About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is about to welcome a new pet, or when they are beginning to notice the quiet rhythms of growing up and taking on new responsibilities. This gentle, vintage story follows a young girl named Momo who rescues a stray kitten and cares for it as it matures into a mother cat with its own litter. It is a beautiful exploration of the circle of life and the way our roles shift as we grow from being cared for to being the ones who provide care. Parents will appreciate the authentic Japanese American domestic setting and the soft, Impressionistic artwork that captures the wonder of small moments. It is a perfect choice for children ages 4 to 8 who are navigating the transition from early childhood into the 'big kid' years, offering a model of empathy, patience, and the rewards of nurturing another living thing.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with the 'miracle of life' in a very direct, secular, and naturalistic way. It shows the kittens being born and nursing, which is handled with grace and realism rather than euphemism. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in the continuity of life.
