Kitty-CAM (Critter-CAM)

Effectively combines a novel storytelling strategy and limited vocabulary.

K-Gr 2--Readers follow Kitty through a day of pouncing, eating, washing, and playing. Kitty has a pet-cam attached to its head, and readers see everything the kitten sees. A goldfish is first terrified of Kitty, then relieved when Kitty loses interest. Crackers drop to the ground as smart Kitty nudges the table leg to make the box topple over, and a ball of yarn is just waiting to get all tangled up in. Then Kitty spies a mouse. Palatini and Yaccarino's collaboration will have readers observing the behavior of the predator hunting and at play through a video-cam. On each spread, readers are privy to the action on the verso and see what the kitty sees on the recto. An illustrated video frame and a record button on the right side pages show readers what they are seeing through a camera. Youngsters may need a few readings to pick up on the two viewpoints, as the sequencing of activities can be tricky to follow. Short sentences on each page support first reading experiences. Repetition of single words with a clear, bold typeface supports beginning word recognition. VERDICT For the newest readers, a glimpse of the world from a kitty's point of view.--Sarah Webb