Kitten Lady's Big Book of Little Kittens

Inviting and informative, with charming purrsonality. (author’s note) (Informational picture book. 7-12)

Copyright 2019 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

PreS-Gr 3—Cat rescuer and animal advocate Shaw, aka Kitten Lady, has followed up her adult how-to title, Tiny But Mighty, with this engaging picture book for the youngest would-be rescuers. Vibrant, playful photos of kittens, enhanced with colorful Instagram-worthy line drawings, will appeal to readers from preschool up. Strong readers can tackle the informative text on their own, including a comprehensibly defined array of new words, but this book is best enjoyed with a caregiver or older sibling—appropriately, given that fostering involves a high commitment level and plenty of adult supervision. Shaw is clear about this, as well as providing a wealth of interesting facts about kittens, particularly newborns, and advice for their care. While some of the messier realities that may not be appropriate for this audience—parasites, toilet habits, illnesses—are left out, and Shaw only briefly addresses the complicated emotions that may accompany giving a fostered kitten up to adopters, this is an upbeat, knowledgeable introduction to cat rescue. VERDICT An appealing entry to the world of rescue, this title will also appeal to young animal lovers—or anyone who can't resist great kitten photos.—Lisa Peet, Library Journal