Stretchy McHandsome

The youngest of nine feral felines, a likable cat named Stretchy--a "butterscotch boy" with one green eye and one blue--goes on a life-altering adventure in this rhyming tale. Hoping to take a holiday from his "cantankerous" siblings, Stretchy ventures out alone, leaving scratch marks all over town, visiting with his tiger cousins at the zoo, and more. While lying in a bookstore window, he is spotted by his human soulmate--a curly-haired girl named Beanie whose eyes match Stretchy's--and the pair are so "smitten" they fall into a dual stretch. When the other McHandsomes, one kilt-clad, come after him, Stretchy's exploits bring friendship into all of their lives. In Schachner's carefully busy and frequently silly mixed-media scenes, Stretchy seems as cuddly--and as glad to find Beanie--as he is flexible. Ages 3-5. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 2-In this enchanting story, Stretchy McHandsome, the youngest cat in a family of nine, sets off on a vacation away from his family. He eventually meets a girl named McBright, who is his perfect human companion. This story has an extra happy ending because McHandsome's siblings miss him so much they set off on a journey to find him. And when they do, it's a dream come true because McBright is one of nine children; each of her siblings discovers their perfect feline match. The text rhymes and is fun to read. For example, "He (McHandsome) was Tom of the tumble club, lord of the fleas, cuckoo on catnap, a hugger of trees." Schachner sets a sweet, mischievous tone with her illustrations that perfectly complement the text. When on his journey, McHandsome has many adventures. At one point, "The freewheeling kitty made a stop at the zoo for an earsplitting roar from a cousin or two." The illustration shows two friendly tigers. One is roaring and underneath its large arm, McHandsome rests with his paws gripping the cage. VERDICT This delightful story will be a welcome addition to any public or school library. Text and illustrations work well to make this a title that children will want to read again and again.-Robin Sofge, Prince William Public Library System, VA