Where’s My Cat?
by Seymour Chwast; illus. by the author
Preschool, Primary    Minedition    32 pp.  g
6/22    978-1-6626-5069-7    $12.99
e-book ed.  978-1-6626-5070-3    $7.99

In this odd little delight, Chwast takes objects you might find around the house and turns them into improbable animals. The story begins on the book’s cover, which asks readers to “please find” the author’s missing cat. Then the front endpapers introduce the series of objects featured in the book. From the very first pairing, where a pickle and a handsaw grow little green legs and a lower jaw to transform (after a page-turn) into a crocodile, young readers will know that they’re in for a strange journey. A wrinkly old sock becomes a walrus, a table turns into a very square cow, and finally a pair of scissors improbably resolves itself into the face of the titular missing cat. Iconic graphic designer Chwast’s signature psychedelic style is on full display here, including his large colorful lettering; huge question marks or exclamation points on every spread add an energetic, exuberant quality. The overall effect will induce giggles with each page-turn and may inspire children to try drawing something they see and turn it into a fanciful animal of their own.

From the May/June 2022 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.