Review: Baker and Taylor and the Mystery of the Library Cats by Candy Rodo

 

Genre: Children's 5-8

Published: October 4, 2022

Pages: 32

Meet Baker and Taylor, two cat buddies (opposite in every way) who are about to leave the comfort of their cozy public library reading nook to embark on one epic literary road trip! After spending most of their time reading in the library, Baker and Taylor are encouraged by their friend Flora to get out and see the world. Their first stop? New York City. There, Flora tells them, they’ll meet another pair of cat besties eager to share their library―the 42nd Street branch of the New York Public Library ―with them. After they arrive in the city, Baker and Taylor are excited to meet these library cats but can’t seem to find them anywhere! With the help of Baker’s trusty guidebook, Taylor’s sense of adventure, and guidance from New York City’s own, these two book-loving cats are about to solve one big mystery and learn some cool things along the way.

This is the first title in a newly independent reader series that combines fun storylines featuring two bookish cats, with factoids throughout to create an immersive reading experience for bibliophiles, cat-lovers, and learners of regional history and culture alike.

Includes backmatter on New York Public Library and different New York City landmarks.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review. 

This was a cute story about a couple of cats who love the library. Baker is a very studious cat wanting to learn all the things and Taylor is a tubby kitty who likes adventure. They go on a journey to meet the library cats at the New York City public library, and really struggle to find them, in spite of repeated references to their existence by others. Eventually while grabbing a slice of pizza, Taylor asks a dog about the library cats and learns they are the lion statues. 

I can't really speak about the illustrations because they were all sorts of chopped up in the review copy on my phone. I can say that Baker and Taylor were adorable and fluffy looking. And I'd be down to read this book a few times at least. 

Overall I give this book 4.1 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Amazon

Formerly a journalist, Candy Rodó has been working in educational publishing for over two decades. She authored and edited the Everyday Learning Fun series, an Academics’ Choice Smart Book Award winner, and recently contributed to DSI Graphic Novels, a series of classic story retellings in graphic novel format, as well as a culturally informed Spanish-language series of picture books for young children. A native Spanish speaker, Candy is dedicated to the literacy skills of English Language Learners. She is based in New York City.