Geraldine Pu and Her Cat Hat, Too! (Ready to Read Graphics) by Maggie P. Chang. Simon Spotlight, 2022. 9781534484719
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Paperback
Genre: Early reader/graphic novels
What did you like about the book? Geraldine Pu loves her cat hat, and has named her Mao Maotz (cat hat in Mandarin Chinese). When she and her little brother Auggie accompany Amah, their grandmother, to the hair salon, she decides that her straight black hair is boring, and tries a few styling ideas to get it to look more like Amah’s. Auggie, always imitating his big sister, makes a mess of his hair and is sad. Geraldine, who is a loving sister, lends him her beloved hat, and takes the opportunity to create a set of new cat ears for herself.
This a cozy, sweet family story. I like that the family unit seems to be just kids and grandmother, and that a bit about Amah’s childhood in Taiwan is included, as well as a few Mandarin Chinese words. Mao Maotz has some dialogue in thought bubbles, and it’s a hoot. She reads like an older mentor, calling Geraldine “Honey.” Short chapters and easy to read text (level 3) make this a nice longer easy reader for kids who are newly independent readers. Like other titles in the ‘Ready to Read Graphics’ series, there’s a short section on how to read graphic novels. In addition, Mao Maotz has a message for readers at the end about loving your hair; there are directions for a self portrait collage as well.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No, I look forward to the next Geraldine Pu, coming in August!
To whom would you recommend this book? For 6-8 year olds who are interested in graphic novels, and who may have a favorite cat hat or cat ears themselves.
Who should buy this book? Elementary school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it ? Early readers/graphic novels
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Near the top
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: May 13, 2022
Youth Services Book Review 
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