From School Library Journal
reSchool-Grade 2-This charming Mother's Day story depicts family togetherness and love in a single-parent household. Stanley, the youngest of four kittens, can't decide on a gift for his mother. Stumped, he asks each of his siblings what they are giving. His brother says he will give their mother flowers. "`Good idea,' said Stanley" and he rushes off to pick some flowers from the garden. But "by the time he got back inside, all the petals had fallen off." Stanley then goes on to ask his two older sisters for advice but comes up with no ideas. Troubled, the kitten tosses and turns all night, worrying about what to do. The next morning, his siblings gather in Stanley's room to offer last-minute advice, triggering an idea for the perfect present. The cartoon illustrations, done in watercolor, gouache, and pencil, dominate the book, showing the dejected kitten as his ears droop, whiskers quiver, and tail drags with each failed effort to produce a gift. One very nice touch is the progression of family photos on the endpapers and title pages. The bright colors and expressive characters combined with the heartwarming story make this a noteworthy addition to picture-book collections. Children will identify with Stanley, his quest, and his ultimate triumph.
Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, ALCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Ages 2-4. A toddler learns about gift giving and discovers his own power in a gentle picture book about a cat family. Stanley's big brothers and sisters all have fine presents for Mother's Day, but when Stanley tries to copy them, he makes a mess. He picks flowers, and all the petals fall off. His bank is empty, so he can't buy anything. He can't make a cake, even a mud one. Finally he finds the best gift of all--a huge box of kisses that last forever and ever. Kubick's pictures in watercolor, gouache, and pencil show Stanley as a combination of kitten and eager child, and preschoolers will enjoy his bumbling, messy failures as much as the final triumphant encircling embrace in Mom's arms. As in Rosemary Wells'
Bunny Cakes (1997), the youngest outdoes his older siblings and finds his own way.
Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
