Kirkus Reviews

Mama Cat has three kittens: two mimics and one contrarian. When she washes her paws, so do Fluffy and Skinny; Boris naps. When she walks on the stone wall, sharpens her claws, chases leaves, digs in the sand, Fluffy and Skinny are her shadows; Boris naps. When Mama Cat curls up for a snooze, Boris becomes active, pouncing on his kin before resuming his nap. The story is charming, but remains almost incidental to Fleming's eye-rattling artwork in which cotton pulp is transformed into color-drenched handmade paper. The details are finer in this book—more controlled—and offer readers the full range of cat gestures and contours. Readers will enjoy following the kittens' purposeful preening, as well as the progress of a mouse that sneaks through the pages until it finds its little ones safe in the nest. (Picture book. 4-9)

Starred Review for Publishers Weekly

An orange tabby prefers to nap while his mother and siblings sharpen their claws and chase leaves—until the other kittens curl up for a rest, then he is ready to pounce. "The repetition of simple phrases and actions is sure to be a hit with toddlers," said <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">PW. Ages 2-5. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Oct.)

Horn Book

Fleming's distinctive paper-pulp artwork illustrates a repetitive story in which Fluffy and Skinny imitate Mama, while Boris naps. Young children will enjoy the bright, colorful pictures of frolicking kittens and take pleasure in spotting the mouse that scampers through the pages with an agenda of its own.

ALA Booklist (Sun Nov 01 00:00:00 CST 1998)

Mama Cat has three kittens. Two of them copy everything she does, but the third, Boris, has a mind of his own--and a penchant for napping. The text is minimal yet strong, with a repetitive aspect that is perfect for the very young. Fleming once again uses pebbled handmade papers to excellent effect, and her big, bold, bright pictures take children down to cat level. Yellow skies form cheerful backgrounds for the appealing cats as they prance, play, and snuggle close. (Reviewed November 15, 1998)

School Library Journal Starred Review

PreS-K-As Mama cat leads her kittens through a garden adventure, Fluffy and Skinny carefully follow her example (cleaning paws, chasing leaves) while Boris naps. The surprise comes when Boris is ready to frolic and the others are too exhausted to play. Preschoolers will request repeat readings of this delightful story and enjoy searching for the smaller creatures found on each page. Fleming's kittens, created by pouring colored cotton pulp through hand-cut stencils, are large and bold and set against colorful backdrops. An excellent choice for reading aloud to groups.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA