The Pawed Piper

This I-want-a-pet story by Robinson (Grandmas from Mars) offers sustained warmth and slow, thoughtful pacing. “I wanted a cat to cuddle,” the child who narrates explains. “A great big furry fluff ball, like the cat in my book.” Lee (Good Dog, Paw!) shows the girl and her family gathered around, regarding the book with quiet interest. She wonders whether she can lure a cat to her house and consults with her grandmother, who has a kitty named Hector, and then sets out empty boxes, catnip, cat toys, and cushions. She goes to sleep disappointed, with only her book for company, but is awakened by Hector—the title’s Pawed Piper—leading all the neighborhood cats into the girl’s room (“I lost count at SIXTY-SEVEN!”). In a series of stately group portraits, Lee paints the visitors as distinct, furry individuals, taking tender care with each one. A day of cuddling follows until a wall of “Lost Cat” posters clarifies many of the felines’ provenance and reveals that the girl’s pleasure has caused consternation elsewhere. She returns them, calmly—all but one. Robinson and Lee make the girl’s longing easy to understand and her joy a pleasure to share. Ages 2–5. [em](July) [/em]