Title: Gingerpuss: My First Home
Author: Vicki Mitchell
Publisher: XlibrisNZ
ISBN: 978-1-5144-6697-1
Pages: 24
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Pcific Book Review
Author Vicki Mitchell has written the quintessential children’s book in Gingerpuss – My First Home. Using the elements in words and illustrations ideally suited to captivate the minds and imaginations of children of the lower single-digit years, her book is a lullaby of storytelling, closing the book as children will close their eyes and softly go off to sleep.
What can be more comforting then a story about adopting a kitten from a pet shop and bringing it home? All children want to do this, and luckily Maria’s mother agreed to do so. Named Gingerpuss due to his color, Maria could only think about her new friend all day, even at school. She made a bed for Gingerpuss next to hers, and would hug and play with her new cat all the time. The story has the friskiness and curiosity of the feline persona; exploring places in the house, playing with yarn balls, seeing the goldfish – which by the way, reminded Gingerpuss of the pet store. There is a bit of excitement as the kitty once ran up a tree when it heard a dog bark, frightening him, and needed to have the fire department come out with a ladder to retrieve Gingerpuss off the high tree branch.
At the end of the book the author included some coloring pages for children to linger with the story as they can each participate in adding their own interpretation of the
illustrations. This feature makes the paper-version of the book a recommendation, as also it is easier for young children to read on their own.
Gingerpuss – My First Home by title and storyline leaves it open for Vicki Mitchell to continue a series, if she wishes, to further the adventures and antics of this adorable cat along with her loving human, Maria. This is an ideal present to bring to a baby shower, or give as a birthday present to a child, or just keep on the nightstand to be reached for and read at bedtime.
