbing for younger readers. Ages 6--10. Agent: Kathleen Ortiz, New Leaf Literary. (Sept.)

Enjoy a magic-filled glimpse into your cat's secret life when you are away. After their human leaves for work, Squash, a one-eyed calico cat, and Ginny, a ginger cat, raid the kitchen cabinets. Soon they've eaten all the snacks. But they want more! Squash pulls out a magic wand and consults a book of spells to create a snack potion. They will need a "scale from a catfish in Mewmaid Ocean…a lava rock from Mount Lava…and a jar of rain from the Enchanted Rain Forest," according to Squash. "Easy peasy!" says Ginny, except Ginny impetuously sends them "woosh"ing through a portal before the more-practical Squash is prepared. Luckily, they land at Mewmaid Ocean. During their search, they meet Coral, a catfish (portrayed as half cat and half fish) who challenges them to an exciting water race; Magma, a lost lava dog; riddler Kumi, the volcano spirit; and bun-fairy Lotus, queen of the (struggling) Enchanted Rain Forest, where it hasn't rained for weeks. The cats have their ingredients, but they are now faced with a moral dilemma. Will they give up two potion ingredients to help the forest live? A surprise ending finds the cats rewarded and able to share their good fortune with their new friends. This first book in a series uses boldly colored cartoons, fanciful character designs, creative problem-solving, and chapter-ending cliffhangers to keep young readers turning pages. A story to treasure, full of kindness in a magical world. (Graphic fantasy. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.