It's August. The end of summer is on its way but you wouldn't know it from the radiating heat here in Texas. Still it's time to get ready for back-to-school. New shoes. New supplies. New books to uncover.

I'm kicking off the last lazy days of summer with The Cat with Seven Names by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Christine Davenier (Charlesbridge, Aug 2013). It's just the kind of book you want to curl up and read when the clouds roll in and cover the plains. I love the watercolor illustrations splashed across the pages in sunburst yellows, sky-blues, and autumn reds and the mellow hues of springtime sprinkled in. Turns out illustrator Davenier lives in my favorite city Paris, France and close to where my agent Erzsi Deak resides, too.

Johnston introduces us to a stray cat who romps through an urban neighborhood making new friends. Every neighbor has a name for the rogue tomcat and almost everyone feeds the full figured male except the homeless man who can't feed himself. Tacos, tuna fish, Big Mac's. Oh, my! Of course, like every good picture book, Johnston saves the best for last when she brings the community together to save the cat and back into the hands of his rightful owner. It's a good thing our hero had nine lives and even better that's he's introduced the neighborhood to new friends. It turns out the homeless man and the old man have a war in common and the senor, mom, daughter, and librarian love books. Who doesn't, right?

The Cat with Seven Names is perfect for all you readers who adore furry friends and those who just want to be entertained with an endearing tail. I mean, tale. For ages 5+.

Also you might want to check out my upcoming post at ReaderKidZ on August, 29th, 2013 for some new back-to-school book reviews. There's going to be something there for everyone!

Happy reading!