Clarisse, a stray cat who loves books, encounters a significant problem when she sneaks into the library: cats are not allowed. The shrewd little feline wriggles her way into the hearts of readers as she attempts to outsmart the rule-enforcing librarian in Lauren Emmons's endearing picture book.
When Clarisse discovers a "magical building where people walked in empty-handed and came back out with books," she attempts to simply walk in. But the "keeper of the books" puts her right back out. Then she tries hiding in a child's bag, which also proves unsuccessful. The determined cat finally discovers a way past the librarian--through the book drop--and wanders into the stacks. There she encounters a struggling young reader who is encouraged by Clarisse's presence. The two make a perfect pair: Clarisse is a patient, rapt audience for the girl who makes the stories come alive; the girl's no-judgment audience transforms reading from a struggle to a joy. And, best of all, the librarian decides, "read-aloud cats are welcome in the library!"
Emmons, who illustrated Donna L. Washington's Prak Fills the House, makes her authorial debut with this heartwarming tale. The author fills her appealing library setting with expressive characters and uses warm, inviting colors and speech bubbles to add playfulness to the already cheerful atmosphere. Clarisse is an especially endearing protagonist as she adorably tumbles down the book drop chute or snoozes contentedly on a book cart. No Cats in the Library is part adventure, part encouragement, and all delightful. --Jen Forbus, freelancer