Here Comes the Tooth Fairy Cat

March 15, 2015
Mischievous Cat is back (Here Comes Santa Cat, 2014, etc.), this time determined to meet the Tooth Fairy. After losing a tooth, Cat is disappointed that he didn't get to meet the Tooth Fairy when she left a coin under his pillow. Never at a loss for ideas, Cat concocts a plan to lure her back. Underwood and Rueda continue their playful repartee between the oh-so-patient narrator and silent Cat, bouncing the narrator's understated questions off of Cat's humorous expressions and handheld signs. Cat finds that it's harder to trick a fairy than he expected. Two packages arrive with a note that suggests, "if you help me with a few deliveries, maybe we can meet. Love, Tooth Fairy." But: "P.S. You'll have some help." When Mouse shows up as Cat's assistant, Underwood plays the two off each other to great effect. Both animals are full of not-quite-helpful suggestions ("Cat! Mouse can climb into the hole perfectly well without your, uh, help"), and Rueda's ink-and-colored-pencil illustrations heighten the humor with spot-on expressions and sight gags. Generous white space, expert timing, and minimalist illustrations focus attention on the plentiful, playful banter. Clever fun continues in this delightful series. (Picture book. 4-7)

April 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 2-Cat is back, and this time a lost tooth and the promise of a visit from the Tooth Fairy inspire his shenanigans. His misguided attempt to trick the legendary sprite into revealing herself to him backfires when Cat is recruited by the Tooth Fairy to conduct three difficult exchanges. He receives honorary wings, a tutu, and some "help" from a fellow trickster (Mouse). The reluctant pair first visit a gopher hole, then a squirrel's nest, and finally a bear cave, where only teamwork will get the job done. Once these missions are accomplished, Cat's desire to meet the Tooth Fairy is magically fulfilled-much to his surprise. As in the first two books, the author assumes the role of narrator and commentator, addressing Cat and Mouse directly, and they respond using only placards, body language, and priceless facial expressions. The colored-pencil and ink illustrations practically tell the story on their own, thanks to the extensive use of white space and an absence of irrelevant detail that puts the focus squarely on the characters and their wily behavior. VERDICT Fans of Here Comes Santa Cat and Here Comes Easter Cat (both 2014, Dial) and newcomers alike will ask for this book again and again.-Lynn Van Auken, Oak Bluffs School, Oak Bluffs, MA

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