Picture Purrfect

Bodega Cats #1

by Hilda Eunice Burgos, Siara Faison (Illustrator)

In the Heights meets Front Desk in this heartwarming and funny illustrated story about the friendship between a bodega owner's kid and his newly-adopted furry friend, with a focus on family and community.

Miguel Rosado wants nothing more than to see and draw the world… or, at least anywhere beyond the four walls of his family’s bodega in Washington Heights. Too bad his mami and papi have him working long hours after school, hoping he’ll appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made to keep the store afloat. For street-savvy and newly-adopted cat Lolo, that sounds just perfect if it means he’s far, far away from the hungry, lonely nights he once spent in the freezing cold outdoors.

But when Miguel ditches his responsibilities and lies to his parents about joining art club, his dream of juggling it all comes crashing down. Lolo will have to decide if he's willing to be there for his new friend Miguel through anything—even venturing back into the frightful outdoors and busy New York City sidewalks. Can they trust each other enough to take on this adventure together?

Genres: Animals, Middle Grade, Cats, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Contemporary, Family

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2024

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was absolutely adorable and I'm glad that it was told from both the perspective of the cat, Lolo, and the main character Miguel. I've noticed that a lot of children's/middle grade fiction has centered art/artistry as the point of conflict for the main character and their parents and I'm enjoying it! It's nice to see books where characters are fighting for the validity of art as more than a hobby. This contains beautiful illustrations and is perfect for readers in between the ages of 7-9.

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect is the first in a new charming, family-first series about kids and the stray cats they find near bodegas. Packed with delightful black-and-white illustrations and absolutely entertaining on audio, this is the perfect series for younger readers who enjoy books about animals or have a serious artsy streak.

Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/bodega...

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet read! Representative of Washington Heights.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nice little story gets an extra star because it features cats, because the author is a fellow alumna of the Bronx High School of Science (years after me, I'd guess). and because, judging by the cover, the illustrator actually seems to know where Washington Heights is located!

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet early MG book with great representation and perspectives.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I really liked it!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miguel lives with his parents above their neighborhood bodega and works with them every day after school. He finds a stray cat named Lolo and convinces his parents to let him keep him. The real issue comes when Miguel wants to join an after-school art program, which his parents think is a waste of time. This easy-reader chapter book goes back and forth from Miguel’s point of view and Lolo’s.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. The writing is not very fluid and the giant issue between Miguel and his parents re: the art club seems a bit … dramatic? They’re so opposed to art that they refuse to allow him to join a club where the participants make things? As a person who grew up in a household where they wanted better things for their children, I understand Miguel’s parents wanting their child to be an engineer (or another job that pays well/has status), but refusing to allow him to participate in something as benign as an art club? I think that is my issue with the whole story - the concept of the book is a good one, but it isn’t well-fleshed out or well-executed. I think that students will enjoy the beginning reader chapter book aspect of it, especially since every other chapter is from the cat’s perspective. Still, this book did not live up to my expectations of it upon reading the jacket copy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

[Vona Karns · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mediocre story. The cat POV didn't really have a point. I like books that switch POV, but this added nothing to the actual story this time. It's fine. He found a cat. Yay. He wants to be in art club but his parents don't support it. Meh.

[Sierra| HooksxBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodega Cats was such a cute book.

I read along with my teen and my toddler as they enjoyed this book cover to cover. I loved hearing about Miguel's venture to pursue a passion outside of his family's norm.

I don't want to give too much away, but I will def keep up with this book series (*Fingers crossed*)


I received a copy of this ARC through NetGalley.

[Elizabeth Seals · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a cute book about a cat and a boy who wants to achieve his dreams despite his parent's disapproval. It's short but cute.

[Amaris Castillo]

In Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect we meet a frightened cat desperately searching for scraps of food. He finds a cozy ditch to warm up, only to be confronted by a group of snarling cats. That’s their spot, one yells.

So the loner cat runs off, under honking cars and through echoing alleys. He eventually finds a steamy vent behind a mailbox and decides that’s where he’ll sleep tonight.

Suddenly, human hands scoop him up.

“You’re okay, little cat,” the boy says. “Let’s get you out of the cold.”

So begins a beautiful budding friendship between Miguel Rosado, and the cat, who the boy names Lolo.

From Dominican-American author Hilda Eunice Burgos comes a story that will tug at your heartstrings. Out on July 23 from Henry Holt & Company, Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect features adorable illustrations by Mexican and Black artist, Siara Faison. Burgos expertly tells the story in alternating points of view; we watch Lolo adjust to his new bodega surroundings and Miguel struggle to tell his parents about joining an art club. They work long hours at the bodega and don’t see the value in art the way he does.

Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect is a great story for young readers, filled with warmth and themes of bravery and and kindness. There's also a gentle lesson for children on advocating for themselves. It is the first standalone installment of a three-part series. The second installment, Bodega Cats: Just Kitten Around, is already available for preorder.

Ahead of the book’s release, Burgos spoke with the Dominican Writers Association about what it was like to write about a bodega cat, what draws her to the middle grade genre, and more.

You can read my full interview with Hilda Eunice Burgos here: https://www.dominicanwriters.org/post...

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of the Bodega Cats Instagram account for years. Bodega cats serve an important function for the little neighborhood bodegas in big cities by keeping the stores free of vermin. So when I saw “bodega cats” in the title, well, I had to request it!

This sweet middle-grade story is about Miguel, who really wants to be an artist, and his Dominican immigrant parents who want him to have a better, more stable life. As with so many of the MG and YA stories I’ve read lately, this one also focuses on a child who is trying balance parental expectations with what they truly want for themselves.

The illustrations frequently take the form of Miguel’s comics about his life. They are fun and energetic and definitely add to the storytelling.

The story was a very quick read for me. I think both the material and the actual writing would be easily accessible for grades 4 and up. For me, an adult reading a story meant for children, I was really struck by the parent angle on this. I understand the desire to give your kids a good life, but it has long been my philosophy that our children aren’t our possessions, and we must listen to what it is they want out of life. Advise, don’t demand! So many of these fictional parents need to learn that lesson.

Possible Objectionable Material:
An animal is in danger. Miguel lies to his parents about an after-school club. An elderly person starts a fire.

Who Might Like This Book:
People who like animal stories.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...

[Anna Orenstein-Cardona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect is a heartwarming and tender tale that will resonate with young readers and adults alike. It follows Miguel, a Dominican-American boy who dreams of becoming an artist, and Lolo, the stray cat he rescues and brings home to his family’s bodega.

While Lolo earns his keep by catching mice, Miguel navigates the challenge of balancing his love for art with his parents' desire for him to focus on academics.

As an avid animal lover and cat rescuer (whose cat is also named Lolo in real life!), I think it’s so important to represent the love between children and animals. The bond between Miguel and Lolo is beautifully portrayed, reminding readers of the deep connections that can form between humans and their furry companions.

The dual perspectives of Miguel and Lolo provide a unique and engaging narrative, allowing readers to experience the story from both a child’s and a stray cat’s viewpoint. The story touches on themes of family expectations, self-expression, and the importance of finding your voice—topics that many middle-grade readers will relate to. Miguel's passion for art shines through in the comic-style illustrations, which bring an energetic and creative layer to the storytelling.

Hilda Eunice Burgos beautifully captures the complexity of parental expectations and childhood dreams, while Siara Faison’s illustrations add warmth and vibrancy to the pages. The sweet relationship between Miguel and Lolo tugs at the heartstrings, especially as both characters find themselves on a journey of discovery—Miguel with his art, and Lolo with a home.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First chapter book, realistic fiction/ animal story. The cover of this book made me think it was a graphic novel, but instead it is a prose story with a character that draws comics. Miguel lives in New York with his parents. They have an apartment above a bodega. Miguel asked for a dog and art supplies for Christmas, hoping he would at least get the art supplies. He didn't get either, but convinced his parents to make up for it by letting him keep the street cat that comes their way. Lolo quickly adjusts to a life where there is warmth and food and a cozy place to sleep. The chapters alternate between Lolo's point of view and Miguel's.

Miguel is trying to convince his parents to let him join the school's art club. He loves to draw and create comics, but his parents don't think it's worth pursuing. Besides, they need him at the bodega to help in the shop and with some of the older family members such as Tio Diego. Meanwhile there is a female cat that keeps stopping by and getting food from Miguel's parents. Lolo is not interested in sharing his new home and tries to send her away. But maybe just maybe, there is enough to go around.

This was a fun story with sporadic illustrations, mostly of Miguel's drawings. I liked the family dynamics, reading from the cat's point-of-view, and reading about the regulars at the bodega. First in a series and I look forward to reading more.

[Alisha (booksmellz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miguel wants nothing more than to be far away from his family’s bodega in Washington Heights - seeing and drawing the world. For street-savvy and newly adopted cat Lolo, staying inside the bodega pounds perfect, as long as he’s out of the freezing cold.

But when Miguel ditches his responsibilities and lies to his parents about joining an art club, his art dream may come crashing down. Lolo must decide if he’s willing to be there no Miguel through anything, even venturing back outside into scary New York City sidewalks.

This is such a cute and sweet story for young readers. The illustrations alongside the chapters added to the cuteness (though I got an digital ARC of this title, so some of the illustrations were not fully flushed out yet, I’m going to have to get my hands on a finished copy).

I also really enjoyed Lolo’s point of view - especially since the kitten seems to understand humans a lot more than we give our four legged friends credit for.

This book will be great for young readers, especially since it’s about following your passion while still balancing parental expectations as well.

*Thank you Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Laura P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story in which a stray cat finds a home and a young boy finds his voice. Lolo is a cat out on the streets. He's cold and hungry and faced with the dangers of rival street cats. When Miguel finds him and brings him back to his family's bodega, he never wants to leave again. Miguel loves art and especially loves drawing comics. But his parents discourage this passion and would rather he concentrate on academics. Together, Lolo and Miguel help each other figure out what matters most in life. Young readers will love the alternating POV between cat and boy, punctuated by adorable illustrations in this first book in a series of Bodega Cats books. Can't wait to read the others!

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

[Shana OkieCozyReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went on a deep dive before I read this book about bodega cats because I didn’t know they were a social media thing.

This is currently the first book in a 3 part series.

This book alternates between the pov of the “loner cat” Lolo, and a boy who wants to adopt him, Miguel. Miguel’s parents have a bodega, and they want to see their son be successful Miguel wants to be an artist and participate in art club but his parents want him to do something more scholarly. Miguel has to learn some hard lessons about honesty and how to have difficult conversations with his parents.

I felt like the ending wrapped up a little too quickly. We didn’t get to see Miguel make better choices.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told from dual perspectives, Miguel finds a cat and names it Lolo. His parents own a bodega and allow Miguel to keep the cat because he catches mice. Miguel loves to draw and wants to join the art club but is afraid to tell his parents. When he leads them to think he’s joining another club, they find out he was at the art club and are not happy. While staying at his uncle’s one day Miguel sketches and his uncle tells him he is talented. When his parents see his sketches they see how talented Miguel is. What happens next?

[Paola Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect" is a delightful story told from a dual point of view from Miguel, a young boy, and his new friend Lolo, the stray cat he saves. This charming book explores the joy of friendship, the love between humans and animals, and the balance between following your dreams and meeting family expectations. Readers will be captivated by their journey in Miguel's family bodega. It's a beautiful tale of hope, courage, and the bonds that shape us.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is *so cute!* I love the NYC and bodega setting, the use of Spanish throughout the book, and the alternating chapter perspectives of the cat and the kid. I love how accessible it is, how there's illustrations/mini comics within the story, and that it's going to be a chapter book series. But MOSTLY I love the messaging that art is valuable and that parents make mistakes and kids make mistakes and we can all apologize when we learn and can do better. So wonderful all around!

[Sondra Zalewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bodgea Cat series offers a unique reading experience with viewpoints from both a child and a cat. Miguel is a charming character with a wavering confidence that kids can relate to. The page-turning scenes will keep you guessing while also tugging at your heartstrings. Picture Purrfect helps readers understand why everyone deserves a second chance.

[Shhhh... Books]

Since this book features my neighborhood, we had our son read it with us. Somehow he had no idea what a bodega was, despite our frequenting them, and so we ended up having a whole conversation, prompted by the book. Loved Lolo. My son is also art obsessed like Miguel so his anger was palpable when it felt like Miguel might be denied his dreams. A really sweet story.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miguel just wants to draw but his parents want him to help out in the bodega and understand their sacrifices. When he adopts a cat to live in their bodega, he learns responsibility for himself and others.

Cute chapter book told in alternating perspectives of Miguel and Lolo the bodega cat. Some Spanish words.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need to reach a early middle school chapter book to help you out during a reading slump. This precious story filled my heart with so much joy! "In The Height's" bodega vibes were spot on!

[Tariya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter book with illustrations about a boy, Miguel, with a huge heart who wants to be an artist but his parents want him to become an engineer. Told in alternating perspectives from the cat Lolo that he adopts.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story told in alternating perspectives and sprinkled with art, good for 3rd-4th

[Jennybeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet story, told in alternating viewpoints between Miguel and Lolo the cat.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Very short, early chapter book level, but the topics were solid and it didn’t feel too young. Loved the hard working family bodega and of course the perspective of the cat!

[katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a cute story! the the audiobook narrators were very expressive which made it a nice book to listen to.