A Tail of Two Kitties (Stick Cat #1)

Gr 3-6--This volume opens with the narrator addressing readers, begging for understanding about his mediocre drawing skills; he then describes an encounter with an "interesting" female classmate that inspired him to try a story about cats instead of writing another episode in the life of Stick Dog. A city dweller, Stick Cat lives in an apartment on the 23rd floor, and while his human roommate is at work, he spends his time with Edith, the next-door neighbor's cat. One day, as they are sitting in the window and enjoying the music coming from the piano factory across the alley, they notice that the musician has become trapped in the piano. Stick Cat realizes that they are the only ones that are aware of the man's predicament, and the two feline friends embark on a daring quest to save him. Like his canine counterpart, Stick Cat is clever and resourceful, but he must be very careful not to hurt the feelings of sensitive Edith when she shares her more harebrained ideas. Peppered with funny cartoonlike illustrations, this amusing and exciting story will have readers turning pages quickly to discover how the rescue attempt will end for these two brave and endearing cats. VERDICT Fans of Watson's "Stick Dog" series (Harper) and Nick Bruel's "Bad Kitty" chapter books (Macmillan) will especially enjoy this comical adventure; it will also appeal broadly to lovers of zany humor.--Sarah Reid, Broome County Public Library, Binghamton, NY

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"This sequel to Stick Dog (2013) will have readers diving in and then begging for more adventures—canine, feline, or otherwise. The simple drawings might also inspire young readers to try their own hands at illustration. Chapters frequently end with cliff-hangers of sorts, encouraging readers to predict what might happen next."—Booklist