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A review by cathyatratedreads
The Underneath by Kathi Appelt
4.0
A lovely, lovely book. "Poetic" isn't a good enough word to describe it; "lyrical" just about does it, but I can't find a word to perfectly capture how melodic the writing is. The dog and his cats are sweet but not cloying; they love each other and do all they can to take care of each other.
The book is not just about how cute animals are, nor is it a basic animal adventure tale. It is a tale of love, longing and belonging, created with care, the layers of ingredients added a bit at a time over a long period of simmering until the whole is a thick, warm - well - gumbo (it IS set in the bayous of western Louisiana/eastern Texas - and the setting is just about a whole character of its own, it is such a vital part of the book).
Though the book is not overweening with cuteness, Appelt clearly loves her animals; the kittens and their kitten ways are captured with aplomb and warmth.
Heartily recommended.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/underneath-clean-young-adult-book-review/
The book is not just about how cute animals are, nor is it a basic animal adventure tale. It is a tale of love, longing and belonging, created with care, the layers of ingredients added a bit at a time over a long period of simmering until the whole is a thick, warm - well - gumbo (it IS set in the bayous of western Louisiana/eastern Texas - and the setting is just about a whole character of its own, it is such a vital part of the book).
Though the book is not overweening with cuteness, Appelt clearly loves her animals; the kittens and their kitten ways are captured with aplomb and warmth.
Heartily recommended.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/underneath-clean-young-adult-book-review/