Bambino and Mr. Twain

Maltbie returns to the theme of Picasso and Minou (2008), telling a second cat-and-artist story, a historical anecdote from the archives of Mark Twain. Recently widowed, the writer roams his New York City brownstone, refusing visits from well-wishers and grousing at his daughter's cat as it swats billiard balls back at him across a dramatically foreshortened table. "Bambino," he tells the cat, "you'd make a champion billiards player if you could only hold a cue." When Bambino darts out a window, Twain advertises for the lost cat in every New York newspaper, and admirers of his work throng to his house, offering him their own cats, as well as strays, as consolation. "We can spare him for a few days," offers one visitor, "if it keeps you from being sad." In crisp-edged mixed-media illustrations, Miyares (Waking Up Is Hard to Do) uses cinematic angles to great effect, as when Bambino returns and Twain is viewed from above, holding him up in triumph. Although it portrays a Twain whose writing days are behind him, it's an unexpectedly moving introduction to his sardonic wit. Ages 5-8. Agent: Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency. (Feb.)

Gr 2-4--Following the death of his beloved wife, Livy, Mark Twain became something of a recluse in his New York City home. His constant companion was his black cat, Bambino, and together they sadly got on with their lives. Despite his reputation as a witty and wise personality, Twain felt like a sorry old man. On a beautiful spring day when windows were open to air out the house, Bambino took off after a squirrel and disappeared. Twain was heartbroken and put an ad in the paper, complete with a reward of $5. Many people came by to offer him their cats or just to meet the great man himself. When Bambino returned, Twain realized that spending his life in seclusion was not for him. Bambino had proved there were wonderful things outside their windows and he was going to be a part of them all. Back matter reveals that this story was based on Twain's time in New York following his wife's death and that there really was a Bambino. While the palette progresses from gloomy to somewhat brighter colors, Twain himself is depicted throughout as stern and unhappy. Overall, the angular mixed-media and digital art conveys only the gloomier aspects of the story and not the upbeat denouement. This is not a tale that will necessarily resonate with children unfamiliar with the writer or the feeling of growing old. As such, it has limited appeal.--Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA