My Cat Looks Like My Dad

PreS-Gr 2–This endearing picture book explores the remarkable similarities between a plump, furry yellow cat and a portly, blond, mustachioed man. According to the narrator, their cat and their dad both love milk, engage in a daily stretching routine, and enjoy singing. Initially a simple catalogue of the ways a pet can resemble its owner, the story also becomes a heartwarming affirmation about the validity of all kinds of families when the narrator’s identity is revealed in a clever twist ending. Lam’s illustrations, a combination of pencil drawings, watercolor, and collage artwork, perfectly complement the text. Rendered in a soft palette and embellished with lively patterns, the artwork is suffused with retro charm. A delightful first foray into the concepts of foreshadowing and subverting reader expectations, this book is likely to prompt discussion about how one might pick up clues over multiple readings. Its lighthearted humor will play well with storytime crowds, while its detailed illustrations make it an equally good choice for one-on-one read-aloud sessions.