What if I'm not a cat?

The farmer's offhand comment creates a crisis for Donkey and the barnyard cats. Despite his name, Donkey knows he is a cat. After all, Farmer always says, "Goodnight, kitty cats!" before leaving the barn for the night. Donkey licks, pounces, and perches like a cat, but sometimes he feels out of place. When Donkey climbs onto Farmer's lap one day, she exclaims that he is acting just like a cat. "What if I'm NOT a cat?" Donkey asks the barn's cats. The logical cats suggest he is a dog, cow, horse, or "a spiffy, strong cat" capable of protecting them. Knowing he doesn't belong with the cats, Donkey sadly leaves the warm barn for the cold, rainy pasture. Later, he hears "scaredy-cat whimpers." Racing to defend a kitten from a fox, Donkey instinctively turns and bucks his back legs high into the air. The fox flees. When Donkey and the kitten return to the barn to a "mewed chorus of cheers," Donkey embraces his true self and reveals his new identity--Don-kitty! Detailed cartoon illustrations vary from scenes spanning double-page spreads to vignettes that result in fast action. Speech-bubble commentary and feline facial expressions help develop the cats' personalities and make for a warm and funny read. Farmer is light-skinned with blond hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Delightful barnyard humor sends the important messages of embracing individual strengths and the power of friendship. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.