The Secret Life of Walter Kitty (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Secret Life of Walter Kitty Deborah Stevenson Hicks, Barbara Jean The Secret Life of Walter Kitty; illus. by Dan Santat. Knopf, 200734p Library ed. ISBN 0-375-93196-1$18.99 Trade ed. ISBN 0-375-83196-7$16.99 R 5-8 yrs Walter is, in reality, a complacent and misguided tabby cat, but in his dreams he is Fang, swashbuckling hero and explorer. Unfortunately, every time he's about to bring a fantasy to an exciting conclusion, he's called back by his Person, Mrs. Biddle, with an affectionate "Wally" or "Kitten" or, heaven help the poor animal, "Snookums." Despite the title, there really isn't that much derived from Thurber here; this is mostly a humorous day-in-the-life look at a happy if loudly complaining cat. Audiences will snicker at the way Walter "helps" around the house and his consequent rebuffs as much as they do at his superhero fancies, and those with cats will find comparisons between Walter and their own kitties irresistible. Santat's art firmly embraces the ridiculous in Walter, aka Fang, while enhancing his silliness by contrasting it with the solid domesticity of his real existence. Thick inks in subdued tones of olives and harvest golds bring the orange marmalade of Snookums—er, Walter—to the fore, where he appropriately draws the eye in every scene; in his fantastical exploits, he's particularly appealing in his similarity to a primary-grader in costume. This is clever and comedic silliness, sure to appeal to youngsters who enjoy a feline with cattitude. Copyright © 2007 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois