PEPPER & POE

Life is good for Pepper, the household’s only cat, until Poe arrives—now nothing will be the same, as the new siblings navigate toys, space, and ultimately, friendship.

Pepper loves the days of the week. Sundays are for napping, Mondays for playing, Tuesdays for testing the dog’s patience. But this Wednesday, everything changes. A frisky, white kitten joins the family, and Pepper declares, “I don’t like it.” Poe is cute and jolly, and more than anything, the kitten wants to play with territorial Pepper. Seeking space and privacy, the elder feline runs, while the younger takes chase. Mayhem ensues, as dishes, laundry, boxes, and even Poe rain down. However, when the owner asks who’s at fault for the mess, the two blame the dog and are forever bonded. Digital illustrations capture the warmth and texture of hand-painted collage. Like Leo Lionni, the artist uses negative space to bring her expressive and appealing characters into focus—their emotions, desires, and intentions. Preston-Gannon perfectly depicts a young sibling relationship, with respect, wit, and empathy for both sides. True to her subjects, the ending is as hilarious as it is heartwarming, and it will leave readers clamoring for more.

A sparkling addition to the new-sibling bookshelf.