Ready-to-Read Pre-Level 1
Starred review from May 1, 2023
K-Gr 2-Nat the Cat is pretty smelly, and it is time for a bath. But baths are not Nat's favorite, so despite the fact that one is necessary, Nat will do whatever it takes to delay the inevitable. When every request has been fulfilled-bubbles, toys, and a towel-Nat's mouse friend arrives and demonstrates that baths do not have to be quite so scary after all. Fans of Mo Willems's "Elephant and Piggie" series will fall in love with Nat the Cat right away. Straightforward, repetitive phrases enhance the confidence young children feel as they begin to read on their own. Though the words used in the creation of this story are limited and repetitive, the narrative is nonetheless enjoyable thanks to the humor found within it and its overall presentation. Designed using a large font for the narrator's voice and specifically colored word bubbles for the speech of the characters, readers will learn to discern among various speakers in a visually stimulating format. Chunky, cartoonlike illustrations support the text, and several of these images will inspire conversation outside of the given story. Additionally, neither Nat nor the mouse uses pronouns at all in this book, which enhances its appeal to a broad audience. VERDICT Funny, heartwarming, and accessible, this is a charming book that will encourage and entertain fledgling readers as they improve their independent reading skills.-Mary Lanni
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