Review by Booklist Review
Antony, known for his Mr. Panda series, brings young readers another charming creation. This delightful picture book captures the essence of bedtime struggles with simplicity and skill. Using just a handful of words and some well-placed punctuation, Antony fashions a story that is accessible and engaging for tots. The endearing illustrations feature an orange, striped cat with big, expressive eyes. Uncluttered spreads will help little ones focus on the story, which centers on Cat's bedtime routine (including procrastination measures), a relatable theme for children and caregivers alike. Despite being caught yawning ("Nap, Cat?" // "Cat. Nap!"), Cat is determined to do everything except go to bed--have a tea party, pretend to be a superhero, and pile all their stuffed animals onto the bed. Eventually, though, Cat begins to wind down by brushing their teeth, putting on pajamas, and finally settling into bed. This is a sweet bedtime read that will hopefully be followed by more antics from Cat.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Will Cat finally succumb to sleep? A fluffy striped orange tabby kitten, its eyes at half-mast, clutches a tiny blue teddy and a soft blanket whose fish print is matched by the book's endpapers. Other essentials--including a sippy cup with milk--are at hand, but Cat has so many enticing soft toys. Wouldn't a pretend picnic be a great idea, complete with milk? "Not playtime, Cat," scolds the unseen narrator. "Nap time!" Cat decides the picnic blanket would make a great cape and perches, paw outstretched, on the upended toy box. "No! Not Super Cat. Nap, Cat!" shouts the narrator. "Oh dear." That box wasn't properly balanced: "Splat!" "Poor Cat." Later, the narrator asks, "Cuddle, Cat?" The kitten beds down in a cozy old-fashioned white-painted wood cot on rockers, with a cut-out heart; it's big enough forall the stuffies, blanket, and Cat. Checklist: "Toothbrush, Cat." "Pillow, Cat." "Night light, Cat." Tucked in, Cat's eyes are wide: What has been forgotten now? Oh, it's bow tie--sporting teddy, who's fallen on the floor, and with a kiss and another cuddle, Cat is ready for "sweet dreams." Cat stands upright, making a solid rectangle of cloudlike kitten fur, but the expressive ears, eyes, and mouth are all feline. Bright colors make essential details (like the rug and mobile) pop, and the handling is sure. Cat is irresistible. An adorable evocation of the minor struggles and major charms of toddler nap time.(Picture book. 0-4) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
