Glamourpuss

The eponymous angora, a pampered pet of childless "gazillionaires," has one job: "to be glamorous, and she was very good at it." But when a pampered Chihuahua named Bluebelle--who seems to have no compunction about dressing up as Carmen Miranda and Scarlet O'Hara, or doing tricks to get attention--comes for an extended stay, Glamourpuss is nonplussed. Are her diva days over? Or could it be that this rival is, deep down, a soul mate? Weeks's (Pie) narration is fittingly over-the-top (on one page alone, characters boom, squeal, and drawl) and helps build empathic envy for a character who could otherwise come off as a spoiled brat. But it's Small's (Catch that Cookie) exuberant ink line and strategic washes of colors that make this book--he shows that it's possible to spoof the 1% without eating the rich, all while giving Bluebelle and Glamourpuss outsize emotional lives. Glamourpuss's darkest moment, which finds her sprawled on a staircase in despair, is worthy of Douglas Sirk, while Bluebelle channels the neurotic energy of Judy Garland. Ages 3-5. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Jan.)

Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--Glamourpuss lives in the lap of luxury with doting "gazillionaires," Mr. and Mrs. Highhorsen. The regal white cat eats from a golden goblet at the dinner table and perches atop her pedestal on a tasseled pillow. A glimpse into her private chambers reveals a litter box embellished with gilt and draperies. This lifestyle can go to a girl's head, and this feline has a big one: "instead of saying 'me-ow' like an ordinary cat, she shortened it to just...'Me!'" Glamourpuss has mastered "haughty disdain" and the regal staircase descent. So when Bluebelle (a tacky, high-strung Chihuahua from Houston) comes for an extended visit, there is trouble in paradise. A joy to read aloud, this book features sophisticated language and plenty of space for the artist's visual antics. A master of the page turn, Small provides hilarious scenes of ostentatious settings and preening, as well as moving moments of self-doubt. Collage elements are introduced into his ink, watercolor, and pastel compositions to great comic effect; strategically placed mid-century fonts underscore the sweet message. People are viewed from the neck down, which mirrors an actual cat's perspective. While the dog's frenetic impersonations of Carmen Miranda and Scarlett O'Hara steal the show for a time, both characters face a crisis of character in this competitive environment and ultimately find a new way to relate to each other--as student and tutor. A blissful embrace will warm readers' hearts at the conclusion of this smart and funny tale.--Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Sarah Weeks's PIE:

* "Weeks deftly leavens moments of hilarity with the process of grieving in this sweet coming-of-age story in which Alice learns from Aunt Polly to follow her heart and to open it as well. Readers will close the book with a satisfied sigh and may seek out an adult to help them bake a pie." — SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review

* "What do you get when you take some scrumptious pie recipes, stir in a mix-up of a mystery involving an overweight cat and a legacy, then add a sly satirical nod to the Newbery Medal? This irresistible confection. . . . Warm, delicious and filling." — KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review

"The text richly describes the pie-making (and eating) process and includes multiple mouth-watering recipes for readers to try themselves. This would make a tasty readaloud for classrooms or families; stock up on pie ingredients first." — BCCB

"This enjoyable chapter book is a real charmer." — BOOKLIST

"Stimulates both sweet tooths and sweet nostalgia." — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY