Mr. Pusskins and Little Whiskers: Another Love Story
PreSchool-Grade 2—Mr. Pusskins(S & S, 2006) and Emily are back, and life couldn't be better. Once a dour sourpuss, Mr. Pusskins is now a lovable, smiley cat, happy and secure in his affection for Emily—until the child comes home with a "fabulous surprise." Inside the cardboard box is a mischievous kitten who is intent on wreaking havoc and annoying Mr. Pusskins. In true "it's-so-unfair!" fashion, Emily cannot see that Little Whiskers is a little troublemaker. When she wrongfully accuses the older cat of playing the piano at an ungodly hour and banishes him to the cold backyard, it seems as if life couldn't get any worse. But a contrite Little Whiskers sets everything straight, and the three come together as a happy family. This second installment maintains all of the charm and humor of the first book. Readers unfamiliar with the prodigal Pusskins will lack the background knowledge to appreciate just how patient he is with the kitten but will find plenty to love about him all the same. The combination of bold colors, highly expressive characters, and slightly off-kilter illustrations will pull children in and keep them wanting more. Mr. Pusskins can take his place alongside Slinky Malinki, Jenny Linsky, and Samson the Church Cat as a fictional feline worthy of adoration.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.