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Friday, July 12, 2024

Guy Friday- Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect

Burgos, Hilda Eunice. and Faison, Siara (illus.) Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect
July 23, 2024 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Miguel lives in Washington Heights, New York City, where his parents run a bodega. He's not particularly happy; he just had a birthday, and his Mami and Papi got him gifts that reflect their interests, not his own. He thought that by asking for a dog, he might get the art supplies he requested, but they think art is a waste of time. Being an engineer is a much better plan, so they encourage math and science related pursuits. When he plucks and adorable and helpless kitten from the street, his parents let him feed it, and when his great uncle, Tio Diego, encourages them, the cat is allowed to stay at the store. We hear from Lolo as well; life on the streets is hard, and the food and comfort that Miguel provides is very welcome. Lolo is alarmed when Miguel leaves, but is invested in catching mice and "protecting" the bodega. Customers warm to the cat, feeding him small tidbits of their purchases. Miguel really wants to attend the art club at his school, which meets on Tuesdays, but his parents claim they need him to help at the store. His cousin Yesenia encourages him to come, but he can't bring himself to engage in yet another battle with them. Another cat shows up, whom the mother names Preciosa, and Lolo is not pleased with the new interloper. Miguel manages to fool his parents into signing a permission slip which they think is for a robotics club, and goes to art club, where his teacher is pleased with his drawings. We also see some of his comic books included in the story. When there is a field trip to a museum, Miguel again practices some subterfuge; he is supposed to stay with Tio Diego in his apartment, to help out since the older man has broken his arm, but instead he tells Tio he has to go back to the bodega to help. On his way to the museum, with Lolo in tow, he sees Preciosa being menaced by other cats in the park. Preciosa, who is pregnant, is injured, and the art teacher calls the vet.  Miguel stays with her until help arrives. Unfortunately, during this time, Tio Diego manages to set his toaster on fire, and while he is safe, Miguel's ruse is uncovered. Will Miguel be able to make his parents see the value of his artistic abilities?
Strengths: This is a great choice for younger middle grade readers who are navigating how to follow their own dreams despite getting pushback from parents. I loved that Miguel had responsibilities in the store even though he was only in fifth grade. His care for Lolo is also nice to see, and Lolo's opinions are expressed in appropriately cat like ways. Seeing Miguel's extended family working together, and his parents both being involved in his life, was refreshing as well. The bodega is an interesting setting to someone from the suburbs, and I could have used more scenes set there. Maybe we'll see that in the sequel, Just Kitten Around, out January 21, 2025. 
Weaknesses: Miguel expresses his displeasure in his parents' decision in less than optimal ways, although I was glad to see him working hard and not complaining to try to convince them of the validity of his interests. 
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed the graphic novels Doodles from the Boogie Down or Art Club, or books narrated in part from a cat's point of view like Eldredge's Nimbus or Lloyd's Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure.

Remember, as a former (and very bitter) Latin teacher, I am not a huge fan of following dreams that will not necessarily lead to remunerative employment. It just leads to disappointment. I'm glad that Miguel acknowledges that he might have to have another job, but can still pursue art as a hobby. 
 Ms. Yingling

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