Bambino and Mr. Twain

Maltbie returns to the theme of Picasso and Minou (2008), telling a second cat-and-artist story, a historical anecdote from the archives of Mark Twain. Recently widowed, the writer roams his New York City brownstone, refusing visits from well-wishers and grousing at his daughter’s cat as it swats billiard balls back at him across a dramatically foreshortened table. “Bambino,” he tells the cat, “you’d make a champion billiards player if you could only hold a cue.” When Bambino darts out a window, Twain advertises for the lost cat in every New York newspaper, and admirers of his work throng to his house, offering him their own cats, as well as strays, as consolation. “We can spare him for a few days,” offers one visitor, “if it keeps you from being sad.” In crisp-edged mixed-media illustrations, Miyares (Waking Up Is Hard to Do) uses cinematic angles to great effect, as when Bambino returns and Twain is viewed from above, holding him up in triumph. Although it portrays a Twain whose writing days are behind him, it’s an unexpectedly moving introduction to his sardonic wit. Ages 5–8. Agent: Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency. (Feb.)