This Little Kitty: In the Garden is the sequel to This Little Kitty by Karen Obuhanych. The first in this series was a sweet and silly romp through a day in the lives of five kitties in their home. This is a spring themed version, showing us how the mischievous kitties get into the garden shed and try to help their owner with planting seeds and other spring activities. This is usually a popular theme, but the writing was lacking. The rhymes do not have a natural flow when reading them aloud and some feel quite strained.

On one page it says, “These little kitties hear the bumbles buzz, watch the butterbees aflutter, and poke at crawly fuzz.” This is either a typo or a nonexistent animal, either way it takes the reader out of the book. There is a lot to love here with the colorful illustrations and silly expressions, but this sequel’s language is forced. This one might naturally be a popular pick because children love kittens and spring activities, but it is not necessary for one’s collection. Two stars.

Reviewed by Gia Pilgrim Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath