MRS. MCTATS AND HER HOUSEFUL OF CATS

Mrs. McTats lives in a cozy cottage with only her cat, Abner, until one day visitors begin arriving wanting to stay. Each time she goes out, Mrs. McTats seems to find a few more cats to follow her home, and there is always room for one more. She names the cats alphabetically, from Abner to Yodel, and all seems peaceful until a small sound is heard at the door. Mrs. McTats opens it to discover what it was she had felt was missing: a small puppy, which she names Zoom. While the somewhat clumsy, rhyming text sets the stage, it is the wonderfully painted cats that steal the show. Soft, watery watercolors offset the cartoon-like faces and body shapes of both humans and felines. From plump to skinny, mottled to striped, on each page a few more wonderfully amusing cats seem to find their way through the “small, cozy cottage / with plenty of room.” Children will want to count the cats on each page and follow their favorites through the story, particularly on the page where they are all hiding or where they are all gathered together for a group shot. (Picture book. 2-5)