It's Me. (Catwad #1)

This playful collection of graphic-format short stories follows the adventures of two dissimilar cats--grumpy and cynical Catwad and happy-go-lucky Blurmp--who also happen to be best friends. From mistaking mosquitos for fairy unicorns to naming a virus ("I think I'll call her 'Sniffleen' "), Blurmp's optimistic take on everything can be too much for Catwad. But whenever the grumpy Gus needs a reminder that the world is not as bad as he thinks, Blurmp is there to put a smile on his face--if only for a second. Throughout, humorous prose and bright illustrations by Benton (the Dear, Dumb Diary series) add to the amusement for each tale. While the Garfield-and-Odie-style humor may not be everyone's cup of tea, younger readers in particular are sure to enjoy Catwad and Blurmp's friendship. Ages 8-12. (Mar.)

Gr 3-6--A series of short, fast-paced cartoons follow Catwad, a grouchy blue feline who is friends with a cat named Blurmp (who is not the sharpest knife in the drawer). Much of the humor feels like sketch comedy or even vaudeville. There is physical, scatological, and gross-out humor, as well as jokes at the expense of one or both of the cats. Characters fall down, get crushed, turn themselves inside out, or have popsicles stuck in their ears. Benton's artwork bursts with color and will pull in reluctant readers like moths to a flame. While readers who are too young might not get the jokes and older ones might find the tales too silly, many will find them hilarious. VERDICT Grumpy Cat meets The Odd Couple, for kids who like to laugh.--Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library