Pavlo gets the grumps

First things first: this book's cover features maybe the most instantly adorable character of recent years. Pavlo, a raggedy charcoal kitten in wobbly little spectacles, stands awkwardly in flip-flops, a large yellow-duck floatie strapped around his waist, and two little teefers punctuating his uncertain expression. Throughout, Shaloshvili's scratchy paintings reflect the playfully messy nature of kittens. Anyone will be drawn in, and the story they'll find is a simple one: Mama and Pavlo are planning their day, but Pavlo quite unreasonably shoots down every idea. The slide is "too slidey," the water is "too wet," and the fishies will "nibble his toes." Mama is able to diagnose the fussy kitten, though. He's got a classic case of the grumps, and luckily she has the fix: "Go out anyway!" It's a practically universally relatable situation, and with a little help from family and friends, Pavlo pushes through, sending young readers off with warm hearts and a nice message. An irresistible little SEL lesson.

Can a kitten remain out of sorts when he's double-teamed by a resourceful mama and a beloved friend? It's touch-and-go for most of the story as cranky Pavlo, clad in striped pajamas, rejects his mother's suggestions about how they could spend the day. Not the park: "The swings are too swingy, the sandbox is too sandy, and…the slide is tooSLIDEY!" Swimming is out, because "the water is too wet and…the fishies will nibble my toes!" The dark mood of the down-in-the-dumps, gray kitten is mitigated by Shaloshvili's playful language and the light touch she employs as Pavlo imagines Mama's proposed scenarios. Children will especially chuckle when Pavlo considers going to the movies; a dog, sitting next to a chicken, reaches over the seat to grab a handful of a distracted elephant's popcorn. Despite the protagonist's protests, the activities all look like great fun, and the softly textured acrylic, watercolor pencil, and digital illustrations create a cozy community of cheerful animals. After the grumpy youngster hears his friend Mila's voice outside, he finally entertains Mama's ideas; Mila's hug helps even more, as does some ice cream. Featuring brilliantly rendered visuals with a tactile quality that will have readers eagerly poring over the pages, this clever tale captures the intensity of a youngster's bad mood--and the speed with which it can transform into a good one. Young people will readily respond to this skillful rendition of free-floating unhappiness--and to its satisfying antidote.(Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.