CATS! Two Terrific Titles

 I grew up with cats as pets, until ... 

Yep, like so many others, I am now highly allergic to cats. But that doesn't mean that I love them any less. In fact, as dear as dogs are to my heart, cats are remarkably capable of telling their own tails  tales, and they do so with nuance or boldness or any other attitude between those.

Two recent releases reveal that irrepressible personality of cats in entirely different ways, but are equally inviting. 

ABRAMS BOOKS FOR KIDS, 2025

The first is I AM A CAT, written and illustrated by Galia Bernstein. This is one of several picture books with the same titles so make note of that  side-eye cat on the cover and the creator's name. I ahve not read the others, but if younger only reading one I AM A CAT picture book, I can assure you that this one will come across as a winner/.

Before I describe the premise, I'll also indicate that I am not alone in this appraisal. This seemingly simple tale received multiple starred reviews, and is available in picture book hard cover or paperback, as well as board book formats. In a tight publishing world, that is a strong indicator of its appeal. 

That apparently annoyed cover star is SIMON, who we meet on the opening spread. The minimal text suggest SIMON is talking to the reader, and is perhaps confused: 

"HELLO, my name is Simon. I am a cat, just like you."

The page turn reveals that readers are observing a conversation of sorts, not part of one. The author/illustrator has mastered a blend of fact and fiction in this  straightforward conversation between SIMON and a range of other "cats", from lions to jaguars and more. The huffiness and self-awareness flows in both directions throughout, revealing in each case a short debate about why SIMON cannot be a cat, due to NOT being something the wild variety happens to be. 

THat's where the factual content shines, clarifying in comparisons and in an eventual and satisfying conclusion just exactly what makes a cat a cat! The illustrations carry the conversation forward, species after species, portraying on stark white backgrounds the sense of differences, but also of personalities. Small but intentionally effect details add information about the cats and the habitats, qualities, or behaviors that distinguish them, while conveying grin-worthy situations. This is a strong recommendation for kids of any age who take an interest in CATS, of course, but also science and wildlife and humor, and debate, and Terrific entertainment!

KIDS CAN PRESS,  2025

WHAT IF I'M NOT A CAT? is written by Kari-Lynn Winters and illustrated by Kelly Collier.  The cover should introduce you to the absurdity of this question, since a naive donkey is the one asking it! 

I paired these two because  each of the titles has to do with establishing a sense of identity as well as belonging. The above cat, Simon, is confident and able to assert his place in the family of cats without qualms. In Donkey's case, that identity comes from the voice of authority, Farmer, who greets and bids goodnight to a barn-full of cats, which seemingly includes Donkey. 

The central clue about how Donkey could have been so apparently confused comes on the first page turn. There, readers find the statement that Donkey used to be a straggly stray. 

The spot illustrations on that page reinforce Donkey's life story- having no one to love in his life to becoming part of a loving community- of cats! Using the examples from those cats to become the very best cat he can: playing, licking his fur, and strutting around the barnyard. The following pages reveal all the ways Donkey imitates cats .(Feel free to laugh at that even without illustratrations!) Succeses and failures do not introduce doubts, but a simple remark from Farmer  raises the question- What if I am not a cat? The delightful cats and kittens who have been his loyal (if sometimes skeptical) companions try to help, soldiering various attributes that might explain Donkey's identity. 

The text and illustrations prevent a very poignant story from losing its humor. Even when things feel dire, Donkey rises to the occasion, blending his cat-skills with his own nature to provide a thoroughly satisfying resolution, with raucous laughs at the final wordless spread. Don't imagine that I've spoiled a good read with the details above. This is one that merits repeated read-agains, combined with close inspection of elements of illustration. Include in that the tiniest of details, despite these images being cartoonish in nature. In  fact, the success of conveying emotion and expression with the slightest variation in eyes, head tilt, and other elements can serve as mentor images for those attempting to work in this style. 

Afterthought: Take a look at one more cat book: I AM CAT, by Peter Bentley, illustrated by Chris Chatterton. A lively, funny, rhyming cat who knows what a cat really is and does!

DON'T EAT THE CLEANERS: Tiny Fsh With a Big Job

 Anyone who has experienced swimming in a coral reef will come away changed, forever in awe. In many cases that is due to the beauty and remarkable diversity of life sustained by coral reefs. That awe is often matched with anxiety about the seemingly endless destruction of such a vital life force on this planet. Coral Reef destruction is a consequences of human activity, whether intentional (commercial harvesting for sale) or indirect results of our mindless greed (climate change). I join the anxious people, of course, but my AWE is virtual, since I have not yet had an opportunity to visit coral reefs for myself.

PEACHTREE, 2025

I mention all that because the consequence of losing our coral reefs will be immeasurable. Let's work to prevent that from happening. (Check here for action suggestions.) 

DON'T EAT THE CLEANERS: Tiny Fish With A Big Job! is written and illustrated by Susan Stockdale. This talented creator does NOT rely on virtual encounters or indirect research to produce her reliably impressive work. She immerses herself in her subject matter (most often submersing herself). Her previous picture books have earned many awards and have been honored as notable books of the year by NCTE, NSTA, Bank Street College of Education, and ALSC, among others. If that sounds like alphabet soup, let me assure you that these are prestige lists that have bring attention to her and other titles of great quality. It's safe to say that this latest release merits similar attention and accolades.

The opening lines offer readers information about why these relationships matter. Just because fish live in water doesn't mean that they don't get dirty. If you've ever cleaned a birdbath or fish tank, you are aware that water is an ideal growth habitat for all sorts of algae, microscopic creatures, and more. Living things constantly replace dead skin with fresh cells, providing parasites with sources of food.  Scrapes and injuries can become infected simply by living lives in a wild habitat. 

This is where those coral reefs play a role. They are the habitats and cleaning stations for daily "detailing" activity to help individuals stay healthy. There are two principle "CLEANER" species who live in the coral reefs and serve the surrounding population all day long, every day. Some have been observed "cleaning" up to one hundred customers a day, and some fish even return up to one hundred times a day to have more cleaning completed. Seriously! The two species who serve so admirably (and necessarily)  are "cleaner wrasse" and "cleaner shrimp". Wrasse have a distinctive stripe along their length to announce their occupation, while this variety of shrimp have exceptionally long white antennae, which they wave in a rocking "dance" to indicate availability. I couldn't help but picture those inflatable tall characters flapping empty arms outside car washes and other businesses!.

(The author illustrator had more restraint than I might have, because the vibrant colors and   soft-edged forms she depicts do not stoop to such cartoonish images. The quality of the art is bright and clear enough for the youngest audiences but so accurate in detail that older readers looking for examples of various coral reef forms and fish species can readily identify them.)

If it sounds like I've given away too much content, I assure you I have not. I was familiar with this inter-species process, but page after page revealed more fascinating facts from these relationships. The symbiotic nature of the cleaners and their "customers" is something I understood, but there are so many more surprises. I'll save those for you to discover, except to note this: 

These seemingly "mindless' or "instinct driven" ocean dwellers have patterns of behavior that could serve as models of manners for us humans.

When predators restrain themselves to have their teeth cleaned, it's impressive. When they occupy the same coral spaces in a long line of waiting "customers" without disrupting or devouring each other, we really should pay attention. Maybe even learn something. The cover of this recent release is appealing in color and design. With a closer look we see several wrasse swimming inside the mouth of a fish that could easily consume them, but does not. Not unlike a dentist or hygienist digging away inside our open mouths without fearing we might bite them.

No matter what evolutionary process led all involved to display such restraint (dare I say respect?) for the balance of benefits to be gained, when such reportedly small-brained creatures can figure it out, couldn't we? Shouldn't we? Take a look at this new offering and see if you, too, come away in awe of coral reefs, of relationships in nature, and with just a bit of shame at our human patterns of serving our own immediate impulses rather before pausing to regulate for the greater good. 

Betsy Byrd''s Latest Book: POP! GOES THE NURSERY RHYME

 If the name of librarian Betsy Byrd doesn't ring a bell, I urge you to check out the link. I first encountered her informative and prolific reflections on books for children in her FUSE #8 Production  posts for School Library Journal.. That has been many years in the past. During that time Betsy served as librarian in New York City but is now residing in the midwest, along with her family. Beyond professional training in children's literature and a long career in the field, it was when she had young children of her own that her love of nursery rhymes was renewed. 

And nearly ruined!

Her author note is a reminder that little audiences LOVE nursery rhymes, for many reasons.  They are rhymes, predictable, bouncy, and short. They are also key cultural touchstones. Repetition is part of their appeal, but, as a parent, that can grow old sooner rather than later. 

For the sake of her own mental well-being, Byrd spontaneously began adding "POP! Goes the Weasel" into other nursery rhymes, to the delight of her littles. A brilliant idea was born! 

UNION SQUARE KIDS, 2025

POP! Goes the Nursery Rhyme, written by Betsy Byrd, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi, is now available. Take a look at that weasel on the cover, along with the undefined bird (any relation to BYRD?) who is continually appalled that tine-honored nursery rhymes are being ruined by the goofy weasel! 

This bird is a reader, and continually redirects ram rambunctious weasel, insisting that these familiar, iconic rhymes DO NOT iINCLUDE a weasel! The gleeful joy Weasel expresses is countered by distraught and disrupted lambs and other animal characters who portray familiar nursery rhymes. Meanwhile, bird resembles Mo Willems PIGEON on several pages, and takes it personally to NOT be caught off guard.  (Be sure to enjoy the opening and final end papers, too!)

Successful? Can't you guess? 

This artful and ingenious blend of familiar rhymes with wacky and wild humor has created what will likely become a modern day classic. The personalities of the central characters are unforgettable, inviting dramatic interpretive readings (my favorite kind!). I'll also predict that this will encourage seeking out more nursery rhyme modifications.

I couldn't be happier about that, since nursery rhymes (and fairy tales and folk tales) have lost their place of honor within far too many classrooms. The demands of strict curricula and test practices have nudged out time for what used to be universal cultural touchstones, as Betsy mentioned in her author note. A book like this just might undo a bit of that pattern. I can only hope. 

A Research Bonus: WHOSE FEATHER IS THAT?

I've been researching FEATHERS for a potential nonfiction book. In the process, I've cycled through an extensive stack of books on the subject and collected countless notes. Clearly, the topic has been addressed already, so I'm searching for a way into it that will be unique and welcomed. The incomparable Melissa Stewart writes nonfiction in such variety and with such expertise that one of her books may have addressed that question better than I or anyone else will be able to surpass: FEATHERS: Not Just For Flying. If that picture book is unknown to you, be sure to check it out.

ADVENTURE PUBLICATIONS, 2025

While examining field guides and other resources aimed at younger readers, I discovered STAN TEKIELA. He's a naturalist wildlife photographer and writer who has created nearly two hundred titles, many of them for kids. His WILDLIFE PICTURE BOOKS offer an effective range of approaches, including animals with "super powers", wildlife babies, critter litter, and titles with questions (Do Beavers Need Blankets?). I found this prolific nonfiction creator through WHOSE FEATHER IS THAT? 

The photos are, not surprisingly, a glorious experience in themselves. Of course, when it comes to feathers, birds are going to feature prominently, since birds are Earth's only creatures with feathers. Tekiela activated that fact by designing a format and text structure that will engage kids (and others). With a dedication page caution to NOT collect feathers (or eggs or nests) due to wildlife protection laws, this invites readers on a virtual exploration. The pattern with vibrant design and colors follows a full spread, page-turn pattern throughout. On the left is a simple clue-statement that includes information about the bird from whom the feather is found. That might be habitat elements, size, sounds, or any other facts that readers might have had experience with in their young years. The right side spread features an isolated image of a feather for that bird and the question posed on the cover. 

Below that is a simple hint. The page turn provides a vivid close up of the bird in question, with the right side naming it and offering three-to-five addition facts, stated in simple sentences. For each bird, small inset images add details (comparing hummingbird feather size to a dime, showing a flower or setting that might attract that bird). Backmatter provides a final four pages with small image insets of each bird and a few additional facts about the species. 

This four-page treatment features ten familiar American birds, from cardinals to owls and turkeys. The feather images are reproduced in similar sizes, but the image of the actual bird is on the facing page to encourage trying to locate the placement and relative size for each feather. A bonus for me is that my research into feathers made me aware that each feather shown is a wing feather. How do I know that? The kind of feather most of us find and recognize are wing and tail feathers, since they are the largest and often the most colorful. However, tail feathers have a central shaft, with symmetrical barbs to each side. Wing feathers have an offset shaft, allowing the barbs to be larger and stronger on one side than the other. That's why those "in the know" can determine if the feather is from the right wing or the left! 

That's also why further facts about downy woodpeckers reveal that they are named for the tuft of downy feathers near their beaks (to keep wood dust from getting into their nostrils). But the feather pictured is,consistent with the others, a wing feather. The image of the downy woodpecker provides plenty of accurate inspection opportunity to view those downy guardian feathers, though. I encourage anyone of any age who finds this content to be of interest to get your hands on this book. The information is both accurate and accessible, and the photography is superb high-resolution. That matters. Readers can get an upclose look, can examine various parts of the images using a hand lens. It's exciting to zoom in to see the way wing feathers interweave, to compare the textures of smooth body-cover feathers with downy tufts, and to decide if colorful details on and around legs, beaks, and eyes are parts of visible skin surface or actually tiny feathers. 

Meanwhile, with that original caution in mind-- to look but not collect, I hope this book might become a summer favorite for many ages. And if my intended manuscript ever becomes a book I'lll certainly include this one among recommended picture books to pursue!