Purr-im Time!

Three anthropomorphized felines are big fans of Purim in this upbeat picture book by Waldman. Rising from their naps, they embark on a nonstop celebration, making hamantaschen, delivering baskets of home-baked treats, and donning costumes (“Capes and crowns,/ and flowing gowns”) for a procession that leads to a boisterously acted megillah reading and carnival. The kittens are fluffy and plump in Chen’s lively digital illustrations, which give them unmistakably enthusiastic expressions, as befits a holiday where no-holds-barred fun is the rule. Only one spread explicitly references faith (“Haman wants to hurt the Jews;/ his heart is full of spite”), but the kitties clearly live in an active, exuberant Jewish community, where feline neighbors decorate their houses for the holiday and greet a Purim parade from their windows. A note and craft instructions conclude. Ages 3–6. (Feb.)