Little Chick and Mommy Cat

Starred review from October 1, 2012
Talk about your nontraditional families...Little Chick was just an egg when Mommy cat, who can't have kittens of her own, adopted him from a hen with too many chicks to feed. After he hatches, he thinks he is a cat like everyone around him. Mommy lets him know his "real" mother was a hen and promises to teach Chick everything he needs to know. Some of the neighborhood cats are a little too interested in Chick, but Mommy keeps him safe. When the other cats stare, Mommy tells him it's because their family is different; Chick thinks being like everyone else would be boring. When he goes to bird school, his classmates ask many questions, like is it true his Mommy can't fly? And does she really have a long tail? Chick has all the answers thanks to his Mommy cat. He thinks he has the best family in the world! Spanish poet and author Zafrilla and Argentine illustrator Hilb have crafted an excellent piece of bibliotherapy for adopted children. The bright, colored-pencil illustrations of pudgy chicks and cats add exuberance to the simply and wryly told tale. Works equally well at promoting acceptance of differences and as a general read-aloud. (Picture book. 3-6)

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