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Summary
Summary
Clover Kitty does NOT want to go to kittygarten! Although she might like a friend to play with, kittygarten feels overwhelming for a sensory-sensitive kitty like Clover. And when she arrives, it is exactly as she fears: her classroom is too loud, the lights are too bright, and everyone comes too close. So Clover throws a fit...and decides to quit kittygarten. But when a classmate comes to check on her, she begins to reconsider. Maybe it's time for Clover to give kittygarten another chance....
Reviews (4)
School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--Clover Kitty is not sure she is ready for kittygarten, so when she finds herself in Ms. Snappytail's classroom filled with lots of other kittens, she panics. It is noisy and crowded. After a day of many activities, including singing and naptime chaos, Clover has had enough! Although Oliver, a fluffy brown kitten, tries to be her friend and include her in activities, everything is all overwhelming for Clover. She spits, bites, and throws a fit. Kittygarten is not for her. For the next few days, she feigns a cold and Mama Kitty allows her to stay home, where it is peaceful and soothing. Finally, on Friday, Clover decides she may be ready for kittygarten after all. Armed with a backpack full of survival gear, she is ready to join the class and even begins to find some enjoyment in school. Young readers will identify with Clover's feelings about starting school or any new adventure. Pair with classic first day of school titles such as Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes or The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. The watercolor illustrations have soft, inviting colors. VERDICT A perfect story to share at the beginning of the school year.--Martha Rico, Yselta ISD, TX
Publisher's Weekly Review
On opening day, a calm-loving kitten finds a lot to dislike about kittygarten: blocks clatter when they tumble, the teacher's hand bell sounds like a gong, and another kitty's tail invades her "purrrrrrsonal space!" Though Oliver, a kind classmate, reaches out to her reassuringly, Clover storms out the door at day's end, announcing, "I quit!" In a departure from most adjusting-to-school tales, she stands her ground for quite some time. Her mother lets her stay home for three days, resting and playing quietly, and covers for her when Oliver tries to visit. Clover finally has the anticipated change of heart, wondering what it would be like to have a friend to play with, but she also preps smartly (earmuffs, sunglasses) for the classroom's sensory barrage, and capably sets boundaries where she needs them. Salas shapes a read-aloud that will spark conversation with first-timers who are sensitive to stimulus, while Nakata humorously conveys the resolute feline's emotions in expressive watercolor images. Ages 4--6. (Aug.)
Kirkus Review
A sensory-sensitive kitty's first day of kittygarten is a disaster, but after a break, she's ready to try again, with some modifications. Clover isn't looking forward to kittygarten, and indeed, her first day is worse than she imagined. Salas' word choices bring home to readers just how uncomfortable the situation is for Clover: "Sunshine glared"; "a bell…sounded like a GONG"; "Ms. Snappytail's purrrrrfume stank." Though readers will see the tender solicitations of Oliver as those of a perfect friend for someone with sensory issues, Clover is too distraught to notice. Her day ends with a (consequence-free) biting, spitting "hissy fit." Clover stays home for the next three days; her mother doesn't push. Oliver comes by twice, but Clover hides. It's clear, though, that her desire for companionship will win out, and on Friday, armed with sunglasses, earmuffs, and her own mat for naptime, she returns to kittygarden. The day isn't perfect, but by taking care of her specific needs, Clover survives with the help of her "calm, kind friend" Oliver. Readers and their caregivers will wish for backmatter that might provide additional guidance, whether for themselves or to help a friend, and it's disappointing that Clover has no help in brainstorming solutions or getting through the school day. She seems very much on her own aside from Oliver, who is almost too good to be true. Those with sensory issues or those attending school with them may learn from these kitties' examples. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
It is time for Clover Kitty to start kittygarten, but she just wants to stay at home, where she feels comfortable and safe. On her first day, the bell the teacher rings to start the day is too loud, the lights in the room are too bright, and the storytime rug is much too crowded. It's a catastrophe! Clover hides at home for the rest of the week, but one of her classmates, Oliver, begins to visit to check on her. Soon she feels ready to try kittygarten again and packs her backpack with everything she will need to be happy at school. Then readers observe Clover making friends and enjoying school. Sweet and soft watercolor illustrations show clothed kittens going through a typical (human) school day, with plenty of details and scenarios for young children to relate to. Clover's experiences and school "armor" helpfully explain the ups and downs of the first day of school or of going to school for the first time. A reassuring read to ward off the jitters.