Booklists - Cooperative Children's Book Center

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The Kitten Story: A Mostly True Tale

by Emily Jenkins

CCBC Review:

When a family decides that “life would be better if we got a cat,” discussions, disagreements, and negotiations ensue. Daddy (brown-skinned) wants an older cat, but daughters Rosie and Tulip (biracial) want a kitten. Mommy (white) is the tiebreaker: “Kitten!” The girls finally agree on a name (Nigel), and then the search for their new pet begins. The first shelter is closed, leading to disappointment. Mommy goes alone to the second shelter, where there are lots of kittens in cages, and also a single carrier with a single cat. “He wasn’t small. In fact, he was almost an older cat. And he wasn’t very cute. He couldn’t be our kitten.” Then she takes him out. All prior family protocols, agreements, and understandings abandoned, she decides he’s the one (of course he is!), and names him Blizzard without consulting anyone. “Rosie loved him at first sight. Tulip loved him, too. There was rejoicing. Even Daddy.” Amusingly realistic and highly entertaining family dynamics play out in a skillfully droll narrative that hums with excitement, anticipation, disappointment, and delight. The story is paired with art in a subdued palette that mines each moment of humor and warmth and wonderfully extends the fun. Highly Commended, 2024 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Brittany Cicchese

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 3-8
Age Range: Babies/Toddlers (birth – 3) PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7) Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format: Picture book
Subjects: Anticipation Disappointment Humor Multiracial Characters/Families Pets
Diversity subject: Brown Skin Unspecified

Publishers: Astra, Minerva
Publish Year: 2023
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781662651151
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Jenkins

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