In Smith’s world, “cats are allowed to live [their] own lives and come and go as [they] please.” Chico has her share of freedom, for a house pet, but she faces plenty of uphill battles this time. Her clever commentary and the well-edited prose unfurl the tale of new kitten addition Lemonbear, who is searching for her runaway brother Mochi. Meanwhile, on the home front, Page—Chico’s human mom—and Chico team up to help Page’s daughters find their footing in their rapidly changing lives. As Chico types out the latest installment of her family’s adventures, readers will be swept into a harrowing ride that forces them to reckon with weighty issues like childhood trauma, depression, and loss.
What really buoys the tale are Lisa Ciccone’s illustrations. The expressive graphics—bright palettes with comical depictions of the story’s stars—bring to life a world of journal-typing, stand-up joke-cracking, gang-joining cats and their people, making this offering a true visual treat. And while readers may struggle with chapters that jump between Lemonbear and Chico’s storylines, they’ll find an anchor in these endearing illustrations. Written for both teens and their families to enjoy together, Chico and her friends’ tales will stick with readers long after the last page.
Takeaway: Comical diary of a pet cat, with weighty themes.
Comparable Titles: Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham’s Real Friends, Gary D. Schmidt et al.’s A Little Bit Super.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
