A Tale of Two Kitties

Written and illustrated by Judith Graves

Acorn Press

978-1-773661179

32 pp.

Ages 2-4

August 2023

It may have been National Cat Day on August 8th but for some of us every day is National Cat Day.

From A Tale of Two Kitties by Judith Graves

Mittens and Boots are two cats who look amazingly similar except for the distinct white markings that define them. Though they are treated the same in terms of their food and their sleeping preferences–their own chairs on opposite sides of a fireplace–they differ in their interests–singing vs. painting–and like to be kept separated. Then the chairs are gone, and a loveseat takes their stead. 

 

Mittens and Boots are not happy, convinced this is payback for all the things cats do, like hacking up in unusual places, enthusiastic use of their litter boxes, and late-night yowling. But, when sleep times comes, the two are forced to share the loveseat, albeit with some annoyance. Still, it seems the loveseat has a mind of its own and determined to bring the two felines together, maybe even with a new friend.

From A Tale of Two Kitties by Judith Graves

Anyone who has ever had multiple cats in a home knows that they can be best buddies or warily tolerant. Sometimes their humans are successful in bringing them together and sometimes less so. Obviously author-illustrator Judith Graves–whose YA novel Exposed is the only book I've reviewed here–knows about cats and living with them. Their personalities are so distinct and yet they share commonalities that make us wonder why they aren't better friends or at least companionable. But, cats will be cats and forcing them together, even as a loveseat did, doesn't always work. But, when options are limited, they can be compelled to accept and even endure the other, overriding their innate territorial instincts.

From A Tale of Two Kitties by Judith Graves

A Tale of Two Kitties is Judith Graves's debut picture book as the author and the illustrator, and as an artist (see her website at https://judithgraves.com/ or her etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/SassyLassieDesignsCA) with designs in acrylic as well as watercolour, I hoping we'll be seeing more of her work in children's book illustration. The story of Boots and Mittens is sweet and familiar, and we might be able to anticipate the next story with the arrival of Snowball (!). But it's Judith Graves's art of expressive cats, colourful wallpapers, and homey furnishings that brings life to her story. I love the colours, primarily teal and orange, and the warmth of that palette because, let's face it, with cats in the home, there's always a softness of spirit. 

Embedded in Judith Graves's art and story is an endearing cheekiness. "Purrhaps" it's her use of feline-inspired puns or the playfulness of her art, but regardless A Tale of Two Kitties is a whole package of sweet fun, lively art and feline reality.