Bodega Cat

A cat named Chip takes readers through his day in this hip, comic-style picture book about a bodega’s role in a bustling city neighborhood. From the early morning deliveries with Dominican bodega proprietor Papi to the breakfast rush, taking inventory, and working the register, Chip—self-proclaimed “boss of this bodega”—has a paw in every aspect of the store’s operation. In the afternoon, Chip takes a break from supervising to romp and lounge with human brother Damian and the feline “boss” of a nearby Korean grocer, with whom Chip and family share a genial meal at day’s end. Chin’s attentive watercolor, gouache, and digital art features authentic city scenes, complete with piragua cart on the street corner and an inclusive mix of bodega visitors. A smart feline-centric introduction to an underappreciated N.Y.C. landmark institution: the corner bodega and its cat. Ages 3–5. [em](Sept.) [/em]