The Story of Kitten Cuckoo
Written and Illustrated by Ed Baker
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams
Kitten Cuckoo is "a tiny blue kitten with an X on his head." His
unlikely friend is a baby elephant he met at the zoo, Paquile E. Derm.
The two become inseparable, but the other animals at the zoo find their
unusual friendship out of place and make fun of the pair.
The two escape together one night and head for San Francisco for
"Chinese food, warm milk and a disco." After partying all night, they
fall asleep on the street, which is where Paquile is discovered and
returned to the zoo. After Kitten Cuckoo makes his way back to the zoo,
the other animals inform him that Paquile has been sent to Africa
because he misbehaved. After discovering the news reporter he lived
with is also gone, Kitten Cuckoo sets out to travel to Africa to find
his lost friend.
Bright colors, rhyming, and hilarious illustrations make up this
children's book intended for ages four to eight. Its simple, catchy
rhythm makes it an instant hit with young children. It is a book that
is just as much fun for a parent to read aloud as it is for a child to
listen. The story of two mismatched animals overcoming adversity and
scorn to maintain their friendship is one that can be appreciated by
parents and children alike.
As with any good children's book in the Internet age, the reader can
also visit the corresponding website for wallpaper, coloring sheets, and
other added goodies to embelish the story. Kitten Cuckoo even has his
own MySpace
page for fans. For a lighthearted, fun read, The Story of Kitten Cuckoo
by Ed Baker definitely satisfies.