Fashion Kitty

October 3, 2005
Harper's (The Monster Show
) skimpy, silly graphic novel introduces the Kittie family, "unusual" for three reasons: the family has a pet mouse (they're vegetarians); Mother Kittie lets her daughters Kiki and Lana pick out all their own clothes; and the family members know the secret identity of the titular whiskered superhero. Fashion Kitty's brain "can mix and match hundreds of outfits in a second" and her ears "hear the distress call of someone in need of fashion help." Learning that Kiki "has a natural flair for fashion" (unlike Lana, who is a "fashion nightmare" and wears her underwear on the outside), readers will have a good idea about the identity of the title chic feline. Pulling her sister's pantyhose over her head as a mask, Fashion Kitty flies off "to fight for free fashion!" She first convinces a young cat to ignore the fashion directives of a mean-spirited classmate and then sets up the wicked feline to embarrass herself at school the next day. Featuring a limited palette dominated by pinks, Harper's rudimentary art, like her sketchy story line, falls short of achieving its comic aspirations. Ages 8-12.

November 1, 2005
Gr 4-7 -On her birthday, as Kiki Kittie is making her wish, a pile of fashion magazines tumble on her head and voila! Fashion Kitty is born. As such, she helps other kittens with their wardrobe dilemmas and with their interactions with their peers. The story, though seemingly simplistic, touches upon a variety of themes including bullying, self-esteem, and family relationships. Fashion Kitty is a sassy, smart animal who, though concerned with haute couture, still has substance. Primarily illustrated through a variety of pinks and grays in a cartoon style, the pictures are artistically appealing and visually spectacular. The book should have wide appeal to upper elementary and middle school girls. It can be read aloud due to the enlarged panels (one to four on a page) and is an exceptionally fun and lively choice." -Jennifer Feigelman, Plattekill Public Library, Modena, NY"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.