Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

This nighttime adventure teaches children about different types of maps.In the days of GPS software and smartphones that tell us where to go, essential learned skills such as reading maps may not be passed along to younger children. Hesselberth takes on this challenge of instruction through the story of Sam, an orange cat who exudes attitude. Each night after her human companions are safely in bed, Sam slips out of their house and begins an adventurous stroll around her community. Every few pages, Sam's journey is explained using a map and map-based terminology. Important terms, such as "compass rose" and "blueprints," are explained in pop-up boxes that accompany Sam's story, but the focus broadens beyond simple geographical maps. As Sam explores, other types of pictorial guides are also explained. Anatomical maps, cross-section diagrams, constellation charts, and many others are described and pictured. The flow of the story is smooth, and the introduction of each new piece of cartography feels organic. Hesselberth's artwork, a combination of acrylic, gouache, and digital manipulation, is clear and will show well in large groups. The added backmatter further defines the cartographic styles used throughout the story. Educators will find this a useful tool for introducing new concepts of space and location.A winning choice for just about anywhere that's on a map. (Informational picture book. 6-8)

School Library Journal Starred Review (Fri Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

PreS-Gr 3 Once Sam the cat makes sure her family is asleep, she sets out to explore the neighborhood. Hesselberth uses this conceit to build a playful yet informative narrative based around cartography. First readers explore an neighborhood map of the feline's initial travels before embarking on a journey that will take them to the edge of the universe and back. Hesselberth's maps range widely, from diagrams of Sam's anatomy, a plant, and a water molecule to charts of planets and stars to architectural drawings. Some common cartography terms like compass rose and legend are defined. The spare text emphasizes ways readers can find patterns and relationships in their surroundings and the artworkdone in watercolor, acrylic paint, gouache, and digital collagepresents this information visually. Hesselberth's Sam is perfectly catlike as her expressions shift among bemusement, curiosity, and sass. Additional context about each type of map is provided at the end of the book. These thumbnails will prove useful for older readers or adults working with beginners. Librarians will also want to seek out Julie Dillemuth's Mapping My Day and Loreen Leedy's Mapping Penny's World to extend conversations on this subject. VERDICT An eye-catching introduction to maps, charts, and diagrams for the youngest of cartographers. Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato

ALA Booklist (Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

After Sam the cat's family is asleep, she slips out the back door. Where does the orange tabby go? With the help of a map, children see her path. Hesselberth uses this opportunity to explain the purposes of maps and their characteristics. While she uses traditional examples, such as a transportation map and a world map, the author also uses a broad definition of maps to include charts, graphs, diagrams, and drawings. The digitally enhanced mixed-media artwork, in vibrant colors and geometric shapes, displays, for instance, a cutaway map that charts the depth of Sam's neighborhood pond, a diagram of a water molecule, a constellation chart, and an architectural blueprint. In a large double-page map, young readers follow Sam's route as she heads back home. There the family's son is dreaming, and the author asks in conclusion, "Can you map a dream?" The final page offers more information on cartography (even imaginary places can be mapped!), with thumbnails and explanations of the featured maps. Sam takes mapping in many delightful directions.

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2019)

House cat Sam's nightly exploration of her neighborhood is accompanied by omniscient narration that introduces a variety of mapping concepts (an aerial map of Sam's route, a diagram of Sam's body, a constellation chart, a blueprint for a nearby building, etc.). Decorous mixed-media art accommodates the book's diagrams beautifully, offering an unexpectedly harmonious blend of science and whimsy ("Can you map a dream?").

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

This nighttime adventure teaches children about different types of maps.In the days of GPS software and smartphones that tell us where to go, essential learned skills such as reading maps may not be passed along to younger children. Hesselberth takes on this challenge of instruction through the story of Sam, an orange cat who exudes attitude. Each night after her human companions are safely in bed, Sam slips out of their house and begins an adventurous stroll around her community. Every few pages, Sam's journey is explained using a map and map-based terminology. Important terms, such as "compass rose" and "blueprints," are explained in pop-up boxes that accompany Sam's story, but the focus broadens beyond simple geographical maps. As Sam explores, other types of pictorial guides are also explained. Anatomical maps, cross-section diagrams, constellation charts, and many others are described and pictured. The flow of the story is smooth, and the introduction of each new piece of cartography feels organic. Hesselberth's artwork, a combination of acrylic, gouache, and digital manipulation, is clear and will show well in large groups. The added backmatter further defines the cartographic styles used throughout the story. Educators will find this a useful tool for introducing new concepts of space and location.A winning choice for just about anywhere that's on a map. (Informational picture book. 6-8)