The Amazing Hamweenie Escapes!

March 1, 2015
Hamweenie the marmalade cat makes good on his desire to escape the confines of his everyday life.Not much has changed in this follow-up to Bowman's earlier, decidedly quirky depiction of this pampered yet disaffected pet in The Amazing Hamweenie (2012). Muted colors, odd angles, and just slightly off-brand names crowd the pen-and-ink-and-watercolor illustrations, while the deadpan narration once again slyly contradicts the action shown. Hamweenie's outsized ego finds him daydreaming of stardom while he's standing in his litter box in the closet. Meanwhile, his actual existence is almost as far-fetched as his imaginary adventures. He claims to follow "a strict diet" but is shown gorging on pizza, fast food, and sweet snacks. A circus poster on the refrigerator door prompts him to action, and he handily escapes down the laundry chute and out through a basement window. A quick (if unlikely) bus ride later, Hamweenie arrives at the Darnum and Dailey circus, where he (mis)interprets every encounter as a reflection of his talent and star status. Narrowly escaping being eaten by a variety of animals, he's nonetheless nonplussed to be scooped up and toted back home. The only thing that's changed from the first outing is the setting. His owner's gift of a top hat and cape that exactly match the ones he's lost along the way gives the narrative a circular feel that seems quite fitting for this repetitive outing. (Picture book. 4-7)

April 1, 2015

K-Gr 2-Every cat lover relishes the sweet torture of owning a cat-feline beauty combined with feline disdain. Bowman has created a plump, cape-wearing kitty with oversize dreams of being a circus maestro or an Oscar-winning actor. Instead, Hamweenie is trapped in a "prison," using a kitty litter box for "Husky Cats" and being smothered by love from a little girl with pigtails. Hamweenie finally makes a break for freedom, plummeting down the laundry chute and leaping through the basement window in order to become a star at the Darnum & Dailey Circus. Far from stealing the show, Hamweenie has his hat and cape stolen by monkeys; is chased by a grumpy, tutu-wearing bear; and is forced to take a nap in the concession stand. His ignominious adventure ends when his doting owner rescues him and brings him home, tucked snugly in her backpack. Back in their apartment, Hamweenie is once again master of his domain, basking in the adulation of the local mice. This is a follow-up to The Amazing Hamweenie (Philomel, 2012), and Bowman again captures perfectly the superior attitude and maddening actions displayed by so many cats. Children will chuckle at the disconnect between Hamweenie's words and the action depicted in the illustrations, which suggest a lighter, more colorful version of Edward Gorey's finely detailed drawings. VERDICT For fans of Hamweenie's first adventure, and perfect for children who appreciate Garfield the cat.-Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA

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