Cats Got Talent

September 1, 2014
Once upon a time, Hal, Dora, and Geneva led cushy lives as pet cats. Then things turned sour with their respective owners (in Hal’s case, his “despicable” curtain-tearing behavior was the source of the sourness), and they ended up as alley cats. Now Hal has an idea: they like to sing, the papers tell him that “singers earned big money,” so what if.... Readers may think Barrett, with his poker-faced storytelling, is headed toward a feline version of American Idol, or at least a tearful reconciliation with the cats’ former owners. But this wonderfully wacky book is full of surprises. What is essentially a Darwinian tug-of-war between cats and humans may not sound like a big laugh getter, but Barrett (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) pulls it off. His indomitable—okay, clueless—furry heroes, and hardboiled illustrations, whose retro style is a cross between those of Merrie Melodies and 1960s underground comics, reassure readers that, though the cats’ caterwauling has the neighborhood up in arms, nothing bad is going to happen to them. Ages 4–8.

September 1, 2014
Three stray cats, formerly pets, try to strike it big in showbiz. Gray-striped Hal is always hungry, calico cat Dora loves pretty things, and Geneva, pale pink and wearing a tiara, longs to live in the lap of luxury. Geneva became a stray through no fault of her own, but both Hal and Dora were abandoned (or, more accurately, evicted) by their previous owners for bad behavior. The vivid depictions of their ignominious exits from their original homes, while played for laughs, show a callousness that feels out of sync with today's sensibilities. Once they've taken up residence in the same alley, the three discover a mutual fondness for "singing," which they decide to exploit after Hal sees a newspaper notice about an American Idol-style winner making it big. Barrett keeps the text brief, using details of his distinctly retro cartoon illustrations to add humor and explicate the plot. On one page, the bluebird pictured in a painting that graces one wall in Hal's old home changes expression in response to his attack; on another, Geneva's former owner reads reviews panning her most recent performance. Despite light touches, the cavalier abandonment of the cats, the satiric spoofing of the cats' ambitions and their naive satisfaction with their "success" create a disappointingly mean-spirited tone overall. (Picture book. 4-7)

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September 1, 2014

K-Gr 2-Barrett is back with another fun story kids will adore. Hal, Dora, and Geneva are three felines who lead very different lives. Hal is your typical alley cat on the prowl for his next tasty meal after being thrown out of his previous home. Dora lived in a dress shop and adored the finer things in life but had been cast out after putting off the well-heeled customers. Geneva was once owned by a movie star but finds herself on the street after her owner's career reversal. These three kitties find one another and decide to put their talents to use and "sing" for their supper. Barrett's pencil, watercolor, and ink cartoon art conveys the playfulness of the text. Ideal for a read-aloud, Cats Got Talent will appeal to those younger elementary school age children who have dreams of performing and becoming a superstar. A fun, enjoyable read.-Christopher Lassen, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2014
Preschool-G Barrett's latest provides an explanation for that caterwauling that keeps people awake. Felines Hal, Dora, and Geneva all had it made until bad behavior and general misfortune got each kicked out of his or her respective homes. Then, in a sudden bit of picture-book logic, They discovered that they enjoyed singing and doing things together. A fateful breeze sends a newspaper into Hal's face WAP! and Hal learns that singers on TV can win big bucks. Enough, perhaps, to buy three cats all the luxuries they deserve! After some practice in a boiler room and pulling together junk for a stage, they begin their alleyway concert. Dozens of sleepy city dwellers rebel and, from every apartment window, throw food, shoes, and more. The cats, though, take it as a standing ovation. Despite the abrupt end, it's a fun idea, and the neat everyone-gets-what-they-want conclusion will satisfy kids. Barrett's Sunday-comics, pencil-and-wash art fits the lighthearted and slightly retro mood. Time for an encore?(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)