Reviews A Box Full of Kittens

Author/narrator Sonia Manzano is no stranger to children's entertainment: the actress has spent more than three decades as Maria on Sesame Street (where she also shared Emmy-winning writing credits). In this iconographic-animated adaptation of the 2007 picture book illustrated by Matt Phelan, Manzano revisits her roots in a story set in a 1950s Bronx neighborhood about a Puerto Rican girl named Ruthie. Hyper ‘tween Ruthie – whose love of the TV series Superman is reflected in her desire to be a superhero (she is given to leaps and bounds and zooming sound effects) – is excited to sit with the soon-to-be-in-labor pregnant apartment neighbor Aunt Juanita, helping satisfy her aunt's cravings for cultural cuisine such as a cherry piragua (like a snow cone), an extra large coquito (coconut eggnog), and queso blanco (a white cheese in guava paste). Between doing errands and falling in love with the titular trio of cats, will Ruthie be too distracted if Aunt Juanita needs her? Featuring solid artwork that focuses on details (like Ruthie's curlicue in the middle of her forehead) rather than background, A Box Full of Kittens also includes a “Sharing My Story” audio segment with Manzano. This family-oriented tale aimed at ages 3-7 is recommended.

The story, written by Sonia Manzano (Maria on Sesame Street), is narrated by the author with the lilt of the barrio in her voice. Matt Phelan's watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations are slightly animated to show Ruthie's superhero energy and exuberance. Some sound effects add to the telling. In a conversation with the author at the end of the tale, Manzano explains how the story reflects her own experiences as a Puerto Rican growing up in the Bronx. Youngsters will appreciate the affirmation of Ruthie's role in her extended family. Hispanic students will especially relate to the neighborhood feeling of the story, the Spanish vocabulary, and the author's culturally rich narration. School Library Journal, May 2008.

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