cover image Rosie the Cool Cat

Rosie the Cool Cat

Piotr Wilkon, P. Wilkon. Viking Children's Books, $13.95 (28pp) ISBN 978-0-670-83707-6

When Carolina Cat produces four black offspring and one peculiar kitten that is completely orange, her horrified spouse Caspar fears what the neighbors will say. The unusually colored daughter, Rosie, plays with mice instead of catching them, drinks tea instead of milk, and dishonorably befriends a dog. Feeling outcast and alone, she leaves home and eventually becomes a famous rock star. Much later, a triumphant Rosie returns to her parents and shows off her own brood, which includes one jet-black kitten named for his grandfather. The bold, energetic artwork features felines that are charged with life--their eyes glow, their fur frequently stands on end--and they nearly pounce off the pages. Unfortunately, the muddled, disjointed plot may prove confusing; even more problematic are the skewed values presented here. Although Rosie is a spunky rebel who finds success, she is also made to feel unloved and unwanted because of her appearance. Running away is condoned as the best--and a happy--option for her, and when at last she is welcomed back, it is because of her newfound fame, not the raised consciousness of other cats. Ages 3-8. (Feb.)