The Lost Kitten

In this simple tale of a stray kitten and a hopeful girl, Papa inadvertently brings a tabby kitten, “softer than cotton,” into the house with the groceries, and Emilia immediately asks to keep him. But Papa maintains they ask the neighbors if they’ve lost the feline first. As the two make their way around the area, kind residents helpfully offer supplies (“how about a stuffed mouse?”). But the family returns home to ask Mama, a boy and his mother have arrived, looking for a lost kitten of their own. In a cool palette, mixed-media illustrations by Ruiz add depth to the simple story, enlivening the text with dynamic forms, intricate architecture, and interesting angles. While the tale’s climax lasts for only a moment, the narrative serves as a warm testament to community. Ages 3–7. [em](Oct.) [/em]