No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons

No Cats in the Library 
by Lauren Emmons

Published March 2024

Paula Wiseman Books

Hardcover

Picture Book

32 Pages

Fiction

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

A stray cat follows her love of books all the way to a new library home in this charming debut picture book, perfect for fans of The Library Fish and Kitten and the Night Watchman .

Clarisse is a clever cat who loves books. She may not understand the dark, squiggly lines, but she can’t get enough of the pictures. One day, she stumbles upon a magical building where people walk in empty-handed and come out with an armload of books. She has to find a way inside!

There’s just one NO CATS are allowed in the library! That’s not going to stop clever Clarisse, though. Once she sneaks in, she stumbles upon exciting new stories and even helps a little girl practice reading aloud. But when the librarian comes looking, will Clarisse be allowed to stay?

My Thoughts

Young readers will love this sweet story and will be begging for read aloud cats in the library. They will be rooting for this little kitty to find its way into the library. Initially the librarian, or "keeper of the books" shoos the cat out. But she eventually agrees to let the cat stay to be a read aloud cat to the children who visit after she sees how much it helped the readers.

The illustrations are done in a limited color palette. The people in the book represent different races and cultures.

I am always looking for new books about libraries and can't wait to share this one with my students.

Visit Laura Emmons' Website.

This Little Kitty in the Garden by Karen Obuhanych

This Little Kitty in the Garden 

by Karen Obuhanych

Published January, 2024

Knopf Books for Young Readers

Fiction

Picture Book

32 Pages

Hardcover

Review Copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Spring is blooming, and what better way for rascally kittens to celebrate than by causing mischief in the garden in this charming picture book!
Spring has sprung on Sakura Way.
The five little kittles will garden today!

My Thoughts

This is a very cute book. Readers will learn about the steps of planting a garden in the spring through the experience of the cats. The rhyming text adds to the book's appeal and readers are exposed to terminology like tendril, rascals, and seedling. The cats are all different with various personalities and a fluffy bunny even makes an appearance. The target audience for this book is toddlers through kindergarten in my opinion. It would make a nice addition to your spring, garden or cat books. 

Image from Amazon.com 

Don't Trust Cats:Life Lessons from Chip the Dog by Dev Petty & Mike Bolt

Don't Trust Cats: Life Lessons from Chip the Dog 

by Dev Petty & Mike Bolt

Published January, 2024

Double Day Books for Young Readers

Hardcover

Picture Book

32 Pages

Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads Summary

Chip the dog from Don't Eat Bees is back, with more "wisdom" to share, including some hard-won life lessons about cats. From the favorite picture book comic duo of Dev Petty and Mike Boldt.Chip has been described as very smart and also a dog. And because he's a very good boy, he's going to share his tips on how to live your best life, Don't trust cats. Not even the little, fluffy ones with big eyes. Nohow, no meow.Trust the squirrel you always chase, trust grandpa (sure, he cheats at cards but he always has treats), and trust that skunk (he seems nice. What could possibly go wrong?). Do NOT trust cats, especially not Mittens.In this fabulously funny pet story, dog AND cat lovers will enjoy seeing their own fur-friends in Chip's earnest yet ridiculous guide to life. Also Don't Eat Bees (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog)

My Thoughts

Super FUN! Kids will love this book. Chip is an endearing character who gets into mischief and shares a unique dog's view of the world. The illustrations and text style work well to depict the playful nature of the book. Children will enjoy discussing how Chip interprets situations versus what is really happening. 

      Image from Amazon.com 

I will definitely be adding this book to my K-5 school library. 

School Library Journal Review