MEGABAT AND FANCY CAT

Megabat has a new fancy feline foe in this sequel.

It’s Megabat’s first Christmas in Canada, and he is excited to open presents and play with new toys. When his human best friend, Daniel, is presented with his final gift, a cat, Megabat’s Christmas is ruined. Priscilla is a purebred chocolate seal point Birman, and Daniel instantly adores her. Megabat and his pigeon friend, Birdgirl, already intent on thwarting the “puffer rats” (“They’re actually called squirrels,” says Daniel) who keep taking all the birdseed, must now devise a scheme to rid themselves of Priscilla. Plan after plan causes ever more chaos (and laughter), and Megabat worries Daniel loves the cat more than him. But as the New Year approaches, Priscilla proves there might be more to her than just fanciness. Humphrey writes a fun sequel, with a message that love can grow, enabling multiple friendships. As in the first book, Megabat is the only animal that speaks, which is puzzling. Additionally, his idiosyncratic English (“Stopping that!” he scold. “Yours will ruining the decorations before they dries!”) takes some getting used to. Reich’s black-and-white illustrations add delight and detail. Daniel’s heritage is Japanese.

Fancy or not, this quick read is amusing.