Cat Nap

November 2, 2015
Yuly’s third sleep-centric animal story, after Early Bird and Night Owl, follows the efforts of a large gray cat to sneak in a noontime nap. Unfortunately for him, rowdy white Kitten only wants to play. Hide-and-seek is the perfect solution, but Kitten is far too talented a seeker for Cat to get much shut-eye while he’s hiding. Loose lines, big blocks of bright color, and midcentury modern details provide just enough setting for the cats to explore (and details, like a reappearing mouse, for readers to spot). The gotcha ending will be familiar to any parents who have found a suddenly-tuckered-out little one taking up space in their beds. Ages 1–3. Agent: Lori Kilkelly, Rodeen Literary Management.

October 15, 2015
When Cat agrees to play hide-and-seek with Kitten, he underestimates his relentless opponent. It's noon: time for drowsy Cat's nap, but curious Kitten has other ideas and suggests they play hide-and-seek. Initially Cat hides high atop a bookcase, but Kitten finds him. Next, Cat hides low, under a bed. Again, Kitten finds him. Cat tries hiding in the dark basement, but he's exposed when wily Kitten turns on the light. Everywhere (a box, a bag, a hammock, a flower pot, a flower garden, and more) Cat hides, Kitten always finds him--even when the younger feline just gives up and tries to take her own nap. The simple text relies on repetition to stress Cat's futile plight, while bold illustrations use flat, bright colors, basic shapes, and definitive black outlines to amplify Kitten's successful pursuit. Kitten's wild, impish eyes and playful facial expressions provide a droll contrast to Cat's disdainful demeanor and occasional wide-eyed shock. Wee listeners should revel in locating Cat's hiding spots almost as much as they will relish finding a teeny, watchful mouse tucked into its own hiding places, where it safely and silently observes the oblivious felines engrossed in their game. Delightful pre-nap read-aloud fare. (Picture book. 1-3)

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December 1, 2015

PreS-K-It is noon, and Cat is ready for her nap. Unfortunately, Kitten is ready to play. When Kitten suggests a game of hide-and-seek, Cat reluctantly agrees and hides in a variety of spots around the home, but Kitten always finds him. Near the end of the book, Yuly adds a twist and asks readers to find Cat hiding on the page. Cat finally decides he is too tired to play and declares the game over. He saunters off to enjoy his long-awaited nap far away from Kitten...or so he thinks. Young readers will giggle with delight when they turn the page to discover Kitten fast asleep in Cat's bed! Yuly's humorous story embeds various opposites organically through the tale, especially in the hiding places Cat chooses. Using a minimalist approach, the simple shapes and limited palette of bold colors that contrast against the solid backgrounds will appeal to the youngest of readers. Facial expressions add depth and humor to the story line, allowing text to be sparse-perfect for the intended audience. As an extra bonus, slightly older readers will enjoy finding the little mouse hidden on each page. VERDICT Perfect for an interactive storytime and an introduction to opposites.-Beth Parmer, New Albany Elementary Library, OH

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2015
Preschool-K This tale about a cat who wants to take a nap and a kitten who wants to play is an engaging way to teach opposites. It's naptime, and Cat and Kitten have different ideas of how to spend it. Each one peers through a goldfish bowl on adjoining pages: Cat's eyes are closed, but Kitten is curious and wide-awake. Kitten wants to play hide-and-seek! Part of the comedy throughout is the desperate lengths Cat goes to in finding a perfect hiding spot. Cat goes high (on top of the bookcase) and low (under the bed). Cat tries the dark (under the basement stairs), but Kitten turns on the light. Cat hides indoors and out, each spot pounced on by Kitten. Heavily lined illustrations in bold colors emphasize shapes and the simple concepts highlighted by the story. The hide-and-seek framework, with Cat well camouflaged in a number of places, involves readers in the game. Readers of this will also like Yuly's Early Bird (2014).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)