Kid Picks with Philip Potempa

Clarion Books, $17, Ages 4 to 8 | "The Famous Nini: A Mostly True Story of How a Plain White Cat Became a Star" by Mary Nethery | Beautiful illustrations by John Manders help tell the story of a feline like none other. It's Venice, Italy, in the 1890s and a cafe owner takes in a stray cat and names him Nini. Despite her hesitation, she soon finds her new furry friend becomes famous among her coffee-drinking customers. Before long, it's also famous composers, the king and queen of Italy and even The Pope. The 32 pages of this wonderful hardcover helps inspire young readers, while encouraging the importance of acts of kindness and how we are so often rewarded in such unexpected ways. It's available in stores now or hmhbooks.com.