Flat Cat The class pet

PreS-Gr 2--Flat Cat was born flat, and most of the time he likes it that way. One day, the wind blows Flat Cat into his friend Willow's hoodie, and he looks forward to new experiences with her at elementary school. But the chaos becomes overwhelming, and Flat Cat seeks a quiet place to hide. When Willow needs help, Flat Cat quickly comes to her aid, and, in the process, realizes that being seen and loved isn't so bad. A pastel palette, alliterative adjectives, and plenty of motion create the playful atmosphere of Flat Cat's world. Illustrations expand on the narrative; simple facial expressions ensure that Flat Cat displays an array of emotions, while dynamic poses and diagonal lines show action. Full-page illustrations set the pace of work, while a short section of small vignettes emphasize the boisterousness of a school setting. Flat Cat's adventures are amusing--he's a paper airplane, a secret note, a bathroom pass--but like the message in Jeff Brown's Flat Stanley, this shows Flat Cat's willingness to go with the flow and help out a friend in need. VERDICT An amusing and memorable story for cat lovers.--Maggie Mason Smith

Flat Cat is back for more feline fun--this time at school. Flat Cat wasn't smooshed by a rolling pin or squeezed by a giant pile of library books. He was just born flat. He likes his unusual appearance; he can slip through the blinds in the ice cream shop for a quick cone or float around town on the breeze. When he spies his neighbor Willow waiting for the school bus, he decides to tag along. School is full of people and strange smells. Kids fold Flat Cat into a paper airplane and use him as a bathroom pass. He enjoys this "terrific tomfoolery" until he's accidentally swept up with the trash. Later, he masquerades as Willow's missing homework, and they both get a gold star. At show and tell, Flat Cat decides to show what he can do. He jumps in the water fountain, stands under the hand dryer…and poof! He enjoys the attention until Willow squeezes him flat. "What a gold star day." While Oswald's purplish illustrations are rife with giggle-worthy sight gags, the narrative feels less like a story and more like a series of unconnected events. Readers may have questions--for instance, how exactly does Flat Cat pass as a hall pass? Those who lovedFlat Cat (2023) will be eager for more, but they'll be more satisfied by the earlier book. Willow is tan-skinned; her school is diverse. Offers some amusing moments, but mostly a pale retread of the first installment.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.