The Scariest Kitten in the World

Diverting feline fun for Halloween (or any time of year).

"It's not too late for you to choose a different book about something more pleasant," an unseen narrator warns as readers enter a gothic, albeit bright pink, mansion at the start of this picture book; "When you turn the page and have to run screaming for your mama, don't say I didn't warn you." But given that the cover image boasts an adorable white kitten with pink ears and a single fang, it's evident that something winsome, rather than wicked, this way comes. Sure enough, digitally finished pen and pencil cartooning by Haley (Patrick's Polka-Dot Tights) reveals the narrator to be the cover-art kitty, whose idea of frightening the audience is letting out a cute "Grrrrarrr!" When it calls its "TERRIFYING FRIENDS" for backup, a craft sesh results in an array of signs for the baby animal colleagues, including a "Spooky Baby Goat" sporting adorable ghost pajamas. What's a would-be ghoul to do? Happily, a pale-skinned child with curly red hair soon provides the answer: a bubble bath and bedtime under a full moon. Mock-horror text by Messner (Only the Best) has oodles of performance potential, while the art's sweet-natured, wink-wink personality should remind readers of the sense of empowerment and glee that can come from playing monster. Ages 3-6. Author's agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator's agent: Nicole Tugeau, Tugeau 2. (Aug.)

PreS-Gr 2--While the creatures within this beguiling book would like readers to "Behold the terror!" most readers will find that "hold back the laughs" is more befitting. Readers are warned, encouraged to think of happy thoughts, anything but to continue through this title of (tongue firmly planted in cheek) chills and thrills. But, of course, readers will be turning the pages and read-aloud audiences will be calling out to continue as an adorable white kitten, two cute puppies, some chicks, and more try to be scary. When they can't scare "you," the reader, on face value, they don costumes and try again. The scariest "ghost of a bloodthirsty duckling" covered in a flowered sheet will not scare anyone, but it will have readers laughing. The illustrations and text work together seamlessly, creating a masterful story hour experience that will be enjoyed over and over. VERDICT A funny, perfectly childlike conceit explored to its full capacity for chuckles.--John Scott

"Messner goes full-on goofy with this tale of a feline determined to frighten. Haley's not-so-dark cartoon illustrations of pudgy, sweet animals perfectly contradict the kitty's narration... this is sure to have 'em [readers] howling (with laughter)." —Kirkus