Kit and Caboodle

Witch cat Kit lives alone for a century, until broken-winged bat Caboodle tumbles through her window one Halloween, in Pignataro's tender tribute to friendship. While Kit's nonsense spells fail to heal Caboodle's wing, it's her offer of a place to stay, and patience around his needs and presence, that lead to healing and friendship. Folk-style, largely grayscale art with pencil and watercolor textures provides a quirky domestic atmosphere for red-clad Kit and pink-eared Caboodle to develop their better-together bond. Ages 3--5. (Aug.)

What do you do when your bat friend disappears? Kit is a lonely witch who finds an injured bat named Caboodle. Can her magic save him? No. Can her friendship? Maybe so….Naïve, charming black-and-white illustrations with a touch of red show Kit, who seems to be part cat and part girl, in her old spooky house as she lets Caboodle stay until he's healed and tries to adapt to his idiosyncrasies (late night banjo playing, eating ice cream before dinner, and a tendency to follow her everywhere). Then they discover that they both love dancing, playing games, and spending time outside ("Every night, Kit took Caboodle up to the roof so he wouldn't get homesick for the sky. Kit gathered whispers and moonbeams while Caboodle gazed at the stars"). When Caboodle disappears, Kit is inconsolable. Her magic still won't work, but she flies into a storm on her broom to find him anyway. It looks like all is lost when suddenly, teamwork saves the day! Though some random elements aren't explained (Has Kit always been bad at magic? Why is she part cat?), they add to the mysterious atmosphere, and the overall warmth, gentle humor, and dramatic suspense all shine through. Quirky and full of kid appeal, this fun-filled paean to friendship is sure to delight. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An enchanting treat perfect for Halloween. (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.