(***) Author Eileen Spinelli also narrates this iconographic animated version of her 2006 picture book (featuring pastel illustrations by Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen) based on a true story. During a cold and slushy March, a pregnant mother cat finds shelter in an abandoned building in order to have a place to bear her kittens. Later, leaving the refuge to search for food for the five hungry babies, the mother returns to the sight of smoke and fire engines. Rushing inside, the mother suffers scorched paws but manages to save her entire litter, after which the whole feline family is brought together for a newspaper photo. In an “Author’s Note”, Spinelli explains how Hero Cat was written to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the story about real-life Long Island homeless cat Scarlett and the kittens she rescued in 1996. DVD extras include two bonus featurettes: “Sharing My Story” (in which Spinelli talks about an early childhood writing desk made from orange crates) and “A Conversation with the Illustrator” (with Stammen reminiscing about doing artwork for her older siblings” school assignments.). An engaging, uplifting tale, this is recommended. Starred Review - Video Librarian, May/June 2009