First, I’m so excited–and nervous. My first review for the New York Journal of Books went live yesterday. It was on the Home page–AT THE TOP!! It is probably no longer there, but I have a link direct to the review. The book, the Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary, is a must-have!
Every word Roald Dahl ever invented, every character, and all the placed his characters resided, or had a story, is included. After each word is defined–just like a regular dictionary–a sentence follows using the word. EVERY sentence is from a Dahl story and the character who spoke it is listed. Quentin Blake original illustrations, and exclusive new images, make this dictionary a magical experience. Read the review HERE and my NYJB biography HERE. And now, today’s review.
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Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine Cupcake Tiberius Cat
Written and Illustrated by Katie Harnett
Flying Eye Books  9/06/2016
978-1-909263-37-6
32 pages   Ages 3—5

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“The cat who lives on Blossom Street is called something different by everyone and loved by all. But there is one house on the street that he hasn’t visited yet . . .
“From a wonderful new picture book talent comes a sweet and memorable tale about communities, friendship, and not forgetting those around us.” [back cover]

Review
Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine Cupcake Tiberius Cat reminds me of the homeless cats running around, often cold, hungry, and fearful. But not this cat. This cat does a lot of running around, but not because he is cold or hungry, and certainly not fearful. This cat stops by nearly every house on Blossom Street . . . except one. Mr. Green at #3 calls his cat Archie. Miss. Fernandez calls hers Valentine. Madame Betty calls her cat so many names she might get Snufflekins, Sweetie-Pie, Cupcake confused, and a cat-headache. When the cat fails to show up for a few days, the people of Blossom Street worry. They pass flyers with his picture and each call out their cat’s name. Nothing works. As should happen in a children’s book, a child finally realizes they are looking for the same cat.

Archie . . . is a sweet story about one cat who plays a role in so many diverse people’s lives, yet no one knows this. The color-pencil illustrations show people of various race and ethnicity, often dressed culturally. Archie Snufflekins . . . humor is in the art, which enhances the story of this stoic calico cat. When the cat finds a permanent home, where the person needs him as much as he needs her, they all let their cat go—a marvelous show of true love. But then a wonderful twist improves this lonely older person’s life—and the neighbors. What a wonderfully warm, heartfelt message. No matter the background of the people, everyone can love and care about the same creature. The ending is pure magic of the best kind.

Archie Snufflekins Oliver . . . I really love this story. I had no idea where it went, as the cat visits one home after another. For someone who deals with a rescue, I understand how difficult it is to send an animal you’ve been caring for and love to a permanent home; to someone you do not closely know. Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine . . ., the cat with a dozen names, is obviously happy. Check out his mouth—all pouty until he finds the lonely women—then check out this book. Young children will understand the story and love this cat. You don’t need to love cats to appreciate Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine Cupcake Tiberius Cat; ultimate selfless love, a community united, and unexpected friendships, all beautifully packaged for young—and old—readers.

ARCHIE SNUFFLEKINS OLIVER VALENTINE CUPCAKE TIBERIUS CAT. Text and illustrations copyright © 2016 by Katie Harnett. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Flying Eye Books, New York, NY.

Amazon—Indie Books—Flying Eye Books—Nobrow

Find Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine Cupcake Tiberius Cat on Goodreads HERE.

Katie Harnett:  http://www.katieharnett.com/
Follow on Twitter        @katie_harnett

Flying Eye Books:  http://flyingeyebooks.com/
Nobrow:  http://nobrow.net/
Follow on Twitter      @FlyingEyeBooks          @nobrowpress

Flying Eye Books is an imprint of Nobrow Ltd.

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Reprinted with permission from ARCHIE SNUFFLEKINS OLIVER VALENTINE CUPCAKE TIBERIUS CAT © 2016 by Katie Harnett, Flying Eye Books, an imprint of Nobrow Ltd., Illustrations © 2016 by Katie Harnett.

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Copyright © 2016 by Sue Morris/Kid Lit Reviews. All Rights Reserved

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Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine Cupcake Tiberius Cat
Written and Illustrated by Katie Harnett
Flying Eye Books 9/06/2016
9781909263376