Stretchy McHandsome

PreS-Gr 2–In this enchanting story, Stretchy McHandsome, the youngest cat in a family of nine, sets off on a vacation away from his family. He eventually meets a girl named McBright, who is his perfect human companion. This story has an extra happy ending because McHandsome’s siblings miss him so much they set off on a journey to find him. And when they do, it’s a dream come true because McBright is one of nine children; each of her siblings discovers their perfect feline match. The text rhymes and is fun to read. For example, “He (McHandsome) was Tom of the tumble club, lord of the fleas, cuckoo on catnap, a hugger of trees.” Schachner sets a sweet, mischievous tone with her illustrations that perfectly complement the text. When on his journey, McHandsome has many adventures. At one point, “The freewheeling kitty made a stop at the zoo for an earsplitting roar from a cousin or two.” The illustration shows two friendly tigers. One is roaring and underneath its large arm, McHandsome rests with his paws gripping the cage.