The Adventures of Mittens: Wellington’s Famous Purr-sonality

Sadly, this cute cat book is particularly relevant as it was recently announced that celebrity cat Mittens will be leaving Wellington and moving to Auckland. I think this is a useful book to read with children anywhere though, as it explores how community and culture can flourish even in a large city.

This simple rhyming story shows what Mittens gets up to on a given week and the people and places he explores. Each day he leaves his home and visits recognisable sights around Wellington city.

I found aspects of the text to be too twee for my tastes but the illustrations bring genuine diversity and heart that I feel make up for the basic story. Phoebe Morris has obviously made an effort to show the many different sorts of people that dwell in Wellington and I think her dynamic illustrations really lift the whole book.

This could be a fun book to read to 4-7yr olds and it would work as a good starting point for discussions about the important people and places around your region.

Title: The Adventures of Mittens: Wellington’s Famous Purr-sonality

Author: Silvio Bruinsma

Illustrator: Phoebe Morris

Publisher: Puffin NZ

ISBN: 978-0-14-377585-0

RRP: $19.99

Format: paperback

Publication: January 2021

Ages: 3-13

Themes: Community, celebrity

Do you have any advisory warnings for this book? none

Would this book work as a read-aloud? Yes

Is there a particular part of the country that it’s set in? Wellington

Reviewer: Lucy Black, Librarian, Mt Cook School Wellington

How are you recommending this book? Recommended

What’s the book’s opening sentence? Once upon a time there were two royal kittens.

You can buy this book here