I first heard this book read out loud on NPR a few weeks ago. The host and a guest were taking turns doing voices for each of the characters and having a great time. I stopped what I was doing to listen, and was immediately hooked.
Mr. Pusskins is a grouchy cat who belongs to Emily, a little girl who thinks the world of him, and doesn't seem to notice how annoyed it makes him when she tries to brush his long coat, play games with him, or read him stories. While this is an engaging premise, the story really gets interesting when Mr. Pusskins decides to run away because he finds his life with Emily so boring. After a few days of "naughty fun" (digging in gardens and garbage cans, mostly), Mr. Pusskins soon realizes he has made a tragic mistake, letting down the only true friend he has.
What makes this story so engaging is not only the combination of vivid illustrations and playful typography, but characters that exist outside the mold of what they'd be in a typical little girl and cat story. When Mr. Pusskins finds a "Missing Cat" flyer with his own picture on it, he calls Emily on the telephone, saying, "Meow" in a pitiful voice. Emily recognizes him immediately and promises to come get him, eventually speeding toward him in a bright pink car. I love that Emily drives the car all by herself, even though she's just a child, and I love that Mr. Pusskins somehow knows how to use a telephone. These are the quirks that make Mr. Pusskins the kind of read that will make both kids and adults engaged, and most of all, teach kids what it means to be a friend.
"Now both Emily and Mr. Pusskins realize how lucky they are to have each other," the last line reads. Because in the end, Mr. Pusskins is a changed kitty, one who likes to be snuggled and read to, and who loves Emily as much as she loves him.
-Andrea Deeken, Indigo Editing, LLC
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Atheneum (December 26, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416925171
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