No Cats in the Library

December 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 2 Clarisse, a stray cat, is fond of books, and she sometimes eavesdrops on adults reading to children. Though unable to interpret the "dark, squiggly lines" of text, she enjoys looking at the pictures. When she discovers a public library, she's determined to get inside. Attempting to enter through the door, she is turned away. Undeterred, she slides down the book-drop chute and emerges near the circulation desk. In the children's area, a little girl befriends Clarisse and reads her a story. Since the child is just learning to read, the mother appreciates the feline read-aloud motivation and thanks the librarian, who changes the "no cats" policy and puts up a sign saying, "Read to Our Cat." The pleasing story emerges in the simply written text and the characters' cartoon-style speech balloons. In the attractive illustrations, muted shades of orange and teal are used extensively, giving the artwork a warm, distinctive look. The first picture book that Emmons has written as well as illustrated, this library-friendly volume is sure to find its audience.

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Starred review from January 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 3-With therapy animals making a positive impact in educational spaces, especially when it comes to libraries and emerging readers, it is only natural that a book would come along that reflects the joy of reading to a pet. Clarisse, a stray cat who loves pictures in books, discovers a place that is simply overflowing with them: her local public library. Although "the keeper of the books" continuously thwarts her attempts to enter, Clarisse finally sneaks inside, finds a young reader, and together they unlock the power of sharing a story. Emmons is no doubt a library fan; from the way the space is lovingly laid out to the palette of cozy colors (oranges and soft, sage greens), readers will want to snuggle right up to the book. The keeper of the books-aka the librarian-with amusing tropes in place of glasses, bun, and cardigan, still looks like a modern-day librarian who knows just when to bend the rules for the sake of her youngest patrons. VERDICT A solid choice for story hours and marketing library programs, this is catnip for librarians and young book lovers alike.-Alexandra Quay

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 15, 2024
A stray cat earns her place inside a public library. From the start, the text humorously evokes empathy from all, particularly emergent readers: "Clarisse was a stray cat who loved books. She couldn't understand the dark, squiggly lines, but she loved looking at the pictures." When orange-spotted Clarisse chances upon a "magic building" where people enter empty-handed but leave with books, she tries several times to enter. Each time, the "keeper of the books"--a pale-skinned, top-knotted librarian--gently but firmly spurns her efforts. Readers will giggle at the double-page spread that shows Clarisse finally entering via the book drop. Inside the library, Clarisse moves past pictureless books to the children's department. Here, a Black girl--who's been having reading difficulties--decides to re-read her picture book to the fascinated feline. The girl excitedly tells her mother about her improved reading ability, and her mother assumes that Clarisse is a library-approved reading companion. In the next scene, the librarian's shadow looms above Clarisse, but it's clear that a happy ending is in store for our feline hero. The art relies on an autumnal palette with blue-green accents and makes effective use of color blocks and geometric patterns, extending the text's simplicity with clever details. (Note the librarian's book-shaped earrings.) The library patrons are racially diverse. Sweetly encouraging. (Picture book. 3-8)

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