The subtitle of Bodega Cats, is just Kitten Around. However despite the cute cover and title, this chapter book tackles some topics that are nothing to laugh about. Yesenia is a youngster dealing with anxiety and the pressure to live up to everyone's expectations. Her parents expect strait A's and she also is failing at her attempt to shine in her older sisters' shadows. When her doctor suggests that a pet ight help her deal with anxiety, the energetic kitten helps soothe her, but also adds her antics to Yesina's stress. Th author captures the interest of youngsters by alternating points of view between Yesinia and her new kitten Candy. Eventually Yesenia learns from her kitten the importance of just being yourself. She realizes the need to communicate with her family about what she really wants and doesn't want. The cute illustrations by Siara Faison help bring this story to life.

This is a super cute kids chapter book with a wonderful cast! My twins, especially my kitten-loving daughter, really loved this sweet book!

This works well as a stand-alone story, but also ties in nicely to the first book in the Bodega Cats series. The concept of alternating narration, from the main character and the cat, continues here.

The story addresses not only the notion that kids worry about their parents’ expectations but also how this can manifest into harmful habits like hair-pulling. When Yesenia’s family doctor suggests a pet to help calm her anxiety, Yesenia realizes that having a kitten to snuggle with is wonderful, but taking care of one can be a challenge.

Readers will enjoy rooting for Yesenia as she struggles to improve her grades and get her family to accept her, and her kitten Candy, for who they truly are. Along the way readers will also gain tips about crocheting—fun bonus! Bodega Cats: Just Kitten Around is a charming story about extending grace to others and ourselves.

In BODEGA CATS: JUST KITTEN AROUND, Yesenia has high achieving sisters and is struggling with school and with helping in her family’s bodega but doesn’t want to let her parents know. After her doctor suggests she get a pet to help her deal with her anxiety, her parents agree to let her get a kitten. Candy, the high energy kitty, is a handful and Yesenia’s parents begin to doubt whether adding a cat to their busy family was a good idea. When Candy goes missing, Yesenia is devastated.

Told from the alternating points of view of Yesenia and Candy, this illustrated chapter book addresses the importance of honesty and being true to yourself along with some of the challenges and responsibilities of pet ownership. Yesenia’s problems at school and at home will ring true with many elementary readers and may provide reassurance that they are not alone in feeling this way. Yesenia’s family dynamics add depth to the story and the family’s bodega provides a unifying background for the events. A fun read for young readers interested in animal stories or realistic fiction.

This is such a cute addition to this series. Any kids who love cats will really love reading these books.
Yesenia is such a good representation of a child having anxiety and how she finds ways to deal with it. Taking care of an animal is a great way to learn responsibility.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Yesenia is a bundle of nerves. All the time. She’s trying to do well in school and also help in her family’s bodega AND live up to the achievements of her older sisters. She bombed her history test and is afraid to tell her family. In short, she’s a mess. Then her doctor suggests that she get a kitten. When Yesi meets Candy it is love at first sight, but Candy’s unrelenting kitten energy has the family concerned. When Candy goes missing, Yesenia feels like her world will end.

“Bodega Cats: Just Kitten Around” is a sweet story about the importance of being yourself and the importance of communicating clearly with loved ones. Candy learns some important lessons about living with her human family. Yesenia learns that it’s okay to be herself and pursue her own interests even if they don’t rise to the level of her older sisters.

The story is told from the perspectives of Yesenia and Candy in alternating chapters.

This story is great for young readers who enjoy cats and stories about sensitive children trying to make their way in the world.

I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I read this to both my kiddos as our bedtime book. Both of them loved it! We read past our bedtime several times because the were so hooked.

A sweet story for young readers about learning to accept yourself and be who you are. The story is also about learning to accept others for who they are. Good depiction of the anxiety and stress young people may go through while trying to live up to the expectations placed on them by themselves or by others. all of this packaged with cute cats and who doesn't love cats!

Bodega Cats: Just Kitten Around by Hilda Eunice Burgos is an absolutely delightful celebration of our favorite feline friends! This charming book features adorable stories and heartwarming illustrations that capture the unique personalities of bodega cats and their antics in bustling neighborhoods. Burgos has a wonderful way of weaving humor and affection into each tale, making it an enjoyable read for cat lovers of all ages. I loved how the book showcases the special bond between humans and these quirky kitties while highlighting the community spirit of bodegas. It’s the perfect cozy read that will leave you smiling and wanting to give your own pets some extra love!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so adorable. This was such a cute kids book.

This book would definitely be very cute for some of my younger patrons (I already have a few in mind). It wasn't really for me, but not mad about it since I'm not the intended audience.