Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2006 (Vol. 74, No. 8))
These 12 fine felines are truly the "Cat's Meow." Established folk artist Kimble is known for his signature cats that have appeared in fine art, notepads and even wallpaper. His artistic affection for the animals is in fine fettle here. Acrylic paintings on distressed wood illustrate a rotund cat on one side and a bordered two-word descriptor on the other: "Lazy cat" is asleep with a mouse beside it; "Curious cat" is sitting inside a wooden bucket; "Fat cat" is-well-big, round and fat. Since there is no narration, the cat portraits offer the opportunity for early grade readers to make up stories about how the cats were named-for instance, why is "Clean cat" sitting in a bathtub? Beautiful paintings and handsome design create an exquisite cattery battery that's pure delight, and the cover is guaranteed to make people reach for it. 2006, Walker, 24p, $16.95. Category: Picture book. Ages all.

Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt (Children's Literature)
This book is short on words (there are just 22) and long on cats. There is a clean cat, a fluffy cat, a scaredy cat, even a curious cat. A proud cat, a fat cat--and twin black- and-white cats. Each spread offers a drawing of a cat on one page and a two-word descriptor on the other. The book is so perfectly balanced that the paintings and words switch locations from spread to spread. The book’s art is the work of Warren Kimble, a successful contemporary American folk artist. Adults reading the text to young children will appreciate Kimble’s artistic skill; the children will enjoy matching the descriptive words to the corresponding cat. The happy cat, of course, is wearing a smile. The lazy cat is asleep. The curious cat peers over the edge of a basket, while the clean cat peers contentedly from a bathtub. Though this book is primarily a showcase for Kimble’s art, readers will enjoy the sing-song text. Too, young readers will surely feel a sense of accomplishment upon memorizing--if not learning to read--the text. There are, after all, only twelve different words. As the feeling of the book is so peaceful, it may become a child’s favorite book to curl up with before a nap. Yet parents and teachers can also use the book to lead children in discussions of color, shape, texture--and feelings. 2006, Walker & Company, $16.95. Ages 1 to 4.