The Little Kitten

Ollie, who previously starred in The Little Reindeer and The Little Rabbit, returns in a cat costume for an autumn adventure. Ollie and her cherished cat, Pumpkin, head outdoors on a fine fall day and find a shivering kitten beneath a pile of leaves. The three frolic in the woods, “catching falling leaves” and “being explorers” until Ollie, leaving Pumpkin behind, notices “lost kitten” posters. The whistling wind—and maybe a hint of magic—guide Ollie as she returns the kitten to its family. Just when things look dark and spooky for Ollie, meowing Pumpkin arrives to help. Lighthearted action blended with gentle suspense will keep readers on Ollie’s trail. And Killen’s graphite images—a signature of this series—are accented throughout with pops of vivid orange: leaves, pumpkins, doors, and window shutters sustain a crisp, seasonal tone. Ages 4–8. (July)