THE COZY HOME by Ame Dyckman and Mark Teague (preschool to third graders)

5 stars

In this charming early reader book, Bat, Cat, and Rat all decide to move in together in a cozy home they’ve found to share. Across three adorable story vignettes, the new roommates struggles to live together come to life. First comes the fight over who gets what room, with Bat settling for under the stairs- which actually suits him just fine! Next up, Rat both scares and delights his roommates with a fake rubber spider until Bat pretends to eat it and plays a trick on Rat. Lastly Cat who’s reading a book, thinks Bat and Rat are reading over her shoulder, only to realize that they can’t read yet and she’s got to teach them. She teaches them both how to read “hat,” which has Bat and Rat declaring that reading is “The Best.”

Together Bat, Cat, and Rat come to understand each other, using humor to conquer tension and coming out with a strong friendship between them. Short chapters, light text, constant humor and engaging illustrations make this book at hit.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for a review copy.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.