Jamaica is Thankful

Juanita Havill
Illustrated by Anne Sibley O’Brien

Jamaica’s friend Kristin brings a big red shoebox over to Jamaica’s room and Kristin has a secret. Inside the box is a small kitten, Puffy, which Kristin cannot keep. Kristin already has an older cat who does not like Puffy, and she is hoping Jamaica will be able to keep the young kitten. That way, if Jamaica keeps the kitten, Kristin hopes she will still be able to come over and visit with Puffy. Kristin really wants Jamaica to keep Puffy, even though she sees it could be a problem for Jamaica. Even so, Jamaica agrees to hide the kitten in her closet. Therefore, a struggle begins for Jamaica … what she wants to do, and what she knows she should do. Her first problem began when her brother Ossie went into her bedroom and Jamaica had to hide Puffy in her closet. Ossie was very allergic to cat’s fur, and the kitten had been sleeping on his football jersey. From that point, Jamaica realized what she had to do. Kristin and Jamaica talked about the things they should be thankful for and Kristin found a home for Puffy.

The watercolor and pastel illustrations are engaging for the young readers. This book is part of a “Jamaica” series, and is excellent for young readers. The reinforced binding is helpful for public and school libraries.

BIBLIO: 2009, Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Ages 5-8, $16.00
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-618-98231-8

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 12/11/09

Princess, A Lucky Kitten

Barbie Heit Schwaeber
Illustrations by Catherine Herta

Princess is a lucky kitten, adopted by Jin, from a local pet shelter. After a day of shopping with her mom, Jin decides to use her own money to rescue Princess, and after receiving advice on care for the new kitten, mom, Jin, and Princess go home. Jin and her family live in Chinatown, so the reader is afforded a glimpse into the Chinese culture. The book is written with the endorsement of the American Veterinary Medical Association, with basic information a child would need to take care of a young kitten. While the story is less fiction and more instructive, it is a good find for a child interested in a kitten, specifically Persians. One of the best parts of this book is the inclusion of the read-along CD, which makes for an independent reader. The illustrations are colorful, engaging, and are a major part of the success of the story. Unlike most storybooks, this one includes web site information for the American Veterinary Medical Association and Soundprints. Since this book is a multi-cultural glimpse of the Chinese culture and the care of a kitten, it would be an excellent addition to elementary classrooms.

BIBLIO: 2007, Soundprints, Ages 9 to 12, $4.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-15-92496-754
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 4/09