Review: The Secret Life of Walter Kitty
The Secret Life of Walter Kitty by Barbara Jean Hicks and illustrated by Dan Santat, is the story of a cat with a vibrant inner life. To begin with, he insists that his name is not “Walter,” “Wally,” “Kitten,” and especially not “Nincompoop.” His name is “Fang.” Why will no one listen to him? He even helps out around the house. The Biddles should give him more respect…and maybe let him finish his wonderful dreams.
As you can see on the cover, “Fang” has a dark spot around his left eye that looks a bit like an eye-patch. Throughout the story, this spot lends our hero a slightly roguish appearance. Even when he is trying to “help out” you can feel a little bit of mischief lurking in the background of his character. Although the illustrations tend to rely on more “earthy” tones of expression, Walter Kitty’s energy makes each image seem to be sparkling with energy. As you may have gathered, I quite enjoyed this little story which is told in prose from the cat’s point of view. I am owned by a couple of cats myself, so I recognized the relationship between our hero and his person. It’s so nice of him to tolerate Mr. Biddle for the sake of Mrs. Biddle, don’t you think? I feel that The Secret Life of Walter Kitty would be a great bed-time story for any household that includes a cat.
I almost didn’t have a book to review for today. I have holds on three picture books (Thanks, Dan!) but they haven’t arrived yet. I meant to go over to the Children’s Section at work today, but things got really busy. I got back to my desk after we closed and despaired of having something fun to share with you all. And then… My Co-worker Sally appeared with this book in her hands, insisting that I take it home and read it. Obviously, it was a sign. I had to read the book. I’m glad I did. (And I hereby promise the cat who is curled up next to me not to wake her from her dreams…just in case.
The Secret Life of Walter Kitty, Barbara Jean Hicks, Dan Santat
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