Jane Clarke (1) (1954–)

So many animals are excited for the upcoming Paws and Prizes competition, but none more so than Posy the Puppy. But when Dr. KittyCat and her mouse assistant Peanut are called to the playing field to help an injured animal, it's none other than Posy! Can Posy be healed in time to compete and maybe win a blue ribbon like she so desperately wants?

This is a charming book to launch a short chapter book series for younger elementary school-age children. Even though the characters are all animals, show more there is a little bit of diversity in that not all of the animals are male. Furthermore, the doctor herself is female.

Although it is at face value just a silly book with talking animals, this book actually does a fairly good job of showing medical professionals at work. Obviously, it is not an exact corollary, but it provides some overviews of the various tools used -- including backmatter that explains each one a little more, complete with illustrations. This is not only informative in general, but useful for youngsters who might be a little trepidatious about doctors' visit but now have an understanding of why certain things happen there. For example, they will learn that a cold metal disc being pressed to their chest is to listen to their heartbeat and breathing and that the proper term is a stethoscope.

Peanut declares midway through this book that "Sometimes being a doctor is just being like a detective!" and that's very fitting as he and Dr. KittyCat try to determine exactly what is wrong with Posy based on conversations with her and the other animals at the playing field. As an adult, it was clear to me what went wrong fairly early on, and I'm curious as to whether young readers will also be able to figure it out as well. It's certainly good practice for them to think about hints dropped by the author, learning about foreshadowing.

The illustrations are super cute and definitely add to the appeal of this book. There are black-and-white photos of real animals on basically every page. Then the author uses purely purple to color in details around them, such as Dr. KittyCat's lab coat and equipment bag. My particular favorite that gave me a little giggle every time I saw it was the illustration of Fennel the Fox wearing a purple baseball hat upon his head.

This is a great book to read aloud to younger elementary school-age children (such as a chapter a night at bedtime) or for them to try and tackle on their own. It's a great extension for classroom units on community helpers (which often includes mention of doctors, nurses, EMTs, etc.) and for kids who enjoy playing doctor or vet during pretend play sessions. show less

Just checking back in with the Dr. KittyCat series. Little hats? Check. Still adorable? Double check.

Dr. KittyCat and her nurse, Peanut the mouse, are getting ready to vaccinate all the animals in Thistledown against fur and feather flu. It's really important because the big talent show is coming up and all the animals are participating! When Willow the Duckling starts showing symptoms of being sick, Dr. KittyCat and Peanut are worried - did they miss vaccinating someone? Will she give fur show more and feather flu to all the other animals? Luckily, it turns out that Willow is having a panic attack. With some helpful advice from Dr. KittyCat, she calms down and with the help of her friends learns some techniques to overcome her anxiety and go on to do her web foot waltz. After a busy day, Dr. KittyCat and Peanut do some deep breathing exercises of their own and get some rest so they can help more animals tomorrow!

Collaged illustrations with a blue theme show an adorable duckling, fluffy Dr. KittyCat, and sweet Peanut the mouse. And, of course, all the animals have their signature headgear, from Posy the puppy's bow to the guinea pigs little flowered hat. I don't think I've ever seen vaccinations and meditation together in a children's book, but it really works. It's sweet and gently informative at the same time.

Verdict: These are tremendously popular at my library; kids don't find them twee, as was my initial fear, and while they won't appeal to everyone universally, they're just right for beginning chapter readings who like cute stories about animals. Recommended.

ISBN: 9780545873468; This edition published 2016 by Scholastic; Purchased for the library show less

There....there is a little guinea pig with a purple hat. Be still my beating heart. Oh the adorability!

Dr. Kitty Cat and her assistant Peanut the mouse take care of all the animals - and with field day happening there are lots of bumps, bruises, and scrapes! When Posy the puppy gets caught in the agility course, Dr. Kitty Cat and Peanut race to the rescue in the vanbulance. Luckily, Dr. Kitty Cat knows just what to do for first aid and to extricate a scared puppy! Then she has to figure out show more what's wrong with Posy; "Sometimes being a doctor is just like being a detective!" With Peanut's help, they figure out what's wrong with Posy - and where Dr. Kitty Cat's missing ball of yarn has gone!

This is hilarious. It's illustrated with black and white photos of cute animals, decorated with purple clothes and accoutrements. There's also lots of first aid information included as Dr. Kitty Cat takes care of her patients.

Verdict: Fans of Critter Club, Magic Animal Friends, Doc McStuffins, and all things cute and furry will devour these. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9780545873338; Published 2016 by Scholastic; Borrowed from another library in my consortium show less

Leon is a chameleon that can't change color, but stays a bright neon orange. This title breaks the 4th wall and speaks directly to the reader to encourage them to help Leon find his place. There are some titles that do that successfully, but this one just seems to come off as a bit patronizing. Perhaps it would work well with a group of enthusiastic kids, but I didn't love it.
Gah, updating my review. It didn't immediately hit me, but the message of being unhappy until you "fit in" or find show more someone who looks just like you kept nagging the back of my brain. Not liking the subtext (intentional or not) on this one. show less