Black Cat & White Cat

July 11, 2016
A black cat and a white cat attempt to become friends in Garralon’s stylish and clever first book for children. Her high-contrast artwork, created digitally, consists of white-on-black silhouettes and black-on-white silhouettes, all the better to see each cat. And that’s precisely the problem that arises when the cats try to hang out: when “Black Cat visits White Cat... whoosh! He disappears.” To remedy the dilemma (“It’s perfect for hiding. But it makes it hard to play together”), the cats set off for somewhere new, and the candy-colored final spread—filled with trees, buildings, and lots of felines—feels like a big payoff for cats and readers alike. Ages 1–4. Agency: Hannele Legras Literary.

July 1, 2016
Black Cat and White Cat look for a place to play.Black Cat lives in a white house, and White Cat lives in a black house. Whenever one tries to visit the other, it disappears. So off they go in search of a new, colorful place to play. The graphics are both high-contrast simple and sophisticated, challenging readers to spot where each cat's silhouette blends into the background, fusing with negative space. This tale of friendship and play is perfectly aimed at young readers just starting to grasp narrative threads but not quite ready for full-blown stories yet. The board book's similarities to Silvia Borando's Black Cat, White Cat (2015) should be noted, but only children's-book enthusiasts will do a double take. Little readers will adore the clean-cut illustrations and sharply contrasted compositions that burst with color at the book's end. And who can't love these little guys? They are adorable as they romp and play. A smartly paced and sweetly drawn story for little readers. (Board book. 1-3)

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August 1, 2016

Toddler-PreS-Suppose the world were just black-and-white? The black cat, who lives in a white house, can't visit the white cat, who lives in a black house, and vice versa. When one calls on the other, the caller promptly disappears. This enchanting board book features simple black-and-white collages of cats, or cats in houses, until the triumphant, colorful ending. Garralon, a native of France, has a number of delightful titles to her credit, both as illustrator and author. One can hope that all of these works will soon be published in English-language versions. VERDICT Young children will enjoy this board book's whimsical wit and artistry. A winner.-Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY

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