The Amazing Crafty Cat

In an entry-level graphic novel, Harper (the Just Grace series) dives into the mind of Birdie, a quirky worrier who loves to imagine herself as a resourceful feline alter ego, “Crafty Cat.” Birdie wants a perfect birthday, but she drops her box of panda cupcakes on the way to school. The story zigzags in and out of reality, with Birdie envisioning how future events might unfold. Harper’s line art helps distinguish what’s happening inside Birdie’s mind versus what’s actually happening, yet the story is simultaneously tricky to track and absent much of a plot. For those who share Birdie’s enthusiasm for crafting, instructions for several projects are included. Ages 6–10. Agent: Amy Rennert, Amy Rennert Agency. (Apr.)