PreS-K A curious kitten is ready to explore, following a mysterious path that leads from one color to the next. Red, green, orange, and more all become part of Cat's journey, each color filling the backdrop of specific scenes along the way. With each hue also comes a new companion, and the resulting collection of creatures represents a living rainbow. This guided reading story is perfect for emerging readers who are beginning to become comfortable navigating books on their own. Repetitive phrasing enhances readers' confidence as they practice recognizing the pattern and delivery of this story. The first time a color is written, it is also shown in its corresponding color, which gives readers important textual evidence to support their continued learning. Detailed illustrations reinforce readers' understanding of the colors depicted, while also encouraging careful consideration of each image. Observing the individual elements of each scene gives children the ability to take a break from reading to refresh themselves before moving onto the subsequent line of text. Though simple in plot, the overall design of this book is meant to provide a foundation of success for newer readers. Newly independent readers will enjoy the straightforward story in this book, as well as the attention-grabbing illustrations. VERDICT A highly recommended addition to library collections for beginning readers.Mary Lanni, Douglas County Lib., CO

A cat explores colors on a busy day.Cat-a brown tabby-wakes up, stretches, and yawns as light beams in. Dotted lines trace Cat's footsteps as they exit the kitty door and explore outside their home. Cat stares at a red ladybug ("Cat likes red"). The page turn yields to a full double-page spread, painting an entire scene in a red wash. Readers can pick out multiple red objects in the background ("Red is nice"). The formula repeats as Cat moves to the next isolated color, yellow. Cat spots a bee ("Cat likes yellow"), and the page turn reveals a yellow-washed farm scene ("Yellow is nice"). Other colors include green, blue, pink, orange, and black-with black signifying nighttime as Cat sleeps ("Good night"). Comics creator Russo's first children's book makes good use of his expressive character-design skills. The simple text, consisting of 13 unique words, seven of which are colors, allows readers to focus on the detailed scenes and practice color recognition. White space serves as an effective palate cleanser between the full-color spreads as Cat moves from one color to the next, with the words for the colors on those pages printed in appropriately colored type. The cover gives nod to all the creatures-and colors-Cat will encounter on their adventure, further helping emerging readers make predictions. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-16-inch double-page spreads viewed at 67% of actual size.)A colorful start for beginning readers. (Picture book/early reader. 3-6)