The Little Kitten (My Little Animal Friend)

PreS-Gr 1--Ollie and her pet cat Pumpkin are surprised to find a kitten hidden beneath a pile of fallen leaves. Distracted by her new friend, Ollie absentmindedly wanders away from a napping Pumpkin. Deeper into the woods Ollie discovers lost kitten posters and delivers her new friend home. Now on her own, she suddenly realizes she left her own cat behind. Hurriedly retracing her steps, a lonely and scared Ollie is joyfully reunited with Pumpkin. The soft grayscale color palette includes pops of orange and ocher foil embellishments to create a cozy autumnal setting with subtle nods to Halloween. Several clever peekaboo cutouts encourage repeat page turns and comic-style panels help pace the story. VERDICT The understated use of Halloween imagery allows this sweet, simple story to stand on its own. Recommended for younger audiences and larger picture book collections.--Sophie Kenney, Aurora P.L., IL

Ollie, who previously starred in The Little Reindeer and The Little Rabbit, returns in a cat costume for an autumn adventure. Ollie and her cherished cat, Pumpkin, head outdoors on a fine fall day and find a shivering kitten beneath a pile of leaves. The three frolic in the woods, "catching falling leaves" and "being explorers" until Ollie, leaving Pumpkin behind, notices "lost kitten" posters. The whistling wind--and maybe a hint of magic--guide Ollie as she returns the kitten to its family. Just when things look dark and spooky for Ollie, meowing Pumpkin arrives to help. Lighthearted action blended with gentle suspense will keep readers on Ollie's trail. And Killen's graphite images--a signature of this series--are accented throughout with pops of vivid orange: leaves, pumpkins, doors, and window shutters sustain a crisp, seasonal tone. Ages 4-8. (July)

"Lucky kitten, lucky readers: a sweet, special Halloween story." - Kirkus Reviews