This Little Kitty by Karen Obuhanych

Abstract

Reviewed by: This Little Kitty by Karen Obuhanych Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Obuhanych, Karen This Little Kitty; written and illus. by Karen Obuhanych. Knopf, 2023 [32p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593435144 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593435168 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 3-6 yrs This cleverly rhymed picture book follows five mischievous cats throughout the day, taking particular delight in the kitties’ various shenanigans. First, it’s wake-up time, followed quickly by breakfast for rumbling tummies, then on to playtime with feathers and toys until all five find a warm patch of sun for a nice nap. They’re reenergized post-snooze and subsequently climb drapes, rearrange (knock over) flowers, lick cupcakes, and attempt escape. A little self-care grooming is next, followed by some attention from their humans before bedtime—but as any cat owner knows, that’s when the feline fun truly begins. The book opens with the title’s cat take on “this little piggy,” setting an immediate and familiar rhythm that will please both tellers and listeners at storytime, while the bright, buoyant art keeps the text from simply sounding like a list. The mixed media illustrations easily convey each cat’s personality: the manic calico is all scribbly lines and dynamic poses, contrasting the smooth wash of sleek fur on the slinky black cat, while the gray cat has a slightly mottled texture and down-turned ears, displaying its clear grumpiness. Fans of felines will appreciate the level of detail to kitty quirks (including their tendency to hack up hairballs in the most inconvenient places), and the bouncing rhyme and loveable fur-babies might just well charm even the most stridently cat averse. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois