62. One Mad Cat and the Missing Book

62. One Mad Cat and the Missing Book. Vicky Fang. 2026. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, early reader, early chapter book, animal fantasy]

First sentence: Meet Cat. She is mad. What makes Cat mad? Cat does not like toys. Cat does not like hugs. Cat does not like jokes.

Premise/plot: Cat helps her friend Hedgehog find a missing book--a book about pie. At first she is all about solving the mystery and helping out her friend. However, when the book ends up not to be missing so much as misplaced by Hedgehog, Cat can't help getting mad.

My thoughts: It was okay. I wanted to like it more than I did. I think it went on a little too long. Young readers may enjoy Cat and her friends.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

61. Pizza and Taco Scariest Sleepover Ever

61. Pizza and Taco #11: Pizza and Taco: Scariest Sleepover Ever. Stephen Shaskan. 2026. 72 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, graphic novel, early chapter book]

First sentence: Taco! Taco! Taco! Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!

Premise/plot: Taco and Pizza are starring in their eleventh adventure together. In this graphic novel for young readers--early chapter book, early graphic novel--Pizza and Taco are hosting a sleepover. The two are making all the plans for the sleepover activities before their guests arrived. Scary movies are out--because of parental rules--but telling scary stories is not. Will anyone sleep at this sleepover?

My thoughts: I thought this was a decent entry into the series. Taco and Pizza are hanging out with their friends. (Some of whom we've met briefly before.) There are puns and more puns. The biggest put of this one is having them dance to Taylor Swiss music. I think adults who read children's books may be tired of this series, HOWEVER, to young readers who love to pick up a series and READ, read, read, perhaps having this many books in the series is a blessing. It is important to remember that children's books are meant to be read and enjoyed by children.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers