All Cats Welcome

5.0

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Author(s)

Susin Nielsen

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Vivian Mineker

Publisher

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

May 10, 2022

ISBN

978-1534476974

Buy This Book

In this sweet and affirming picture book, two cats discover they don’t need to share a language to become friends.

Leonard adores his human. “Stay! Let’s play!” he says when it’s time to leave for work. His human just hears “Meow.”

Sometimes Leonard gets lonely. So does Mariposa, who is new in town. Maybe they could keep each other company? “Hello,” says Leonard. “Hola,” says Mariposa.

While the friends don’t share a language, they do share adventures. And together they find a place where all cats—and their humans—are welcome.

Editor review

1 review

charming picture book about new friends

July 24, 2022

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

N/A

Writing Style

N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

ALL CATS WELCOME is a delightful and charming picture book about making new friends. Leonard loves his human, and he is always sad to see him leave for work. One day, when he is feeling lonely, he notices a cat across the way. When Leonard gets out and finds the cat, even though they don't speak the same language, they keep each other company and a friendship is formed. That is, until one day, when Mariposa's owner shuts the window so Leonard cannot get back to his owner. His owner looks for him while Mariposa's owner looks for Leonard's owner. When they cross paths, the owners become friends too.

What I loved: This is such a charming story about making new friends, and love/friendship across language barriers (cat to human and Spanish/English). The story is told softly, primarily through the illustrations. With lovely colors and plenty of details, the images really bring the story to life. The love between cat and human as well as for friends comes to life in the story. The messages around friendship, companionship, and the magic of pets are ones that young readers can really enjoy.

The text is brief throughout, making this work well for toddlers as well as older picture book readers. It is clear and easy to read with great color switches on simple backgrounds to remain readable throughout. The lovely illustrations really convey so much in terms of emotions and the magic of new friends.

Final verdict: ALL CATS WELCOME is a charming picture book about friendship and cats that is sure to charm young readers.