Fitz and Cleo by Jonathan Stutzman (review)

One might think that siblings Fitz and Cleo, being ghosts, wouldn’t fear strange noises from the attic, but the current thumping from upstairs has them both spooked. Upon further inspection, however, the source turns out to be an adorable little kitty, whom Cleo promptly names Mister Boo. The ensuing very brief ten stories in this early reader graphic novel chronicle their adventures together from beachgoing to ice-cream eating to paper plane–making. The dynamic between perpetually perky Cleo and skeptical intellectual Fitz isn’t particularly new, but their odd couple banter brings plenty of humor while keeping them on equal footing. The true star, however, is Mister Boo, who manages to convey an awful lot of emotion in a few meows and his many, many glares, and it’s the cat and Fitz’s combative relationship that will invite the most giggles. The stories are more like short comic strips than chapters, and while the choppiness might disorient readers looking for cohesion, their brevity will be a boon to burgeoning or reluctant readers. Bubbly art, bold colors, and breezy paneling keep the tone playful, and fans of Clanton’s Narwhal and Jelly or Willems’ Elephant and Piggie will be happy to find another pair of pals to hang out with as they build their literacy skills.