CAT NAP, written and illustrated by Brian Lies. Greenwillow Books, Harper. 2025. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"No mouse here. Kitten is confused. 

"Are you stuck?" Kitten asks. 
The tortoise blinks. 
"We're all bound by something." 

Kitten nips the string. 
"Now you're not." 
"Arigato." The tortoise nods. "Thank you."

Tortoise slips into a rip, 
and Kitten is alone." 

A wee and sleepy kitten basks in fading sunlight on the back of a sofa. Other details of this opening spread reveal a poster for an exhibit of EGYPTIAN ANTIQUITIES to be shown at the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART from May 18 - June 24, 2006. A book about the art of the world lies open on the sofa seat where a young reader left it. 

A soft scritch awakens the kitten to the sight of a tiny mouse nearby. The chase is on, with the kitten leaping through the poster's edge. The mouse skitters away with the kitten in hot pursuit, much to the delight of close-at-hand rats. Off they all go at a run, destroying the equilibrium of the Egyptian background scene. Along the way, Kitten meets up with displayed artifacts that come to life wanting to play or help. Kitten has no time to stop as the chase moves forward. 

When Kitten stops to help a bound turtle, he loses sight of the mouse. Kitten realizes at that moment he is lost. Poor thing; scared and alone until he hears a friendly voice. A kind monk offers instruction, reminding Kitten to listen to a familiar sound. That sound leads him on a welcome return to where he began his fabulous journey. 

"And like a whisper of wind, Kitten is home -
back in the shadow-filled room." 

Breathtaking! This engaging and truly unique journey invites young readers to explore a fascinating museum of art that spans time and history. So much is included in a distinctly original style by master artist Brian Lies. In back matter, Mr. Lies includes information about how each of the illustrations was created. He explains the challenge of making each piece of art look like the original ones. His list of media used is extensive as are the techniques (both time-tested and brand new) that brought this wonderful book to publication for young readers. He encourages readers to find their own path to making things that they love. That happens with desire, and with practice for exploring their own ideas over time. There are also notes on the original artworks featured in the book.