Sammy Salami

by: Jerry Smath, writer and illustrator

Published by: Abrams Books for Young Readers (November release)

Reviewed by Linda Lee

(Author is winner of the Children’s Choice award, the Parents’ Choice award and the Kids First award)

Pete runs the diner very close to the train station. He really wants to take a vacation to the mountains, but there never seems to be time. So he does the next best thing–he adopts a stray cat he finds eating in his garbage. Sammy Salami is entertaining and enjoyable for Pete. Salami is a fitting name as Sammy loves to eat and soon is so round he won’t fit through the special pet door Pete has installed before leaving on a short vacation.

Pete leaves and Sammy Salami goes out. When he can’t get back in, he gets on a train in search of Pete. After several near missed connections with Pete, he is picked up by a woman on the train–and his adventures begin. The lady treats him well, but he still misses his friend, Pete.

The story is amusing and the illustrations are fun and whimsical. This book is sure to be enjoyed by children, cat owners, and salami lovers.

Armchair Interviews says: Cute story with a traveling cat.