The Very Fluffy Kitty, Papillon

Kang’s effervescent debut introduces a rotund cat who isn’t fat, the narrator explains, “Just very fluffy. I mean fluffy! He is lighter than air, which can get him into trouble.” Papillon’s adoring owner, Miss Tilley, creates a delicious wardrobe of costumes meant to keep him from floating away. Kang renders them in soft, charcoal-y outlines tinted with blue-green and splashes of red. In one outfit, Papillon is a piece of sushi (his body is the lump of rice, with a ribbon of fish laid along his back); in others, he’s one of the Brementown Musicians, a ghost, or a tree. After Papillon finally tires of being costumed, he does indeed float away, with worrisome results. A bird helps Papillon find his way home, and Miss Tilley makes a costume for him and his new friend—perfect! Papillon’s scorn for Miss Tilley’s solicitousness (“Just an eyepatch?” Miss Tilley begs) makes his trip through the forest, drifting above the jaws of crocodiles and fumbling to make a costume of his own, all the funnier. Kang’s a talent to watch. Ages 3–5. Agent: Heather Alexander, Pippin Properties. (Sept.)