What's That, Mittens? (My First I Can Read)

From School Library Journal PreSchool-Grade 1—Lonely at first and then perplexed by sounds coming from the other side of the fence, Mittens responds with scratching, meowing, and digging sounds of his own. Schaefer captures the kitten's confusion and determination to solve the mystery. "Ruff! Ruff! What's that, Mittens?" "Dig! Dig! What's that, Mittens?" The author uses rhythm and word repetition to appeal to new readers, who will giggle when they see what has been making such a ruckus. It's Max in all his huge doggy glory, depicted with an irresistible black nose, pink tongue, and plenty of folds for snuggling. With the gentle underlying message that new friends come in all sizes, this simple adventure joins earlier books about the playful striped kitten and is perfect for beginning-reader sections.—