At The Rescue Cat Cafe, written by Anne Humphrey and illustrated by Kari Rust. Owlkids, 2025. $22.95 ages 3 and up

 

"On Monday, a boy and his parents come 
to visit. 
ChiChi and Bunnykin tackle and tumble 
while the boy tosses toys and twirls 
streamers." 

Do you have an affinity for cats? If you do, have I got the book for you. What better way to spend a week than in the cozy atmosphere of the Rescue Cat Cafe? That's exactly what happens when mother and child open the door early Monday morning. Readers are offered a chance to meet the twelve, once homeless, cats who take up residence there. In truth, the cats are looking to be adopted. Readers get to see them up close and personal before that happens. 

The first two are adopted on Monday when a boy and his family fall in love with their exuberant personalities. On Tuesday an elderly man arrives to sit quietly in an easy chair and let Honey find a warm and welcome spot on his lap - a spot Honey does not want to leave. Moving forward over the course of the week, others arrive with adoption in mind and find exactly what they are looking for. 

The child and mother are there every day to care for the residents, participate in the activities, and welcome all visitors. Observant readers are sure to notice the tiny kitten that stays mostly hidden from sight. All the way through the week until Saturday, the rescue cats meet perfect companions for themselves, and happily leave with them. 

"And on Sunday ... 

on Sunday ... 

a little girl decides which cat is exactly right for her." 

After a long, loving week of work, the mother and child walk home together with Mouse in a soft carrier. Home at last! 

A lovely readaloud, accompanied by appealing and colorful, light-filled artwork, this book will find many fans. Listeners will want to hear it again, as they search every page for a glimpse of Mouse, the tiny and shy final adoptee of the week.