I am cat!

PreS-K--Acting like the star of the show that most cats know themselves to be, the hero of this charming tale saunters across the page, generously allowing readers a glimpse into the wonderfulness of being a cat. Illustrations full of humor, warmth, and energy follow along with all of the cat's adventures and mischievous escapades. Poetry beginning with the repeated line "I am Cat" captures the day from waking up the human who has the privilege of feeding the cat to encountering the neighbor's dog and finally to scratches and pets from the young child in the house who knows just how to stroke the cat's fur. An insightful title for teaching point-of-view or personification, this could also be useful for engaging children with poetry, or for nudging them to write about pets--real or wished for--in their lives. VERDICT A delightful combination of art and verse that entertains and appropriately honors the magnificence of being in a world where there are cats.--John Scott

A proud puss tells it like it is. "I am Cat. Cat is me. A most superior thing to be." Cat likes their paws and their chair-scratching claws. And in the morning, when Cat is hungry, it's just too bad if their human is sleeping. A jump on the bed (and Cat's human's head) and a "Me-ow!" chorus will get breakfast in the bowl tout de suite. Cat has no fear when dealing with intruders (Cat's own mirror reflection)--a good hiss and a yowl will scare them away. Prowling in the backyard, Cat feels as bold as a lion--but even a lion can be startled by the giant dog next door! After getting stuck in a tree and then rescued, Cat is as serene as ever and ready for a quick bath. "Every day is Cat fun day. Little human wants to play." Then it's lap time…and nap time…and "me time," but maybe the family pup wants to play? Bently's kitty's-eye view of a day is a rhyming romp that young feline aficionados will enjoy. The orange-haired, fair-skinned parent and child in Chatterton's dynamic and colorful illustrations obviously love their mischievous tuxedo cat. (Even the canine sibling seems to like the cat.) (This book was reviewed digitally.) A furry, funny feline day in the life; every cat should be so lucky. (Picture book. 2-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.