Kitties: You Got This

Kitties on Dinosaurs by Michael Slack

​Three adorable wide-eyed kitties have scaled to the top of everything nearby: the cat climbing tree, an actual tree, even an old out-of-the-way litter box. They are ready for a new challenge. They decide to climb the dinosaurs on Dinosaur Island. This is a daunting proposition. Dinosaurs are huge and fearsome. These cute little felines are warned by the narrator “They will eat you alive.”
Not to be deterred, the brave little trio set sail for the island of dinosaurs in their cozy covered cat box, also known as the litter mobile.
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​Things do not go well. The monstrous lizards frighten the kitties away. But these are determined felines. They are not ready to give up. With cell phone and notebook in paw, they huddle inside the litter mobile and devise a new plan of attack. Actually, they try and fail multiple times. The inventive kittens try a lasso, camouflage, parachutes. Nothing works. The dinosaurs intend to eat them.
​Until... the prehistoric beasts realize just how cute and cuddly these little furballs are.

It would seem that the story has arrived at a happy ending. However Slack has a surprise for readers that will keep them wondering about what will happen next. Youngsters may be inspired to create their own dramatic Kitties escapades. Retellings with Kitty and Dinosaur puppets would be SO MUCH FUN.

​Bold oversized font and a generously wide trim size of over eleven inches make this picture book perfect for read-alouds. The narrator speaks directly to the kitties, issuing repeated warnings. Sound effects from the frightening rawrs to soft mews encourage audience participation. Illustrations are part of the fun: kitties in red cowboy boots, cat puppets made from twigs, and tiny drones whizzing through the air. The amazing litter mobile with periscope for aquatic travel and wheels for land transport is genius.
Kitties on Dinosaurs is a delightful romp into the land of make-believe. Be prepared to frequently stop while reading, as kids point out all the clever things they notice on each page. Be ready for giggles galore and cries of “read it again” the moment the story ends. A sure-fire hit with this test audience.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: September 22, 2020  Publisher: Dial Books, Illustrated Edition ISBN: 978-0593108383