No Cats in the Library

PreS-Gr 3--With therapy animals making a positive impact in educational spaces, especially when it comes to libraries and emerging readers, it is only natural that a book would come along that reflects the joy of reading to a pet. Clarisse, a stray cat who loves pictures in books, discovers a place that is simply overflowing with them: her local public library. Although "the keeper of the books" continuously thwarts her attempts to enter, Clarisse finally sneaks inside, finds a young reader, and together they unlock the power of sharing a story. Emmons is no doubt a library fan; from the way the space is lovingly laid out to the palette of cozy colors (oranges and soft, sage greens), readers will want to snuggle right up to the book. The keeper of the books--aka the librarian--with amusing tropes in place of glasses, bun, and cardigan, still looks like a modern-day librarian who knows just when to bend the rules for the sake of her youngest patrons. VERDICT A solid choice for story hours and marketing library programs, this is catnip for librarians and young book lovers alike.--Alexandra Quay