Belle Yang’s Angel in Beijing is really a simple story, but it is busy and filled with goodies. A young fil finds a cat one night, and after a while, they just name the cat Kitty (as no other name seem to fit). But one day, Kitty runs off. And not even the child’s bell on her bike, that Kitty loves to meow along with, seems to bring her home. But then again, home can have many meanings. And sometimes a surprise like finding a cat, can bring with it even more wonderful surprises.
We see the city of Beijing in lovely, full color. The details Yang includes make you able to see something new, but also have a relatable story of seeking for something lost in your community. The tone is soft, and gentle, as we wonder the park, watch people getting haircuts, “listening” to musicians and enjoying this adventure.
It looks like much of Yang’s other works are not currently available, but I think I will be doing a hunt in pre-loved stores, online and finding what my library can dig up for interlibrary loaning as these books are cozy and familiar even I you have not read them before. You know the story, but you have a few treats that you did not see coming as well.
While the book could work for all ages, it would be best for the five to eight crowd. It can be read as a one-on-one read aloud or for the classroom setting.
