The Cat and the Lion is a breathtakingly vivid story that places us right in the heart of New Orleans, with its musicality, the vibrant language and the colorful, gorgeous illustrations, rich with warm hues, and wistful strokes.
The most striking part of the book to me was the glorious opportunity to see black characters in this beautiful story. My son gleefully pointed at the Maw Maw character and said, “BvaBva?,” the name for his grandmother, because she looks just like her, headwrap, high cheekbones and all. This very intentional story, set in an intentional place with so many elements that feel like home will quickly become a favorite book, not only for my child but for my husband and me too.
-Reviewed by Donna J.
