Nat the Cat Takes a Nap (Ready to Read: Pre-Level One)

K-Gr 2--Nat the Cat is taking a nap--until he is interrupted by the narrator. Now, Nat is trying to take a nap, but his best efforts are fruitless when the narrator keeps waking him up. The narrator introduces Nat's brother, Pat the Rat, whom Nat insists is not really his brother. Nat's frustration with the narrator and Pat boil over until he exclaims, "I just want to take a nap! Please, just let me take a nap!" Upon hearing this, Pat decides that a nap is a great idea, and both Nat and Pat end the book snoozing. This is a simple, engaging book that will delight emerging readers. Cartoon-style illustrations will grab readers' attention (and make for excellent directed drawings). Plain white backgrounds will help keep kids focused on building their reading skills and understanding the story. Young readers will also laugh at Nat's arguments with the narrator and pick up on the contrast between Nat's emotions in the illustrations and his insistence that he is not mad. Repetitive text, short sentences, and sight words will help ensure that readers build confidence as they move through the story. VERDICT A solid addition to any early reader collection that will surely help young readers grow.--Kristin Brynsvold