Hisako Madokoro writes Barney and the Kitten (Korowan wa Oniichan). Also, the book is known as Buster and the little Kitten. It is a R.I.C. Story Chest reprint of a picture book originally published in Japan. The book is for children between the ages of four and eight-years-old.

Barney and the Kitten is a book on friendship between a puppy and kitten. This unlikely pair meets in the park. Barney is sniffing and searching for adventure. Suddenly, a kitten runs to Barney’s side. She snuggles for warmth. The kitten thinks Barney is her mother. Barney decides to find the kitten’s true mother.

Hisako Madokoro writes a picture book where an older puppy accepts responsibility for a young kitten. Barney befriends the lost kitten. They face danger, but he stays with the kitten until Mom is found. Barney is such a good friend, the kitten considers him a BIG brother.

Children learn from the story to care for others. Older children should help younger children. Treat the younger one as a friend or sibling. They like Barney will feel proud at the end.

The picture book has a compact disc. The first track contains a reading of the entire story and following tracks contain a reading of each page. A twinkling bell shows when to turn the page. The CD holder is attached to the book ensuring no lost CD. A great idea which other publishers should start.

The pages of Barney and the Kitten (Korowan wa Oniichan) are thicker than the average picture book. This means the pages are less likely to tear. Every teacher, parent and guardian knows a child plus a picture book equals a roll of transparent tape.

Barney and the Kitten (Korowan wa Oniichan) is appropriate for the 4-8 age group. The text is large and bold. The illustrator’s, Ken Kuroi, paintings will delight children. He paints the animals warm and cuddly. The dandelions are as wonderful as the animals.



Japanese Children Books
Children Books with Kittens and Cats


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