This cartoon cat’s self-titled debut landed the laps of cat lovers everywhere this past spring, and here he is again – just in time for Christmas. This time out, Milton makes merry in a sparsely narrated picture book. Ardalan’s real-life cat lends his likeness to the stylishly simple back and white drawings that have him covertly swiping shrimp from the holiday buffet, frantically shredding wrapping paper, and hopelessly entangling himself in a string of lights.
This gift book has been skated for all ages, yet Chronicle would do well to narrow Milton’s marketing scope. Kids crazy about kitties are sure to be taken by this curious troublemaker. Adults, however, may find that mischievous Milton and his Yuletide shenanigans make for harmless fun but pack no witty one-two punch. Because Ardalan only hints at this inquisitive fella’s endearing personality, the author comes up short on the much needed character development essential to the mature public’s capacity for adoration. Between sassy Garfield and the deadpan, sign-wielding cats of the popular strip “Sylvia,” it’s debatable whether we need another flippant feline curled up on bookstore shelves.
Bottom line: The book’s elementary text lends itself well to an early-reader and makes it a shoo-in for a youngster’s stocking stuffer.
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