Meeow and the Big Box
PreSchool-K—In a style reminiscent of Lucy Cousins's "Maisy" books (Candlewick), Braun shows a wide-eyed black cat in a red scarf playing with a box. The omniscient narrator carries on a one-way dialogue, describing imaginative Meeow's actions and intentions as he transforms the box into a bright red fire engine. Prompts such as "Be careful, Meeow!" and "What can Meeow be making?" encourage listeners to identify with the cat. The book is simple and direct, and pulls together all the ingredients (box, red paint, green scissors) in the same methodical way that toddlers hard at work would. Uncluttered pages and primary colors make this a highly attractive book, as does the tactile jacket that allows readers to stroke fuzzy Meeow.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MAEND