Hello, Picture Book Builder people. Are you wanting to read and/or write a great read aloud? Well, I have the book for you.
Please get your paws on Cats in Construction Hats by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Leeza Hernandez.
This book had me sold on the dedication:
“To our agent, Rachel:
You bulldozed through our insecurities, gave concrete suggestions, and helped us nail this purr-fect book!
–S.B.-Q. and L.H”
Me-YOW, that was good!
Reviewers have also constructed (ha-ha) some lovely comments:
“A fresh twist that spotlights strengths individual and communal, while offering cat and construction aficionados plenty to savor.” —Publishers Weekly
“A message of determination and cooperation, conveyed with a kid-friendly combo of colors, trucks, and cute kittens.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A breezy assemblage of wordplay fun and purposeful, house-building, and cute, fuzzy workers in hard hats, this is just the ticket for younger audiences.” —School Library Journal
This is the opening spread:
Now I am a dog-person, but I am fully onboard.
These are just five of the reasons why I dig Cats in Construction Hats:
1–This book has THREE hooks–cats, colors, construction.
2–This book is such a fun read aloud. Not only is it funny, it rhymes AND incorporates some catchy onomatopoeia.
3–This book has endpapers that little ones will want to pour over. Plus, the back endpapers are different from the front ones. Annnnd sandwiched between these endpapers is spread after spread of Leeza’s charming art.
4–There is an unexpected moment that brought forth real deal glee in me.
5–The last two words are purr-fection.
There you have it, cool cats. Do yourselves a favor and curl up with this book.
