Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
With a tranquil narrative voice and collage-like artwork in subdued colors, Cree-Métis creator Flett (Just Like Grandma) tells the "rather true" story of May, "a big black cat who started out gray." The feline likes "to be under things, chairs and stools, and sofas," is "unsure of oranges," and returns dependably at dinnertime each day. When she doesn't show up one afternoon, May's young human friend Margaux worries, and the family searches with no success. While Margaux frets about May, the child helps a loved one pack for a move to the city: "She missed May and was going to miss nitôsis/auntie." As Margaux sits on the stairs, text traces her concerns ("Was alone, was she hurt, was she hungry?") before shifting to those of nitôsis/auntie, now unpacking in a new home ("She missed everyone back home, and she was tired"). The story's surprise ending satisfies, and so does its slow, thoughtful buildup. It's an emotionally rich telling that smartly, tenderly foregrounds multiple characters' perspectives to limn close familial connections. An author's note and an extended glossary conclude. Ages 4--8. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (June)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--From a talented picture book creator, this is the story of May, the black cat who grew up alongside a young Cree girl, Margaux, in their lush, warm home. Even as May independently roams around the home and yard, she routinely comes back home at dinner time--until one day, she is nowhere to be found. As they search for her best feline friend, the time comes for Margaux's auntie (nitôsis) to move to the city. Worry fills nitôsis, who calls Margaux to check on May's status. No sign of the cat. A "meow" from one of Auntie's packing boxes solves the mystery, and Auntie feeds May and drives back to Margaux's home. This book depicts the organic, cozy bond between Margaux and May in the craggy-edged art style and soft palette. At the end of the story is a Cree language guide for the vocabulary used, accompanied by a description and reasoning of its lingual structure. VERDICT Readers can reflect on great stories of their own encounters with beloved animal friends and share their tales with others. A delightful quick read.--Kaitlin Srader
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Review by Horn Book Review
In this loving tribute to the mischievous cats we encounter throughout our lives, Flett tells the "rather true story" of an unintentional adventure that separates May, a black cat, from her best friend Margaux, a young Cree girl. The two enjoy playing indoors and outdoors, together and apart, with the knowledge that May will always come home at dinnertime. But one day, May doesn't return: Margaux and her family search high and low, but their feline friend is nowhere to be found. "They called out. But she didn't call back, no meow." Cree-Metis creator Flett personalizes the plot through her signature textured illustrations, adding depth and comfort to Margaux and May's lush rural home, and with the incorporation of Plains Cree vocabulary; it's Nitosis, Margaux's auntie, whose move to the city reveals what happened to May. At the same time, Flett celebrates the universality of this kind of story and concludes hers by encouraging readers who have known the stress of a missing pet -- and the relieved exasperation once they've been found -- to share their own experiences: "Do you have a story to tell? Your turn!" Back matter includes translation and pronunciation guides and an explanation of Plains Cree's kinship terms. Emma ShacochisMay/June 2025 p.62 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A cat goes missing. A young Indigenous child named Margaux and her kitty, May, have been best friends since Margaux was 6 years old. May generally stays close to home, and if she does wander off, she always returns at dinnertime. When May fails to show up one evening, Margaux and her family search everywhere--under the porch, behind the fence, on the roof--without any luck. May's sudden absence coincides with another upheaval: Margaux's Nitôsis (Auntie) is moving to the city. Back in the countryside, Margaux worries about May and misses her aunt; meanwhile, Nitôsis unpacks boxes in her new urban home. From down the hall, a tiny meow echoes from a box in the bathroom--the mystery of May's disappearance is finally solved. Though Margaux's concern for May is evident, this gentle narrative is low on drama but filled with real emotion. Flett's (Cree-Métis) signature minimalist illustrations, which make use of rich colors and vivid textures, are a highlight, as is the thorough backmatter, which includes an author's note, a Plains Cree glossary, and an explanation of the intricate system of family in Cree culture. Cat lovers--especially anyone who's had a pet disappear, only to turn up in a most unexpected spot--and those interested in Cree language will particularly enjoy this sweet tale. A quiet yet affectionate tribute to familial relationships of all stripes.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
