FukuFuku Kitten Tales, Volume 1

May 1, 2016

Gr 3 Up-Hilarity ensues when an affectionate cat owner and her adorable cat reminisce about the feline's kitten days. Readers will be thoroughly charmed by watching FukuFuku's antics, told through a variety of sketches. The owner, a sweet woman, just wants to befriend her kitten. FukuFuku, on the other hand, is initially terrified by her owner's attention. She slowly relaxes, flourishing in her new environment while discovering how wonderful it is to have an owner, especially when it is time for belly rubs. Readers will be delighted by this new series. Fans of the author's Chi's Sweet Home will appreciate the warm, sweet tone. The cute black-and-white illustrations are the focal point of each page. Konami draws exquisite, detailed expressions on both kitten and human. The spare sentences will engage struggling readers, while helping develop abstract thinking and story sequencing. VERDICT Readers and pet owners will find this slice-of-life novel endearing. Offer this one to fans of Ashley Spires's Binky the Space Cat, Nick Bruel's "Bad Kitty" books, Patrick Jennings's Hissy Fitz, and Kiyohiko Azuma Yostuba&!-Jessica Bratt, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids, MI

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