Lost Cat

PreS-Gr 1--Slipper lives a happy life with Mrs. Fluffy Slippers. When the old woman moves, the poor tabby is left behind in the commotion. Chasing after the moving van, she gets lost and decides that she will adopt a new owner. Portrayed from the perspective of a cat, all humans are cleverly depicted as various pairs of footwear. Slipper rejects Ms. Muddy Boots, High Tops, and Mr. Big Boots and finally runs into Miss Shiny Shoes, whom she accepts, and who serendipitously reunites her with Mrs. Fluffy Slippers. Mader's full-spread pastels portray Slipper with realistic feline expressions that cat lovers and owners will immediately recognize. The depictions of poignant moments, such as the tiny cat in an immense dark forest with only the word "Lost!" above her or Slipper contentedly sprawled out on her owner's feet, are sure to capture the audience's attention and affection, and make them root for the intrepid feline. A neatly told story, sweet without being saccharine, that charms from beginning to end.--Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Mader, a former ad exec, debuts with the delightful story of a cat named Slipper that gets separated from its owner. Readers see the world as Slipper does: first off, she's not hoping to get adopted by a human--she believes she's the one doing the adopting. Additionally, the humans are identified only by their footwear; Slipper's original owner was Mrs. Fluffy Slippers, and the cat meets Ms. Muddy Boots, Mrs. Iron Shoes (a horse), Mr. Cowboy Boots, and others during her travels, which conclude with a happy reunion. Mader's fine pastels ably represent the details and textures of the environments Slipper explores and the people she meets, from a motorcycle's gleaming chrome during a "fast and scary ride," courtesy of Mr. Big Boots, to the parade of footwear Slipper sees walking the concrete streets of a town. As for the gray-and-white striped cat herself, Mader had a real-life model in a cat that found its way to his doorstep, and it shows in his loving and lifelike images showcasing Slipper's delicate, soft fur. Ages 4-8. Agent: Brianne Johnson, Writers House. (Oct.)

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"Given the appealing subject matter, tightly focused visual storytelling and feel-good resolution, Slipper's adventures will likely find an enthusiastic audience, particularly among feline fanciers."
—"Kirkus

""A neatly told story, sweet without being saccharine, that charms from beginning to end."
—"School Library Journal

""The delightful story of a cat named Slipper that gets separated from its owner."
—"Publishers Weekly

""This tale of a lost cat who searches for someone new to 'adopt' should appeal to every child with a pet (or hoping to have one)."
—"Booklist

""There are dozens of lost pet stories but this one skillfully utilizes an intriguing cat's-eye-perspective, vivid illustrations, and a happy (if unrealistic) ending to satisfying effect. Succinct, sonorous text also makes for smooth reading aloud."
—"The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
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