Bent Out of Shape

October 1, 2023
A stinky cat hides when it's time for a bath. As in Kitty & Cat: Opposites Attract (2023), the animal adventures start on the copyright page. Spotlight illustrations show a disgruntled Cat, food bowl empty, scrounging for food in a garbage can and a flowerpot. Black fur now marred by brown filth, Cat enjoys a nap, but the feline's peace is broken by the human announcing: "Cat! Time for a bath!" The rest of the story sees Cat hilariously contorting into various shapes--as cats are so talented at doing--to hide behind household objects, while little Kitty and Puppy aid in the search. On each spread, readers see a room while the human asks, "Where's Cat?" With each page turn, Cat's hiding place is disturbed with a, "There's Cat!" The book allows young readers to deduce the clear patterns themselves--the shapes Cat takes are forecasted in the front endpapers. A pair of flies accompany the filthy, fragrant Cat from room to room, helpfully narrowing down possible hiding spaces. Finally, the human finds Cat, leading to the feline's two most hilarious expressions in the book--cartoonish horror upon discovery and pure, unadulterated grumpiness in the bath. The ending combines the adorable with the humorous as the tables turn for Kitty and Puppy. Clever, cute, and child-friendly, with excellent use of book design. (Picture book. 2-7)

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November 10, 2023
Preschool-Grade 2 In this follow-up on Kitty and Cat: Opposites Attract (2023), the felines are joined by a new friend, Puppy. A page presenting a colorful set of shapes begins the story, but the reason for their inclusion is not evident right away. The pets' person is looking for Cat because it is bath time. As a humorous guessing game, readers can try to locate Cat, who is twisting into different shapes and hiding in and behind household objects. Only the owner's feet and legs are shown in a pet's view perspective. While Cat is out of sight, Kitty is happily chasing flies through the house. Puppy is following Kitty but is distracted by various things to chew along the way. Brightly colored cartoon-style digital illustrations promote a sense of fun and provide plenty of details to enjoy as the pets pursue their varying interests. After all the shapes have been displayed, Cat finally is found and unhappily put in the tub. Kitty and Puppy have been unconcerned so far, but guess whose turn is coming next?

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