Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--4--Meet the Museum Kittens, a feline family that guards history's treasures, inspired by real cats at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and the British Museum in London. The first in the new series, The Midnight Visitor, introduces readers to the group of guard cats that includes young siblings Bianca, Boris, and Tasha; their mother, Smokey; and one-eyed Grandpa Ivan. During one stormy night, a small, soaked black kitten named Peter arrives. Grandpa Ivan is determined to welcome him into the museum family. Initially wary of the new arrival, the trio of siblings soon embrace Peter as one of their own, hunting rats, taking care of the museum's valuables, and more. The second installment, The Mummy's Curse, sees a new exhibit rumored to carry a wicked curse opening at the museum. Tasha is skeptical, until a disaster strikes that puts the kittens and the artifacts in danger. Kindness, empathy, and teamwork are all themes explored in this adventurous new chapter book series, excellent for fans of history, particularly Ancient Egypt. Chapters run 12--15 pages each, with engaging black-and-white illustrations throughout. Back matter includes information on the story's inspiration and the characters' real-life counterparts. VERDICT Recommended for purchase for most collections; an engaging series for fans of Kate Messner's "Ranger in Time" and Mary Pope Osborne's "Magic Tree House."--Olivia Gorecke, Cape May Cty. Lib., Ocean View, NJ
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