The Pawed Piper by Chinlun Lee, Michelle Robinson
Published by Candlewick Press on July 9th 2019
ISBN: 1536201650
Pages: 32
Genres: Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

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A tale told in first person, ” The Pawed Cat,” is  about a small girl who wants a cat of her very own.  One day, the small girl  goes to visit granny  and borrows things that  Hector, (granny’s cat) likes to play with.   Soon, and to the small girl’s great surprise, Hector  pays a visit to the small girl’s home –  but Hector does not come alone.  Oh NO, Hector is accompanied by – not  one cat,  not  two cats , but by 67 cats! The small girl  loves them all, but doesn’t really  mean to take anyone else’s cat.   When she posts flyers to find their owners, and  when the  cats are finally all claimed,  she remembers the  cat who stayed hidden in her sock drawer.  The small girl soon know’s  the reason when she  discovers kittens!   And all of these kittens, too,  soon found new homes  – – -“except the smallest one, who made himself a home in the corner and wouldn’t leave . . . not ever.”

A wonderful, loving book for any child who has ever wished for a pet. The story plot is clever and the ending is most satisfying when the small girl’s wish is fulfilled.  The tone of this story is quiet and the ending says – Awwww. . . .

The illustrations are soft but  add more meaning and tenderness to the text.  I would recommend this book as a nap time or bedtime tale – satisfying, soft and cuddely!

Reviewed by Connie M. Smith, Breakwater School, Portland, ME