Poopsie Gets Lost

Harrison's latest tale is laugh-out-loud funny and has an adorable protagonist. The watercolor on vellum illustrations, a mix of spot and full-bleed art, are vividly imagined. Poopsie isn't a talking cat, but her facial expressions speak volumes . . . Feline fun with a touch of clever metafiction.

Lush illustrations make the most of the inherently funny contrast of a princesslike cat in an untamed jungle. While the narrator is a touch mean-spirited to keep directing Poopsie into danger, it is funny to see her dodge various obstacles and, after an incident with a waterfall, turn the tables by taking control of her story. A Loony Tunes-esque romp.

PreS-Gr 3--Poopsie is an extremely pampered house cat. Unfortunately, the narrator finds that her behavior makes for a rather boring story and convinces her to go out the cat-flap and into the unknown. Poopsie must then gather her courage and survive the narrator's dangerous suggestions, which include multiple tigers and truly horrible obstacles. In her latest book, Harrison has created a wonderfully engaging tale using extremely simple vocabulary that even the littlest of learners should know, interactive and deadly questions clearly shown against the page, and inventive illustrations that add context and humor. While the text itself makes a comedic story, the pictures really do sell the narrator's interactions with Poopsie and add an extra element of comedy, setting up the surprise--the narrator/reader is the one egging Poopsie on--and providing clues for learners about what might happen next. VERDICT Disarming comedy from start to finish, this suspenseful tale will have children screaming at Poopsie to ignore anyone reading this aloud. Sublime.--Margaret Kennelly

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