Synopsis
State-award star Ann Whitehead Nagda returns with another companion to Dear Whiskers. When fourth-grader Jenny must give away her cat, Munchkin, her friends offer to take him. But Munchkin is too messy for Susan's family, and hides under the bed all the time at Richard's house. Jenny worries Munchkin will have to live with a stranger, but then her teacher says he can stay at the school temporarily. But Munchkin can't stay out of trouble—when the class has a pet party on Valentine's Day, he causes chaos! Jenny wants Munchkin to live at the school permanently—but is he too much for her school to handle?
Children's Literature
A fourth grader named Jenny loves her cat, Munchkin, very much. But her little brother has asthma, and Jenny's parents tell her that she must give Munchkin away. Jenny tries to find a good home for Munchkin, but none of them work out. Finally, her teacher allows Jenny to bring Munchkin to school for two weeks. However, he must behave. Munchkin is mischievous, and Jenny is worried. She is afraid he won't be allowed to stay. Luckily, the students find Munchkin to be funny and relaxing. The teacher, Mrs. Steele, is thought of as a "dream teacher" by parents and students alike. She teaches a lesson about newspaper work, and students write feature, editorial and hard news stories mainly about pets. Reading about their newspaper techniques should be instructive to readers of this book. The class plans a Valentine's Day party to include pets. Since Munchkin has become a favorite with students, the librarian allows Jenny to place a Valentine box in the library for Munchkin. He receives many happy and sweet valentine messages. Jennie still worries Munchkin won't be allowed to stay, and she won't be able to see him every day. But when Munchkin catches some mice, the principal and teachers welcome Munchkin as a school asset. Children will enjoy and learn from reading this humorous and wholesome book. There are four companion books to The Valentine Cat. Reviewer: Jennie DeGenaro