cover image The Cat Came Back

The Cat Came Back

Fred Penner, , illus. by Renée Reichert. . Roaring Brook/Porter, $15.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-1-59643-030-3

Longtime children's performer Penner serves up his purrfectly perky rendition of this traditional folk song for picture book fans. Like the proverbial bad penny, a certain stray cat keeps turning up—on Mr. Johnson's doorstep. Calling the humane society, handing the kitty off to pirates and even blasting the furry feline into outer space do not do the trick; the cat always finds its way back, none the worse for wear. At last, by sheer determination, the cat curls onto Mr. Johnson's lap and presumably into his heart. In her picture-book debut, Reichert's rich and creamy pastels capture the sleek orange superkitty in all its silly glory, whether sporting an eye patch or decked out in a space suit. Mr. Johnson's stubbly beard, tiny round spectacles and frequently flabbergasted facial expressions add to the jaunty, comic tone. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)