A kindergarten reader correctly discerned that GINGER is about making friends. Charlotte Voake uses humorous contrasts such as big/tiny and sedate/frolicsome to create this sweet, subtle tale. Dignified Ginger's facial expressions are especially funny: His huge yellow eyes bug out in horror when the annoying newcomer comes frisking into his previously quiet life, and he gapes with chagrin as the little pest gobbles food from his dish (with "Ginger" clearly written on the side). Adult cat lovers will instantly recognize that Voake is a gifted observer of cats. She knows that they close their eyes and seem to smile faintly when they are truly contented. She has seen how a cat lays one paw over its face when it is curled up asleep, and she has observed how cats seem to turn inward and grow very still when they are suffering, as Ginger does when he's enduring the rain.

The book, printed on cream-colored paper, has a lovely design. Voake chose subtle grays, browns, greens, and yellows from her watercolor palette, outlining the figures in gestural black ink. The oversize type is arranged on the pages in a way that enhances the overall design. The ending is unexpected, adorable, and realistic. This is what cats do when they encounter a cardboard box: Tight squeeze or not, they climb in and curl up for a catnap.

Cat fans shouldn't miss Millions of Cats or the video of That Darn Cat. For a Charlotte Voake dog book try Mr. Davies and the Baby.

From the Book:
Here he is, fast asleep.
But here he is again, WIDE AWAKE.
What's this?
A kitten!
"He'll be a nice new friend for you, Ginger," said the little girl.
But Ginger didn't want a new friend, especially one like this. Ginger hoped the kitten would go away, but he didn't.