Doctor Meow’s Big Emergency by Sam Lloyd

The author of Mr. Pusskins has a new series.  This first in the Whoops-a-Daisy World series, follows a day with Dr. Meow and her trusty ambulance driver, Woof.  When the phone rings saying "Emergency, emergency,"  Dr. Meow finds that Tom Cat has fallen out of a tree.  Off she rushes with Woof driving to find him.  They take him back to the hospital, x-ray his broken leg, and put on a cast.  In the end, even Mr. Bird, who was being chased by Tom Cat when he fell, is in a happy mood.

This book has a very small-town, old-fashioned feel that will appeal to adults and children alike.  Dr. Meow is a calm, rational character whose thrilling job is handled with just the right tone.  Allowing children to be excited about racing to the rescue, but also offering a calm reaction to an everyday crisis.  Lloyd’s illustrations and text work well together, filled with sunny yellow and bright reds. The text is equally friendly and warm. 

A lovely first visit to Whoops-a-Daisy World, I look forward to the others in the series.  Great read aloud potential for even toddlers because of the friendly nature of the book but also the amount of action.  Appropriate for ages 2-5.