Chirri & Chirra, in the Night (Chirri & Chirra #8)

Chirri and Chirra are game for adventures and trusting of the characters they meet. Nothing remotely frightening interferes; it is all pure, gentle magic, fantasy, and lively imagination throughout. Sweet, wonderful make-believe. More of this duo, please.

In this latest addition to the popular Japanese series, Chirri and Chirra, identical sisters, ride their bicycles into an enchanted forest on a moonlit night. There they join the Full Moon Festival and have a fanciful adventure. There are many cats, magic drinks that give the girls cat tails and whiskers, and flowerworks, like fireworks, to light up the night. Animal crackers run into the night, and a cat band offers joyful music. Their friendly cat hosts provide entertainment, magic, and friendship. Muted illustrations in pencil and pastel complement the gentle story, which will be enjoyed for its playfulness and humor. A very worthwhile, calming addition for story time or one-on -one reading. VERDICT This exceptionally tender work will be a soothing read-aloud at story hours.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"This is a gentle magical adventure with two intrepid explorers who love to try new things. The lovely soft colored pastel art shows a happy world with no adults and lots of friendly cats. The smaller size makes the story that much more cozy, with the landscape orientation offering lovely panoramic views of the trip. It's hard not to smile while reading this sweet story. Fans of the previous adventures of Chirri and Chirra will be thrilled with this new offering." —Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library (Arlington, MA), Youth Services Book Review, STARRED REVIEW

"3- to 8-year-olds will read with envy. In cozy, soft and inviting pictures, we see Chirri and Chirra receive flowers strung on necklaces to use as tickets when they join all manner of cats at a Full Moon Festival... Conjuring realms of kindly animals and witty, serendipitous delights, Kaya Doi's work exudes real childhood magic." —Wall Street Journal