Catalina

In this sweet story, a cat named Catalina is lonely, and her owners decide she needs to have company. They bring three Labrador Retriever puppies to their house. Like Catalina, these puppies are named after communities in Newfoundland and Labrador: Fogo, Burin and Amherst. Although Catalina is overwhelmed, crooked and a bit contrary at first, she and the puppies settle in together in their cozy home.

I have had the pleasure of reviewing Lori Doody’s previous books, Paint the Town PinkCatalina has that same charm that only Doody can create. Her artwork is colourful, fun and eye-catching, with each page being a scrumptious feast for the eyes. The inside cover is Catalina in various poses, a predictor of what’s to come. Doody illustrates Catalina in a unique way in her home. Each room is shown in one picture, and Catalina can be seen in each room. Children will have so much fun spotting the cat in each scene, wondering about and describing Catalina’s actions.

Doody’s books are published by Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides, Inc, located in Tors Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a small publishing company that is doing amazing work. Being local to the province, this book points out some of idiosyncrasies that can only be found in Newfoundland and Labrador. The book does come with a short glossary of terms and a map. Tourists, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who live away and locals will devour this children’s book.

Like Doody’s other books, Catalina is a great addition to a home library, school collection and public library. It is the perfect book to read aloud to a group of preschoolers or school-aged children (and icing on the cake, there is a colouring sheet of Catalina available on the publisher’s website!). The heartwarming story of Catalina and acceptance is a book you want to add to your shelf.