Cats Get Famous

June 1, 2015
Some Cats Got Talent (2014); those that do return to "get famous." Feline friends Hal, Dora, and Geneva still enjoy singing on the fence in the alley, but the surrounding humans don't enjoy the ruckus. One of those humans, impresario Lekvar Smirk, thinks he can exploit the trio, so he catnaps them and forces them to audition for the TV show Animal Idol. Lekvar then sabotages their competition, and Hal, Dora, and Geneva win a pile of cash. Excited to spend their cash, the cats leave Lekvar behind. Hal opens a restaurant, Dora opens a fashion boutique, and Geneva makes movies. All three fulfill lifelong dreams, but they miss one another and the alley. They return to their favorite performance space and now please their human audience with lullabies. Barrett's retro-Sunday funnies illustrations have a great look, but the tale they help tell is full of non sequiturs and disconnects. Lekvar's quick capitulation after all his planning and experience exploiting animals makes no sense. The cats casually abandon their dreams-come-true for nostalgia and, strangely, add lullabies to a repertoire they were well-satisfied with. Lekvar's last-page comeuppance could not feel more tacked-on. Barrett's past successes have been in bringing the words of others to life; sticking with that talent in future might be best. There are plenty of pussycat picture books to pick from; let this one stray. (Picture book. 3-7)

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June 1, 2015

Gr 1-2-Hal, Dora, and Geneva are three cats who love singing loudly together in the back alley. However, not everyone loves their singing. When the devious Lekvar Smirk captures the three kitties and rigs the Animal Idol competition to make them win, he thinks he's made his fortune. But Hal, Dora, and Geneva have their own ideas and leave Lekvar in the dust. Dora opens a fashion boutique, Hal opens a diner, and Geneva stars in movies. While they enjoy these things, they realize that they were happiest when they were singing together. Cats Get Famous is an entertaining tale about doing what you love most with the people you love most regardless of whether or not you will be recognized for it. The humor is smart, the cartoon illustrations are appealing, and the story is fun. VERDICT This is an enjoyable read-aloud and a solid purchase for most collections.-Paige Garrison, Aurora Central Public Library, CO

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