The Very Fluffy Kitty, Papillon

July 4, 2016
Kang’s effervescent debut introduces a rotund cat who isn’t fat, the narrator explains, “Just very fluffy. I mean fluffy! He is lighter than air, which can get him into trouble.” Papillon’s adoring owner, Miss Tilley, creates a delicious wardrobe of costumes meant to keep him from floating away. Kang renders them in soft, charcoal-y outlines tinted with blue-green and splashes of red. In one outfit, Papillon is a piece of sushi (his body is the lump of rice, with a ribbon of fish laid along his back); in others, he’s one of the Brementown Musicians, a ghost, or a tree. After Papillon finally tires of being costumed, he does indeed float away, with worrisome results. A bird helps Papillon find his way home, and Miss Tilley makes a costume for him and his new friend—perfect! Papillon’s scorn for Miss Tilley’s solicitousness (“Just an eyepatch?” Miss Tilley begs) makes his trip through the forest, drifting above the jaws of crocodiles and fumbling to make a costume of his own, all the funnier. Kang’s a talent to watch. Ages 3–5. Agent: Heather Alexander, Pippin Properties.

September 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-Papillon is a big kitty owned by the unseen-but-heard-from Miss Tilly. His fluffiness makes him lighter than air, and Miss Tilly worries that he could float away and get lost. She tries to weigh him down by feeding him delicious treats to no avail. Quite by accident, she has an idea. Dressing Papillon keeps his paws on the ground, but the cat refuses to wear clothing of any kind. Discouraged, Miss Tilly leaves for the store, and Papillon enjoys a lighthearted afternoon that includes floating, singing, "and, of course, dancing." A little red bird catches his eye, and Papillon would like to make friends. Before he can do so, the bird flies away. Papillon floats away in pursuit but quickly gets lost. He stops on a tree branch to rest and think. "Papillon [does] not know what to do." Fortunately, the little red bird does and gives him the end of a vine to hold. With the other end in its mouth, the bird flies Papillon home. Miss Tilly is overjoyed and, seeing the bird, has a new idea. Wearing a birdhouse as a hat keeps Papillon grounded and his friend close by. Everyone is happy. The mixed-media illustrations are whimsical, colorful, and expressive, particularly the one of Papillon wearing nine different outfits. The large, clear font makes this title accessible to newer readers. VERDICT You don't have to love cats to enjoy this simple tale with endearing illustrations, but it may help. A fun choice for storytime.-Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2016
Fluffy kitty Papillon is lighter than air!Papillon may be big, but that really is just his fur. He literally floats around the house, causing Miss Tilly to worry that he'll be blown away. She tries to weigh him down with his favorite treats (doughnuts, fish, pizza, spaghetti); it doesn't work. Then she happens upon the idea of holding him down with clothes...and gets a bit overzealous with the costumes. One day, Papillon refuses even to wear an eye patch--and on seeing a bird through the open window, he floats after it and does indeed get lost. It turns out that no one in the wild is as nice as Miss Tilly. Papillon wants to go home, but he doesn't know the way. Thankfully, his new bird friend does. Miss Tilly is overjoyed to see her wayward floating feline...and the tiny vermillion bird on Papillon's head gives her the perfect idea for keeping him grounded. Kang's debut is an irresistible tale of an independent kitty who discovers home is best (especially when shared with a friend). Expressive Papillon soars across the muted, often monochromatic illustrations with pluck and aplomb, soft-edged pencils evoking his fluff and bright spots of red making the bird easy to find. Youngsters will be carried away by his obvious personality and beg for more. The page that depicts disgruntled Papillon in his costumes is worth the price of admission alone. Puffy Papillon's the most charming puss to pop up in years! (Picture book. 3-8)

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September 15, 2016
Preschool-G True to his butterfly namesake, the kitten Papillonrendered in wispy, cloudlike pencil strokescan float. He can even reach the rooftop weather vane, practice synchronized swimming (midair, of course), and sway from swanky chandeliers. But Papillon's one-of-a-kind buoyancy concerns owner Miss Tilly, who desperately attempts to anchor him with yummy treats. In one delectable spread, Papillon soars alongside ice-cream cones, scattered green peas, and mouthwatering maki rolls. When food fails, Miss Tilly turns to accessories. But imaginative headgear and lavish costumes (like a towering tree trunk complete with squirrel) don't exactly appeal to the paw-crossed Papillon. And when Miss Tilly runs to the market, the kitten finds himself on an accidental adventure with a new friend. While uncharted territory poses some particularly ferocious threatsa snake, owl, and razor-toothed croc lurk in the shadowsPapillon's equally airy pal, a tiny red bird, handily guides him to safety. Kang's atmospheric illustrations, chic patterning, and downright lovable characters will have readers giggling, grinning, and repeating. Though cats are commonplace in kids' lit, it's safe to say Papillon rises above.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)