My Cat, Coon Cat

PreS-Gr 2—A girl befriends a Maine coon that seems to have set its sights on her. Like the history of the breed itself, this cat's background is mysterious. Is he a stray or a former occupant of the child's new house? Will he stay? The progression of the relationship is told in rhyming text that leaves little doubt that the cat is moving in, despite the girl's continued questions. The illustrations are full of color and character, capturing with equal charm the bucolic background and the winsome feline. An author's note provides some detail about the breed and its connection to New England, reinforcing what the text and illustrations have already made clear—these are delightful cats that make great companions. The intimate nature of the quiet communication between the girl and the feline lends itself best to sharing one-on-one, although the spreads would show up well in a group setting. Any reader who has ever known the love of a cat will find much to relate to in this cozy book.—Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA