A SLJ starred review for Hungry Bunny

«“A first choice for libraries.” –School Library Journal, starred review

This interactive adventure invites readers to assist a very hungry Bunny with a “tummy rumble” as he gathers apples to take home. Large font instructions in colorfully contrasting red text plead with children to “shake” apples and “blow” leaves from a tree, while a helpful attached ribbon of a scarf allows readers to “grab,” “place,” “hold,” and eventually “make a bridge” while assisting Bunny. The way home is filled with additional instructions, propelling Bunny’s wagon faster as children tilt, rock, and turn the book to move him along toward home—just in time to pop through a hole and add apples to Mom’s homemade pie. The simplicity of cartoon images enhanced by graphite pencil shading with minimal use of bold color allows the easy identification of Bunny’s actions, expressions, and important objects on the page. Text separated on facing pages emphasizes action words and invites readers to follow Bunny’s activity through turning ¬pages. VERDICT This engaging title encourages listening, identification of events in the story, and interactivity. A first choice for libraries.

A Star for Teacher Cat

Available August 8, 2017

Publishers Weekly

★ 05/15/2017
When Ms. Melba has to go to the doctor, the star of Here Comes the Easter Cat and its sequels reluctantly agrees to be a substitute teacher at Kitty School. Underwood and Rueda maintain the droll narration and spare visual humor of the previous books as Cat guides eager kittens through music (electric guitars are involved), building time (a “fountain that spouts fish” is involved), and art (major cleanup is involved). There’s plenty to giggle over on almost every page, but the funniest moment might belong to Ms. Melba, who returns to the classroom with a “cone of shame” around her neck. Ages 3–5. Author’s agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. (Aug.)

Publisher's Weekly

Valentine Cat is Out

The Valentine Cat book is out!

The fourth and my favorite in the Cat series so far. Congratulations to Deborah Underwood. Sequels are harder to write than original books and she's done it so right. It's also getting a star from PW: http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-525-42915-9

CAT is Back!

A starred review from School Library Journal

A Star for upcoming Here Comes Santa Cat

A PW star for Easter Cat

Underwood and Rueda deliver an Easter book with real personality in this story of a cat who’s got his eye on the Easter Bunny’s job. Underwood (The Quiet Book) structures the story as a conversation between Cat and a witty unseen narrator; Cat never speaks, but instead communicates his responses his facial expressions, body language, and the occasional placard. Rueda (Is It Big Or Is It Little?) does a marvelous job of capturing Cat’s rapidly changing emotions, from his pride at picking the perfect vehicle to deliver Easter gifts (a massive red motorcycle, naturally) to his horror at realizing that an Easter Cat’s busy schedule would mean no time for naps. It’s a highly appealing blend of slightly edgy humor and underlying sweetness, and the ending suggests that Santa better watch his back. Ages 3–5. 

Publishers Weekly Feb. 17

Two Stars for The Easter Cat

Two starred reviews for Here Comes the Easter Cat!

From School Library Journal:The combination of witty text, plentiful white space, and brilliant images make this a truly winning book

From The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: Cat's signs and facial expressions are cheekily amusing.

A Starred Review for Easter Cat!

School Library Journal

★ 01/01/2014
PreS-Gr 2—What happens when a lazy cat decides he wants to take over Easter? Readers meet Cat, who conveys his thoughts with pictures and facial expressions. As the story progresses, Cat becomes more and more convinced he is the perfect candidate to replace the Easter Bunny. Will he get his way? The narrator, who kids will enjoy pretending to be, explains Cat's actions and asks all the right questions. "Clothes? No, you don't need special clothes. Well…the Easter Bunny does wear a very nice vest. Wow. That's very…sparkly." This is a book that will be enjoyed in storytimes as well as one-on-one. The wonderful ink-and-color pencil illustrations depict the characters' expressions perfectly, enabling children to decipher what is happening even without the narrative. The combination of witty text, plentiful white space, and brilliant images make this a truly winning book, especially for libraries looking to expand their Easter collections.—Brooke Rasche, La Crosse Public Library, WI

The book will be out on January 28