Fuddles

PreS-Gr 1—Fuddles is a large and very pampered black-and-white tuxedo cat who yearns for adventure and the great outdoors. To prepare himself, he starts "a strict exercise regimen. (But not too strict.)" Lively cartoon illustrations digitally rendered show the lethargic feline lackadaisically tapping a ball (exercise) and eating lots of food (the not-too-strict part!). Once he does manage to sneak outside, matters deteriorate quickly: the birds and squirrels are not easy prey, the trees are not a cinch to climb, and the neighbor's dog is definitely not friendly. Chastened and lost, Fuddles is finally found by his family and gratefully lapses back into his usual routine as a spoiled house cat. Although not an unusual subject, this oversize story is full of fun with large, expressive pictures of the inimitable character as he discovers the challenges of the outdoors. Certainly the book is a candidate for a themed storytime or a bedtime read to chuckle over. Most libraries should make the acquaintance of Fuddles.—Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA