(Also available in paperback)
It is hard to get my younger daughter to sit and read a chapter book, as part of her daily reading for school. While she has no problem whizzing through picture books, she finds chapter books less appealing as they don't have many illustrations, and the ones they do have are black and white and fun to look at. She is an artist and loves to draw and doodle, and finds inspiration in the illustrations she sees while reading through picture books. So, I can understand why a chapter book with dull black and white illustrations can be less fun. But, I want her to read books at her grade/reading level to not only challenge her reading wise, but also to help build her vocabulary and make her a better writer.
One way I have found to get her to read more chapter books, is to pick up books that have graphic novels style pages -- aka comic book illustrations -- throughout the book, or as the setup for the entire book. When she opens a book and sees black or white or full color graphic novel style illustrations she is all smiles and will usually sit and read the book...and stick with it if the story is engaging to her.
So, when I saw Snazzy Cat Capers at the bookstore, I first thought of my oldest daughter who loves cats and reading books with cats and dogs in it, but then I thought it would be a great book for my youngest daughter to read, too, and then be able to discuss her favorite parts with her sister, after they have both read it.
We received this book, which is volume 1 and hopefully the first in a long series, and the girls both took girls reading it. After they were done, I found myself wanting to read it, as they were so passionate and excited when sharing their favorite parts and why they liked this book so much. My youngest loved the comic book style graphics and even did a few versions of the characters from this book herself after reading. And, both girls agreed that Snazzy Cat Capers is a great book for middle-grade chapter readers, and one they will read again, and again.
More about Snazzy Cat Capers (Vol. 1):
"I want to be Ophelia when I grow up!! And I want Oscar to be my BFF—Best Fishy Friend! Snazzy Cat Capers is fabulous, funny and fin-tastic fun with illustrations that pounce off the page.” —Mo O’Hara, New York Times bestselling author of the My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish series
Life is short. Diamonds are fur-ever.
Internationally famous cat burglar Ophelia von Hairball V adores jewels—the only thing she loves more is a challenge. She's never met a safe she couldn't crack.
Now the Furry Feline Burglary Institute (FFBI) offers her the ultimate caper: steal the giant Himalayan diamond and win their top award!
There's a catch! The FFBI sends an enthusiastic inventor to help Ophelia...but this cat works alone, and Oscar Fishgerald Gold smells fishy.
Can the smartest, stealthiest, and snazziest of cats learn to work with a fintastic sidekick and prove she's still the world's most purr-fect burglar?
Adventure, heists, and teamwork abound in this fun, witty middle grade read brimming with cat-tastic black-and-white illustrations.
Includes graphic novel-style pages!
This book has Common Core connections."
An Imprint Book
“Classy bad girl Ophelia is as funny as she is furry…she’s the pussycat love child of James Bond and Zsa Zsa Gabor, and who can’t love that?" —Kirkus Reviews
“Classy bad girl Ophelia is as funny as she is furry…she’s the pussycat love child of James Bond and Zsa Zsa Gabor, and who can’t love that?" —Kirkus Reviews
"More than a just sharply dressed classy kitty... Ophelia and Fishgerald squabble and lob quips with amusing ease." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
I know two little girls who would go crazy over these books.
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