The White House cat

K-Gr 2--The building where the president of the United States and the first lady reside is a topic of curiosity, since very few people have the opportunity to go inside. This book introduces young readers to the perfect tour guide: a charming calico cat with an air of confidence and a glint of mischief in its eyes. This cat--who remains nameless except for the title "First Cat"--introduces staff members such as the usher, the pastry chef, and the chief engineer and leads readers through many rooms, including the kitchen, the bowling alley, the Rose Garden, the West Wing, and the Oval Office. There's even a touring group of youngsters. The warning not to touch the objects on display naturally does not apply to their feline host, who is visibly pleased to receive the kids' affection. Back matter includes a wealth of fun facts about history and traditions that pertain to the White House, and a cutaway illustration is labeled with both inside and outside spaces. Actual furnishings and décor are replicated with impressive detail. The cat and the humans are depicted through playful illustrations--it's possible that President Biden and Vice President Harris are in conversation in a view of a seating area in the Oval Office. VERDICT A welcome introduction to a national landmark with a spunky feline narrator who will appeal to many kids. An excellent addition to most collections and a great companion for books such as Erin McGill's If You Want a Friend in Washington: Wacky, Wild and Wonderful Presidential Pets.--Gloria Koster

The first cat describes a day at the White House. The frisky feline's day begins early. What's on the to-do list? Sampling the pastry chef's whipped cream, checking equipment with the chief engineer, testing the keys on the Eagle-Leg Piano, escorting uninvited critters to the Rose Garden, greeting Oval Office visitors, and more. But the day's highlight is the arrival of some VIPs: Very Important Pupils. "There are a lot of things in the White House that say DON'T TOUCH. I'm not one of them," the animal purrs as racially diverse schoolchildren lavish it with attention. Even the harried chief usher, who's not exactly a cat person, can't resist petting the narrator in a quiet moment. Of course, it's also the privileged puss's duty to wreak some havoc. In contrast to the matter-of-fact narration, Daggett's charming, digital illustrations humorously depict the cat's antics and quirky proclivities as it glances disdainfully at a portrait of a former first dog, knocks over television cameras during a press briefing, ruins a table centerpiece while trying to reach a chandelier, and so on. Interestingly, the first family is never shown. After tagging along with the tabby on its daily escapades, young readers can peruse the backmatter, which includes a labeled, double-spread, cutaway illustration of the White House and fun facts about the edifice, including anecdotes about real-life cats who have lived there. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An amusing, cat's-eye tour of the White House that even dog people won't mind joining. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.