The Tales of Sidney and JoJo:
Adventures in Thailand
by
Lauren Isaacson
Illustrated by Megan Heller
Colorful, informative, and entertaining about two cats and their journey to their new home in Thailand.
The Tales of Sidney and Jojo: Adventures in Thailand is a colorful, informative, and very entertaining new children’s picture book by author Lauren Isaacson. It is the story of two cats, Sidney and JoJo, and their long journey overseas by air to Thailand to reunite with their owner, whom they call “Mama.”
Sidney, a black and white tuxedo cat, and JoJo, a brown and gray tabby, are at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house when they are crated and begin their adventure. Although the exact location of their starting point is left unsaid, the journey the two felines embark on is one of many long hours in the air, with a layover where they are let out of their crate to exercise, eat, and drink. Sidney is the bolder of the two, and JoJo relies heavily on her for comfort. Both cats are naturally curious, and that curiosity tends to distract JoJo from his fears.
The story follows the cats as they make their trip to a new-to-them country and, along with the helpful input from a dog also crated and on his way to parts unknown, reveals the processes they encounter to enter Thailand. For example, they are examined by a vet soon after landing in-country and spend a night in quarantine before finally being safely delivered to Mama’s house.
The story is enhanced by artist Megan Heller’s colorful illustrations, which bring to life Sidney’s and JoJo’s experiences on their way to “The Land of Smiles.” Young children will enjoy the cats’ expressions and reactions to their adventures, as well as the introduction to some simple Thai phrases.
I recommend THE TALES OF SIDNEY AND JOJO: ADVENTURES IN THAILAND to young readers and listeners who like stories featuring cats, air travel, and seeing new and exotic locations and their people.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through RABT Book Tours and PR.