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Alexander is a sweet little cat with notably large ears and a white patch around his eye. One day, he gets adopted from a shelter by young Ellie and her mother. On the way home Ellie tells him all about the family’s dog, Clementine. Dogs were always kept separate from the cats at the shelter, so Alexander has never met one, but Ellie stresses that Clementine is friendly. After they get home—and Ellie introduces Alexander to her father and brother—she brings him to meet Clementine. However, Alexander gets nervous because Clementine is a large dog, and he runs away. Clementine thinks Alexander just wants to play, and she chases him all over the house. Then Ellie helps the two of them to get introduced to each other slowly, and before too long they become great friends.
The gorgeous illustrations add an extra layer of charm to this story of bringing a new pet home. Children are sure to love Alexander from the very start, as well as Clementine. It is also a nice way to show the introduction of a pet into a household where there might already be another furry family member, emphasizing the need to let them gradually get used to each other. Ellie is a perfect role model on that front, although the chase scene is a brilliant way to show off their home. The whole book radiates a wholesome atmosphere and would make a wonderful bedtime story or storytime choice. In addition, it leaves readers with the encouraging message at the end that there are more such adventures on the way in the future. Young readers are more than likely to wonder what antics Alexander and Clementine will get up to next.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review