Staff Writer: Kathleen
Published Date: September 5, 2023
Number of pages: 40
Format (physical book/e-book/audiobook): Physical book
Genre: Children’s
Tags: Picture Book, Halloween, Cats, Cute, Female Author, Female Illustrator, POC Illustrator
Cardigan rating out of 5: 4
Thoughts:
With picture books, the art is just as important as the words- after all, “picture” is in the name of the genre- and Meowl-o-ween hits the mark on that front. Chen’s art style is just as charming as can be, and I’d never have guessed this is her first picture book. When it comes to the story, that’s where it falters a little in my eyes. The rhyme scheme is a little awkward with no clear meter, but it would still make for a fun read-aloud- you just might want to practice it a time or two first. It’s a simple story of a kitten overcoming its anxiety, nothing deep or complicated, and that’s okay. Every book doesn’t have to be a grand adventure or some huge lesson, but I do like a little more depth, even in a picture book. Kids deserve that from us- after all, they aren’t going to stay little forever, and they do understand more than we think. That said, Meowl-o-ween is a very, very cute book, and I did enjoy it. Will it be one I come back to again? Probably not. But it was a fun, quick read, and definitely a fun one for spooky season!