Katie Loves the Kittens

PreS-Gr 3—Poor Katie! All she wants to do is play with Sara Ann's new kittens, but they are petrified of the white-and-brown spotted pup. "As soon as she saw them, she howled "AROOOOOO! AROOOOOO! She always howled like that when she was very happy." Katie's excitement only results in the three frightened felines fleeing in alarm, clinging to the drapes and lampshade. When her owner admonishes her and insists that she leave them alone until they grow accustomed to her, Katie tries her best to stay away—but how can she resist them? At night, Sara Ann takes the creatures to bed with her, closing the door on Katie. The clever canine goes outside, jumps up to the bedroom window, and gazes longingly. Bedlam ensues as she pounces through the window onto the slumbering pets. In the morning, the eager pooch unwittingly eats their food, incurring her owner's wrath. Ashamed and dejected, Katie takes to her bed and falls asleep. Imagine her surprise and delight when she finally awakens to find the tiny threesome cuddled up on top of her. The endearing little dog is irresistible in this animated rendering of John Himmelman's book (Holt, 2008). The lively, empathetic narration captures Katie's exuberance and remorse, and the hilarious colored pencil-and-watercolor cartoons come to life on the screen. An engaging bonus interview with the author includes childhood photos and reminiscences. A winning package for dog lovers and aspiring young writers and artists.—Barbara Auerbach, P.S. 217, Brooklyn, NY