PreS-Gr. 2. Sam goes to the Robinsons as a kitten, and at first he's the center of attention. But as time passes, the only way Sam can get anyone to notice him is to meow for food. To stop kitty from lying on the keyboard or tearing holes in the newspaper, each member of the family (unbeknownst to the others) feeds him. Soon, Sam can't squeeze through his cat door. Attention is now paid in the form of less food and more play. The story is on the slim side, but Coxon's artwork is so outstanding it elevates this to full-charm status. The longhair calico is the star of each full-bleed watercolor picture, and rightfully so. Coxon draws Sam with such life that he almost leaps off the page. Whether Sam is asleep on the coverlet, tummy up, or batting at tree ornaments, kids will want to scoop him up. The picture of a lonely Sam staring at the door is a heartbreaker, but children will be pleased when all ends well. Smaller portions and more exercise. Who knew? --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2004 Booklist

Instead of taking time to play with Sam the cat, every member of his family feeds him, unaware that the others are doing likewise. Dismayed when Sam becomes portly, they mend their ways and start playing with him again. Readers may recognize their own busy families in this amusing story. Comical illustrations show the beguiling Sam pushing himself into each family member+s activities. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.