The Saddest Kitten
by Holly Webb, Sophy Williams (Illustrations)
4 out of 5 stars

Hailey’s family has just adopted a new kitten, but their older cat, Pickle, doesn’t like having a new cat in the house. Pickle fights with the new kitten, and tries to run her out of the house. Hailey’s best friend, Ilsa, has always wanted a cat, and she is jealous that Hailey has two. Ilsa offers to cat-sit for Hailey’s family when they are gone, and she discovers Pickle terrorizing the helpless kitten. Ilsa and Hailey will have to work together to find a solution so that both cats can be happy again.

This book is so adorable! It reminded me of getting my cat, Jellybean, when she was a little kitten and she would sleep at the end of my bed. I love the way the writing describes feline behavior, so that the reader can really envision everything that is happening in the story.

The friendship between Hailey and Ilsa is really sweet. They both love cats, but Pickle’s constant fighting becomes a source of tension between the two girls. I loved seeing how they resolve their differences and work together.

I found it interesting that Ilsa has a disability: she only has one arm. And yet, it is never addressed as some crazy abnormality. The focus is on Ilsa as a person, not as a disabled person. She is capable and smart, and she does everything that anyone else can do. It is just part of who she is, and does not define her. I love the way this book handles an important issue like this, cultivating awareness and a healthy attitude towards disability. It is only mentioned a few times in the book, because the focus is elsewhere.

I enjoyed the simple writing style which is perfect for young readers. Every three or four pages there is a pencil illustration with soft lines. I liked the art work and how it enhanced the story!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.