Borne along by a powerful flood of water one stormy night, a homeless marmalade cat finds herself deposited in front of a dark building (a library!), where she finds shelter in a box left on the front steps. In the morning she is discovered by Lisa and Rochelle, the two librarians, and is quickly adopted as the library's cat. But although she now has a comfortable, safe home, Pumpkin Cat - so named because of her color, and because of the autumn season in which she was found - longs for something else: a companion. The children who come to the library for story-hour provide plenty of affection, but Pumpkin Cat is still lonely during the dark, quiet nights. And then, the day after Halloween, another box is discovered in front of the library...

A heartwarming story of a homeless feline who finds her place in the world, and also gains a surrogate child/companion, Pumpkin Cat has everything needed - an adorable feline heroine! the library as ultimate place of refuge! an autumn setting, with Halloween playing a role! a poignant story with a happy ending! - to make it a success in my book. Suitable as a sweet (rather than scary) Halloween tale, and as an "orphaned animal finds home" story, it pairs an engaging story with cute-as-a-button illustrations. I found myself, while reading, itching to pet Pumpkin Cat! Does anything else really need to be said?!? ( )