Long Tail Kitty: Come Out and Play

Gr 2–4—Long Tail Kitty (LTK) returns in a second collection of gentle adventures. This time he goes to a magic show on a boat, makes new friends, and celebrates a birthday over four short chapters. LTK and his animal friends are unfailingly friendly and giving, and the stories demonstrate clearly the value of friendship and kindness. At one point, a dog assures the kitty, "I don't bite"; in another story, a frog surprises LTK, then asks him for a hug. This sweetness is balanced with whimsy: a "roboboat" turns out to be a boat helmed by robots, singing squirrels serenade the group at a birthday party, and Big E the elephant has magical powers. Unfussy cartoon illustrations in a simple layout make this a good introduction to comics for young readers, and the action is comforting enough for a bedtime read. The watercolor illustrations depict a pastoral, dreamy land of rolling hills and cozy houses, in a primarily pastel palette evocative of cupcake frostings.