Bodega Cats: Picture Purrfect

Ages 7 to 10

In the Heights meets Front Desk in this heart-warming, comedic young middle-grade series, featuring interior illustrations, and each centering a different bodega owner's kid and their newly-adopted furry friend, with a focus on family and community.

When Miguel’s mami and papi find out that he’s been running off from his job at the store to join art club, they lay down the law and have him work longer hours, hoping he’ll appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made to keep the bodega afloat. That sounds more than perfect to newly-adopted cat Lolo if it means he's far, far away from the mangy strays who used to bully him and nights spent in the freezing cold outdoors.

But when Miguel ditches his responsibilities to go on an art club field trip and keeps the truth from his parents, his dream of juggling it all comes crashing down. Lolo will have to decide if he's willing to be there for Miguel through anything—even venturing back into the frightful outdoors. Can they trust each other enough to make it through any adventure together?

About the Author

Hilda Eunice Burgos was born and raised in Washington Heights, New York City. The first time Burgos read a book—back when she was a student at P.S. 132—she knew she wanted to be a writer. After graduating from the Bronx High School of Science, Burgos attended the University of Pennsylvania and later Harvard Law School. She and her husband have two grown children and an adorable dog named Bear. She is the author of Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle, The Cot in the Living Room, and Miosotis Flores Never Forgets.

Siara Faison is a bookseller turned illustrator from California. If she’s not drawing, you can find her binging movies with her husband, sister, and cat Kitty.