Jungle Cat

March 15, 2023
An apartment-dwelling feline has good-hearted neighbors. Bob, an orange tabby and self-described "jungle cat," loves visiting friends. Firefighter Pearl appreciates that the cat follows her as she waters the lush greenery in her plant-filled "jungle" space. Chef Mario generously proffers sardines, adored by jungle cats. Computer whiz Kevin provides a bowl of fresh water, which Bob pretends is a "watering hole deep in the jungle." The best apartment is the one Bob shares with Pippa and her mom. When Pippa says the noisy city street is "a jungle," guess who's ready for adventure? But being outside proves too much even for a jungle cat. Bravado's one thing; screeching tires, honking horns, and shouting drivers are another: Bob heads for home and, in jungle-cat fashion, climbs a tree. Uh-oh, in pet-cat fashion, Bob gets stuck. Luckily, the feline's frantic meowing brings Pearl with a ladder and Mario, Kevin, and Pippa following closely behind. Together they effect a safe rescue, and a party celebrates the ordeal's happy ending. Though it's a tale we've seen before, this Canadian import is charming and conveys important messages about friendship and cooperation. The colorful digital illustrations are lively and filled with delightful, witty details; Bob is very expressive. Pearl, Mario, Pippa, and her mom have varied tones of brown skin; Kevin is White. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A welcome reminder that whether you're a cat or a human, it's nice to have friendly people around ready to help you out. (Picture book. 4-7)

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May 15, 2023
Preschool-Grade 1 Although Bob, an orange tabby cat, officially lives in apartment 302 with Pippa, he has the run of his four-unit building in a busy city. When not at home, the feline is welcomed by the other apartment dwellers: firefighter Pearl, chef Mario, and Kevin, who works on his computer. It's Pearl's apartment that gave Bob the idea he is a jungle cat, with all the plants she has growing there. On one day of especially noisy traffic, Pippa exclaims, "It's a jungle out there, Bob." Intrigued, the cat decides to run outside for an adventure. The ensuing escapade in the traffic-filled street proves more than Bob bargained for, and he climbs a tree to avoid the chaos. When the urban cat realizes he's unable to leave his safe perch, his friends join forces and come to his rescue. Engaging digital illustrations are filled with saturated colors and details of the apartments Bob visits on a regular basis. His friends are full of good humor and patience, creating an ideal existence for a spoiled kitty.

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